Re:School finally gets it!

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I represent families in Special Ed issues. But before that I was a parent to a

child (well, still am, but parenting came before lawyering).

One thing that has been true throughout these years is my firm conviction that

parents must prepare well in advance of the annual ARD. It takes at least 2

months to be able to do so.

Schools have pre-ARD meetings (allowable under the law) to come up with a

" draft " IEP. Thus, parents, too, should go into an ARD with their own IEP - -

not wait for the school to develop the document.

To prepare for the ARD, and draft your own IEP, you need to know: data from most

recent evaluations, actual progress as determined by school work brought home (I

wouldn't rely on the progress reports), do your own testing of your child - -

run through the IEP goals/objectives to see if your child can, in fact, complete

the tasks independently - - take notes of where the skills break down. Review

all the G & O to determine if they really fit the needs of your child. Consider

long-term planning what critical skills does your child still need to develop

to become more independent. Write it all down.

Portions of the IEP that parents need to attend to and plan for include: present

levels of performance; goals & objectives; necessary services, accommodations

and modifications; and placement.

There are several parent friendly resources out there to help guide parents

through the IEP process. They have the added benefit of being cheaper than a

lawyer, and often more convenient and accessible. One easy place to get

information is wrightslaw.com (no affiliation, just a fan).

Happy summer planning y'all!

>

> Heidi

>

>

>

> Yes, this is exactly how I feel. Every ARD a court date. Started in March

> 12, 2010 -- still haven't been told ESY amount. Two ARDs last week for him,

> one ARD tomorrow and I already have 3 pages of stuff they need to discuss

> and/or get in the minutes.

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> I'm so exhausted. And everyone's patience is wearing thin.

>

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>

> Hilda

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>

> From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy

> [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of

> allrpossible@...

> Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 12:19 PM

> To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy

> Subject: Re:School finally gets it!

>

>

>

>

>

> Nearly every ARD was more like a court date for us. I had to do all

> this research in advance, ask them their plan in advance so I could do

> my strategy, and then bring in an arsenal of proof and witnesses and

> such to back up my request. Where I live, they just aren't savvy about

> special needs. It takes a loving heart more than anything to help a

> child with special needs. Don't forget to always use letters from your

> licensed counselors and psychologists. They know how to word the

> letters in helpful ways concerning a child's needs. Note that School

> Counselors in Texas are not licensed to diagnose and treat mental and

> developmental illnesses, so don't let them diagnose in the ARD meetings.

>

> Love and prayers,

>

> Heidi N

>