This blog is my place to vent and share resources with other parents of children of trauma. I try to be open and honest about my feelings in order to help others know they are not alone. Therapeutic parenting of adopted teenagers with RAD and other severe mental illnesses and issues (plus "neurotypical" teens) , is not easy, and there are time when I say what I feel... at the moment. We're all human!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

IEP Meeting Denied

Hi Mary-

I am glad to hear that Kitty is expected to be released on Monday! I hope she is looking forward to returning to school. In order to determine the purpose of your IEP Meeting request I would like to make sure I understand your suggestions from your email.




  • Double Block math class: Kitty is in an applied Geometry class (smaller class taught by a special education teacher). This class is only offered as a double block class. The applied setting contains a smaller number of students and allows for teacher instruction and students to work on the same math skills in 180 minutes that a general education class covers in 90 minutes. I would suggest you speak with Kitty's teacher, regarding Kitty's reports to you. I understand from the Behavior Specialist, Ms. BS that she observed Kitty in this class and Kitty was on task and engaged in the learning process. Ms. BS also indicated that she will be contacting you, if she has not already done so.

{Ms. BS and I spoke. She did a version of the BASC - a behavior survey, and I think is the first and only person to actually have a good understanding of what a meltdown is and how often we see them - once or twice a day. Of course she isn't anyone who actually has much to do with Kitty. Her observations just determine if Kitty will go to the Special School. She did listen when I pointed out that observing Kitty in class, where she's working the hardest to keep it together means she won't see much.}

Ms. BS, you are welcomed to provide any feedback on this topic.





  • Nurse visits: I believe this is a behavior that staff is looking at through the functional behavior assessment.






  • Special Education Transportation: I completely understand that this might impact you negatively in Kitty's 'eyes', if you were to suggest. Typically, to qualify for special education transportation a student must be receiving services on a separate campus, has inefficient mobility skills, unable to communicate effectively, and/or have tendencies toward hyperactivity or aggression. This in no way is an exhaustive list, but I am unaware of any data showing that the general education bus has not been effective for Kitty. The Assistant Principal, Mr. AP may have further information regarding the bus.
Mr. AP, if you have information regarding Kitty that negatively impacts her ability to ride a special education bus as it relates to her educational needs, please let Mrs. Themom and I know.




  • Lunch and Hallway: This might be something Ms. Case Manager could question Kitty's teachers and lunch room monitors (the APs) by sending an email to gather information about what they see in these areas.

Ms. CM - Could you gather some feedback on this? After reviewing the suggestions, it looks as though most of this might be best handled by a parent / teacher conference or contacting the case manager or specific teachers. Are there any specific areas of the IEP that an IEP committee would discuss regarding changes to the IEP that I have overlooked? Please let me know so that we may schedule an IEP meeting.

Please keep in mind that the school will request an IEP meeting to review the assessment that is currently being completed. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely, IEP Meeting Coordinator

7 comments:

GB's Mom said...

They are required by law to have a program review anytime a parent requests one. My kids have them every six weeks.

Irene said...

Just a quick note to say I genuinely hope all works out--and to let you know you've left your daughter's name in one paragraph. Very best wishes to you all.

jwg said...

Unless things have gone to hell in a handbasket they cannot deny you a meeting. And bring some kind of advocate, just for the intimidation factor.

beemommy said...

My suggestion is you call Disability Rights (formerly Advocacy,Inc) and have them contact the district. It's amazing what a lawyer letter can accomplish.

marythemom said...

Irene - thanks for the name catch.

Beemommy - I've spoken to Disability Rights. They have refused to help us because we don't want the Least Restrictive Environment.

jwg - last time we had an IEP meeting we brought a friend as an advocate who is a non-practicing lawyer. Not sure it helped much. The school is determined to check all boxes and cross all the Ts.

GB's Mom - I think a "program review" would be a parent/teacher conference, not an IEP meeting?

Anonymous said...

"After reviewing the suggestions, it looks as though most of this might be best handled by a parent / teacher conference or contacting the case manager or specific teachers. Are there any specific areas of the IEP that an IEP committee would discuss regarding changes to the IEP that I have overlooked? "
MIGHT BEST be handled? For whom might it be best?
What has she overlooked? THAT KITTY DOES NOT FEEL SAFE AT SCHOOL. THERE IS A REAL CHANCE THAT SHE WILL CAUSE GREAT HARM TO HERSELF IF SHE FEELS TOO THREATENED. KITTY CANNOT LEARN UNLESS SHE FEELS SAFE. IF THINGS STAY THE SAME HER EDUCATION WILL NOT HAPPEN. HER **INDIVIDUALIZED** EDUCATION PLAN HAS VERY LITTLE TO DO WITH **KITTY'S** REAL NEEDS.

Mary, the school is not the only one in denial. GET AN ADVOCATE !NOW! You spent how long on a chore chart at home? And how much time did you spend finding an advocate? Which will help her more in the long run? THE ADVOCATE.

Anonymous said...

So you posted while I was editing down my comments ... so I'll add a bit back in.
Look them in the eye, each one, and ask "Are you morally and legally secure if Kitty perceives a threat at school and gets so worked up about it that she hangs herself in the bathroom?"
Bring a tape recorder. They HATE it when you do that. Have the tape recorder running when you ask the question.

Did the ARC deny you IEP advocacy?