Can they do this? Is it illegal?

[Guest guest]

The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could finish

her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given from

ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son over

to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed descriptions

about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad about

this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would be

LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than paid

employees of that school.

Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't want

to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them discusseing

our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

[Guest guest]

Im not sure about laws I know here teachers arent suppossed to discuss students

behavior with other parents, special ed or not. Id inform the person that did

that that you are considering legal action (even if you arent or cant for some

reason schools bend over backwards to avoid bad press and lawyers so even if you

dont have a case, make them think you do) then get the name of that persons

supervisor and make a complaint. then if i were you Id ask the other parent what

in the heck they thought they were doing and if they had a question or concern

about your child they should have asked YOU and no one else. and if that doesnt

work meet them on the play ground after school and punch them. okay maybe not

but sometimes it sounds like a good idea. Good luck

" lizs.1234 " <lizs.1234@...> wrote: The school psychologist called

to ask me a question so she could finish

her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given from

ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son over

to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed descriptions

about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad about

this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would be

LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than paid

employees of that school.

Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't want

to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them discusseing

our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

Smiles and Sunshine,

Tiffiney

---------------------------------

Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Guest guest]

Connie,

I thought it was illegal too. Thanks you so much for your reply. I have 2

concerns about taking legal action.

1) would the sp ed people treat my son badly if we took legal action against

them?

2) My neighbor would be called in to testify about speaking to sp ed staff about

my son. She would tell the truth, but I worry this would cause such awkwardness

around the neighborhood. (She lives 2 houses down from us & our kids play

frequently.)

I wonder if we should discuss it his ARD tomorrow. Or wait until we know

exactly how we are going to approach the situation. At this point, I am so mad

(my husband too) that I am afraid we'll say something we might regret.

Thanks again,

Liz

Houston

Belt3@... wrote:

This is definitely illegal. The confidentiality of your son is first

and

foremost. Personnel are not even supposed to speak with those outside the IEP

team unless they have permission from the parents to do so. I would

definitely contact a special education attorney for further assistance in the

matter.

This is a legal matter that needs to be handled by an attorney, with all

due respect to the parents and others on this list.

Connie Ajay

[Guest guest]

That's outrageous. They can't do that!! I hope you're in a position to pursue

this legally.

Contact a lawyer and see what they think can be done. Somebody needs to stop

your

school from behaving this way--not just for your son, but for all the other kids

whose

privacy is being violated.

Sue C.

>

> The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

> staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

> about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son over

> to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed descriptions

> about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad about

> this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

> about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would be

> LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than paid

> employees of that school.

> Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't want

> to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

> husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them discusseing

> our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

> cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

> What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

>

[Guest guest]

I would be livid. I would write a letter documenting what has occured and hand

it to them at your meeting. In the letter, request that this " information " be

left out of his IEP and that at no time in the future should they speak to your

neighbors about your child's educational programming. I would have them remove

all of it immediately. They do not have any business chatting with anyone about

your child's educational program unless they are directly involved in it -

teachers, therapists, administrators. I don't think the IDEA lists neighbors

who talk too much as a source for information on the IEP. <g> I hope the

school does some major back peddling and apologizing to you at your meeting.

Let us know what happens.

Roxanna

( ) Can they do this? Is it illegal?

The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could finish

her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given from

ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son over

to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed descriptions

about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad about

this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would be

LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than paid

employees of that school.

Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't want

to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them discusseing

our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.2/559 - Release Date: 11/30/2006

[Guest guest]

If you do not wish to hire an attorney for fear of retaliation I would then

suggest that you write a letter to the Superintendent and the school board.

This employee needs to be dealt with sharply. They must deal with this

matter swiftly and the school board should provide immediate training for all

staff at the school site and other school sites about IDEA laws and

regulations.

This will prevent it happening to other children and families. They are in

big doo doo and you should make sure that your situation does not happen to

anyone else again. The only way to ensure this is to bring it to the

attention of the school board and Superintendent otherwise the principal will

just

sweep this under the rug to save his/her butt.

Connie Ajay

[Guest guest]

Thanks Roxana. I like your suggestions. I'm printing this out to share with my

husband this evening. I will let you all know what happens with this.

Liz

Houston

Roxanna <madideas@...> wrote:

I would be livid. I would write a letter documenting what has occured

and hand it to them at your meeting. In the letter, request that this

" information " be left out of his IEP and that at no time in the future should

they speak to your neighbors about your child's educational programming. I would

have them remove all of it immediately. They do not have any business chatting

with anyone about your child's educational program unless they are directly

involved in it - teachers, therapists, administrators. I don't think the IDEA

lists neighbors who talk too much as a source for information on the IEP. <g> I

hope the school does some major back peddling and apologizing to you at your

meeting. Let us know what happens.

Roxanna

( ) Can they do this? Is it illegal?

The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could finish

her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given from

ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son over

to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed descriptions

about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad about

this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would be

LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than paid

employees of that school.

Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't want

to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them discusseing

our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

----------------------------------------------------------

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.2/559 - Release Date: 11/30/2006

[Guest guest]

I agree Sue. We are in a position to hire an attorney. And I know the school

needs to be stopped from doing this to anyone else. But I am concerned if we

sue (and I believe we have a huge & easy to win lawsuit) that they will take

their frustrations over being sued out on my son at school. My other concern is

that my neighbor, who is the lady the sp ed staff spoke to about my son, will be

dragged into the suit. She'll have to testify & that will make our neighborly

situation sort of awkward.

I just don't know what we'll do. I'm just so mad because I didn't want any

neighbors or even our own family members to know about our sons problems. We

were going to keep it private. But now the lady two doors down from us knows &

she will have the word passed around the whole area soon. Ugggg!

Thanks for your response.

Liz

suetois <suetois@...> wrote:

That's outrageous. They can't do that!! I hope you're in a position to

pursue this legally.

Contact a lawyer and see what they think can be done. Somebody needs to stop

your

school from behaving this way--not just for your son, but for all the other kids

whose

privacy is being violated.

Sue C.

>

> The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

> staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

> about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son over

> to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed descriptions

> about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad about

> this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

> about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would be

> LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than paid

> employees of that school.

> Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't want

> to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

> husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them discusseing

> our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

> cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

> What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

>

---------------------------------

Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Guest guest]

www.copaa.org has a list of attorneys & advocates, all of which pay

annual dues to be members.

www.yellowpagesforkids.com has another list that is free.

Tonya

Re: ( ) Can they do this? Is it illegal?

This is definitely illegal. The confidentiality of your son is first and

foremost. Personnel are not even supposed to speak with those outside

the IEP

team unless they have permission from the parents to do so. I would

definitely contact a special education attorney for further assistance

in the matter.

This is a legal matter that needs to be handled by an attorney, with all

due respect to the parents and others on this list.

Connie Ajay

[Guest guest]

Thanks. Great advice. You have all given me so much to think about & I really

appreciate it. I'll post tomorrow after the ARD & let you know how we handled

it. It is getting late & I can't sleep because of this....yikes!

Liz

Houston

<cmcintosh5@...> wrote:

How about a stern letter.. Voicing your concerns with the teacher, and

all

staff involved.. And CC it to the Principle.. Etc..This will get the ball

rolling.. Should this not be the first incident.. And others will then be

made aware.

Stating that you see this as a violation of both your rights,,, your son's

rights and any future students prospective rights. That you demand an

apology. That it was in appropriate.. And illegal . Leave it there... It

lets them know where you stand.. Puts them on notice.. And should there be

any confusion on what you expect in the future.. They can't say they weren't

warned? Maybe the teacher felt it was her way of getting a full picture of

your child.. she was WRONG - yet her intentions may have been initially

innocent.

-- Re: ( ) Re: Can they do this? Is it illegal?

I agree Sue. We are in a position to hire an attorney. And I know the school

needs to be stopped from doing this to anyone else. But I am concerned if we

sue (and I believe we have a huge & easy to win lawsuit) that they will take

their frustrations over being sued out on my son at school. My other concern

is that my neighbor, who is the lady the sp ed staff spoke to about my son,

will be dragged into the suit. She'll have to testify & that will make our

neighborly situation sort of awkward.

I just don't know what we'll do. I'm just so mad because I didn't want any

neighbors or even our own family members to know about our sons problems. We

were going to keep it private. But now the lady two doors down from us knows

& she will have the word passed around the whole area soon. Ugggg!

Thanks for your response.

Liz

suetois <suetois@...> wrote:

That's outrageous. They can't do that!! I hope you're in a position to

pursue this legally.

Contact a lawyer and see what they think can be done. Somebody needs to stop

your

school from behaving this way--not just for your son, but for all the other

kids whose

privacy is being violated.

Sue C.

>

> The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

> staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

> about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son over

> to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed descriptions

> about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad about

> this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

> about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would be

> LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than paid

> employees of that school.

> Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't want

> to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

> husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them discusseing

> our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

> cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

> What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

>

---------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/30/2006 1:28:33 PM Eastern Standard Time,

lizs.1234@... writes:

What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

I would tell them I was filing a state complaint. Pam

[Guest guest]

It depends on what was said. If they discussed your son, yes it is illegal. If

they ask about any information that anyone would see just by observation from an

objective standpoint, then I think it may be legal. It is dicey at best.

Anything other than this is highly questionable. Since the information is

derived from public observation, it remains public information. I would do some

serious pushing and stern cautioning. I would heavily push the school board for

some answers as to what they think their basis is for collecting this data.

Contact the Department of Education for a state advocate. State advocates are

attorneys empowered to represent students and their families through this type

of situation. The river of red tape is usually more than parent's can handle.

Dave

( ) Can they do this? Is it illegal?

The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could finish

her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given from

ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son over

to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed descriptions

about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad about

this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would be

LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than paid

employees of that school.

Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't want

to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them discusseing

our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

[Guest guest]

How about a stern letter.. Voicing your concerns with the teacher, and all

staff involved.. And CC it to the Principle.. Etc..This will get the ball

rolling.. Should this not be the first incident.. And others will then be

made aware.

Stating that you see this as a violation of both your rights,,, your son's

rights and any future students prospective rights. That you demand an

apology. That it was in appropriate.. And illegal . Leave it there... It

lets them know where you stand.. Puts them on notice.. And should there be

any confusion on what you expect in the future.. They can't say they weren't

warned? Maybe the teacher felt it was her way of getting a full picture of

your child.. she was WRONG - yet her intentions may have been initially

innocent.

-- Re: ( ) Re: Can they do this? Is it illegal?

I agree Sue. We are in a position to hire an attorney. And I know the school

needs to be stopped from doing this to anyone else. But I am concerned if we

sue (and I believe we have a huge & easy to win lawsuit) that they will take

their frustrations over being sued out on my son at school. My other concern

is that my neighbor, who is the lady the sp ed staff spoke to about my son,

will be dragged into the suit. She'll have to testify & that will make our

neighborly situation sort of awkward.

I just don't know what we'll do. I'm just so mad because I didn't want any

neighbors or even our own family members to know about our sons problems. We

were going to keep it private. But now the lady two doors down from us knows

& she will have the word passed around the whole area soon. Ugggg!

Thanks for your response.

Liz

suetois <suetois@...> wrote:

That's outrageous. They can't do that!! I hope you're in a position to

pursue this legally.

Contact a lawyer and see what they think can be done. Somebody needs to stop

your

school from behaving this way--not just for your son, but for all the other

kids whose

privacy is being violated.

Sue C.

>

> The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

> staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

> about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son over

> to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed descriptions

> about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad about

> this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

> about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would be

> LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than paid

> employees of that school.

> Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't want

> to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

> husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them discusseing

> our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

> cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

> What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

>

---------------------------------

Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Guest guest]

Good point Dave. I really appreciate readinging this perspective on the

situation. The speech therapist had a conversation with my neighbor (on the

school campus) about how my son behaved while he played in her home. The

neighbor told the therapist that my son didn't play well and followed her around

her house the entire time he was over there. I'm thinking that this wouldn't be

considered public information. Or maybe it is public information. See, I am

already confused by the red tape & we haven't really begun! Yikes!

Thanks for your input.

Liz

<sirdavjohn@...> wrote:

It depends on what was said. If they discussed your son, yes it is

illegal. If they ask about any information that anyone would see just by

observation from an objective standpoint, then I think it may be legal. It is

dicey at best. Anything other than this is highly questionable. Since the

information is derived from public observation, it remains public information. I

would do some serious pushing and stern cautioning. I would heavily push the

school board for some answers as to what they think their basis is for

collecting this data. Contact the Department of Education for a state advocate.

State advocates are attorneys empowered to represent students and their families

through this type of situation. The river of red tape is usually more than

parent's can handle.

Dave

( ) Can they do this? Is it illegal?

The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could finish

her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given from

ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son over

to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed descriptions

about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad about

this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would be

LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than paid

employees of that school.

Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't want

to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them discusseing

our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

[Guest guest]

I hope I'm not stirring up a " hornet's nest " here, but I don't understand what

the big deal is about this. If this had happened to one of my kids, I would be

happy that the school was putting out the effort to get as much info as possible

on them. Having watched my kids at school, I've come to realize that they act

totally different in other situations than they do at home. My daughter, for

example, is very assertive and bossy at home, but yet at school she is very

timid and quiet. I've made an effort to get the opinions of her friend's

mothers about how she acts when she's visiting in their homes. The more info I

have about her, the better I can understand her.

I do agree, however, that they should have gotten your permission before

speaking to a " lay person. "

As to not wanting anyone to know that your child is Spec. Ed., I make a point

of letting people know that mine are. It tends to make others much more

tolerant and patient with them. At my daughter's IEP last month, I mentioned

that she didn't want to ride the " little " bus because then everyone would think

she wasn't normal. Her principal said " I have news for her---everyone already

knows. "

Pat---Mom to Josh and Sara (17 yo and 14 yo, both AS)

Liz S <lizs.1234@...> wrote:

Good point Dave. I really appreciate readinging this perspective on

the situation. The speech therapist had a conversation with my neighbor (on the

school campus) about how my son behaved while he played in her home. The

neighbor told the therapist that my son didn't play well and followed her around

her house the entire time he was over there. I'm thinking that this wouldn't be

considered public information. Or maybe it is public information. See, I am

already confused by the red tape & we haven't really begun! Yikes!

Thanks for your input.

Liz

<sirdavjohn@...> wrote:

It depends on what was said. If they discussed your son, yes it is illegal. If

they ask about any information that anyone would see just by observation from an

objective standpoint, then I think it may be legal. It is dicey at best.

Anything other than this is highly questionable. Since the information is

derived from public observation, it remains public information. I would do some

serious pushing and stern cautioning. I would heavily push the school board for

some answers as to what they think their basis is for collecting this data.

Contact the Department of Education for a state advocate. State advocates are

attorneys empowered to represent students and their families through this type

of situation. The river of red tape is usually more than parent's can handle.

Dave

( ) Can they do this? Is it illegal?

The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could finish

her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given from

ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son over

to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed descriptions

about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad about

this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would be

LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than paid

employees of that school.

Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't want

to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them discusseing

our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/1/2006 5:21:46 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

lizs.1234@... writes:

I just want the sp ed people to remember privacy is important and some

people (like us) don't want their kids sp ed info shared with other parents.

If anyone had done this to my son u bet I would be in their faces and

threatening a law suit. It is unreal that this happened, there is such a thing

as a

privacy act I am sure they did not act appropriately in this situation, this

speech therapist had no right to discuss your child or anyone else's child

with her.

[Guest guest]

Hi, just my quick 2 cents, am just picking up on this thread,

haven't read them all yet.

But if the parent is volunteering there regularly, I can sort of see

asking the parent about a child in the classroom. Now, that

particular parent getting into how he acts at her personal home,

well, that was just...well, bad luck? in that she has that " extra

info " that she willingly spoke about; she could have just kept quiet

on that and gave her observations about how he is in the classroom.

As to the legality of asking a volunteer (not a paid

employee/staff), I dunno. I can see where personnel shouldn't

ask...but then again, I go back to where I think if a parent is

regularly in the room/volunteering, they probably know " who is who "

anyway in the classroom. I know when my kids were young and I had

the time then to help out at school, I pretty much knew " who was

who " not because anyone said anything, it just becomes apparent

while you're there (getting help from an aide, going to speech or

OT, having to go to the nurse as time for medication, my helping

with tasks...). Hmmm...if someone had asked me about any particular

one (never happened) I guess I would have commented on the child if

I'd helped him/her with things in the room and had some thoughts

about him/her.

Well, just some first thoughts on this!

>

> The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could

finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp

ed

[Guest guest]

I get the impression from the original post that the person who was consulted is

a volunteer at the school, but not in the child's classroom. Maybe the staff

have dealt with this person enough that they felt they could get an objective

opinion from her...

I AM kinda curious how they knew that the child spent time at this person's

house.

Pat

<cmcintosh5@...> wrote:

GREAT POINT!! If she was being asked as a volunteer staff member..

That

might just be the reason it was done.. Never thought of that one.

-- ( ) Re: Can they do this? Is it illegal?

Hi, just my quick 2 cents, am just picking up on this thread,

haven't read them all yet.

But if the parent is volunteering there regularly, I can sort of see

asking the parent about a child in the classroom. Now, that

particular parent getting into how he acts at her personal home,

well, that was just...well, bad luck? in that she has that " extra

info " that she willingly spoke about; she could have just kept quiet

on that and gave her observations about how he is in the classroom.

As to the legality of asking a volunteer (not a paid

employee/staff), I dunno. I can see where personnel shouldn't

ask...but then again, I go back to where I think if a parent is

regularly in the room/volunteering, they probably know " who is who "

anyway in the classroom. I know when my kids were young and I had

the time then to help out at school, I pretty much knew " who was

who " not because anyone said anything, it just becomes apparent

while you're there (getting help from an aide, going to speech or

OT, having to go to the nurse as time for medication, my helping

with tasks...). Hmmm...if someone had asked me about any particular

one (never happened) I guess I would have commented on the child if

I'd helped him/her with things in the room and had some thoughts

about him/her.

Well, just some first thoughts on this!

>

> The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could

finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp

ed

[Guest guest]

I am a teacher. This is definitely illegal. There are laws

regrading confidentiality of ALL students, Special Ed or not. It's

the same thing as if your doctor told your neighbor the results of

your medical tests. If the parent was volunteering at the school she

may need to have some information for safety reason but details of

your son's special ed services are absolutely not necessary to

reveal. Teachers in my school are frequently warned about even

discussing students with other teachers in staff workrooms, etc.

I would start with the school principal, just to show that you are

willing to work with the school, but this is an absolute violation of

your child's privacy and the teacher should be reprimanded and, at

the very least, have an official letter put in her file. In Georgia,

where I teach, you could contact the Professional Standards

Commission. Tecahers have lost their teaching licenses for this type

of thing. It is especially concerning that the Special Ed teacher

was giving confidential information, since they are the ones who

REALLY should know better. It also makes me wonder what information

she reveals about OTHER kids on a regular basis.

>

> " lizs.1234 " <lizs.1234@...> wrote: The school psychologist

called to ask me a question so she could finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

> staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

> about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son

over

> to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed

descriptions

> about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad

about

> this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

> about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would

be

> LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than

paid

> employees of that school.

> Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't

want

> to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

> husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them

discusseing

> our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

> cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

> What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Smiles and Sunshine,

> Tiffiney

>

> ---------------------------------

> Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.

>

>

[Guest guest]

A VERY good rule! Hopefully they have had time to take a couple of very deep

breaths.

I know it's been my experience that one can get alot more accomplished when

one goes into IEPs and such with a " let's work as a team " attitude than an

adversarial " us against them " attitude. People tend to be much more cooperative

when they are not in " defense mode. "

Pat

<cmcintosh5@...> wrote:

I can't wait to see how her meeting went today with the staff.. I

believe it

is today she is going in

To deal with this issue right?? Wow.. This is why I have my personal

24 hour rule LOL.. Always wait 24 hours before you Start freaking out - or

sign anything LOL

-- ( ) Re: Can they do this? Is it illegal?

Hi, just my quick 2 cents, am just picking up on this thread,

haven't read them all yet.

But if the parent is volunteering there regularly, I can sort of see

asking the parent about a child in the classroom. Now, that

particular parent getting into how he acts at her personal home,

well, that was just...well, bad luck? in that she has that " extra

info " that she willingly spoke about; she could have just kept quiet

on that and gave her observations about how he is in the classroom.

As to the legality of asking a volunteer (not a paid

employee/staff), I dunno. I can see where personnel shouldn't

ask...but then again, I go back to where I think if a parent is

regularly in the room/volunteering, they probably know " who is who "

anyway in the classroom. I know when my kids were young and I had

the time then to help out at school, I pretty much knew " who was

who " not because anyone said anything, it just becomes apparent

while you're there (getting help from an aide, going to speech or

OT, having to go to the nurse as time for medication, my helping

with tasks...). Hmmm...if someone had asked me about any particular

one (never happened) I guess I would have commented on the child if

I'd helped him/her with things in the room and had some thoughts

about him/her.

Well, just some first thoughts on this!

>

> The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could

finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp

ed

[Guest guest]

Absolutely.. Its your choice.. And that's where it should be a choice. This

is why there are release forms for people to sign when they speak to your

doctor etc. Its kind of like someone saying HEY ... Does that Mrs

drink before or after church? LOL Of course I am being silly but some

people just see it as a slippery slope and its scary. Also suppose they ask

someone who has an axe to grind? It should be a professional courtesy to say

" hey Can I also interview some people who are familiar with your child?

I don't think you are stirring up a hornets nest at all Hon.. This is a

great group for diverse ideas.. Its the only way to truly discuss things..

By looking at it from all angles.

-- Re: ( ) Can they do this? Is it illegal?

I hope I'm not stirring up a " hornet's nest " here, but I don't understand

what the big deal is about this. If this had happened to one of my kids, I

would be happy that the school was putting out the effort to get as much

info as possible on them. Having watched my kids at school, I've come to

realize that they act totally different in other situations than they do at

home. My daughter, for example, is very assertive and bossy at home, but yet

at school she is very timid and quie t. I've made an effort to get the

opinions of her friend's mothers about how she acts when she's visiting in

their homes. The more info I have about her, the better I can understand her

I do agree, however, that they should have gotten your permission before

speaking to a " lay person. "

As to not wanting anyone to know that your child is Spec. Ed., I make a

point of letting people know that mine are. It tends to make others much

more tolerant and patient with them. At my daughter's IEP last month, I

mentioned that she didn't want to ride the " little " bus because then

everyone would think she wasn't normal. Her principal said " I have news for

her---everyone already knows. "

Pat---Mom to Josh and Sara (17 yo and 14 yo, both AS)

Liz S <lizs.1234@...> wrote:

Good point Dave. I really appreciate readinging this perspective on the

situation. The speech therapist had a conversation with my neighbor (on the

school campus) about how my son behaved while he played in her home. The

neighbor told the therapist that my son didn't play well and followed her

around her house the entire time he was over there. I'm thinking that this

wouldn't be considered public information. Or maybe it is public information

See, I am already confused by the red tape & we ha ven't really begun!

Yikes!

Thanks for your input.

Liz

<sirdavjohn@...> wrote:

It depends on what was said. If they discussed your son, yes it is illegal.

If they ask about any information that anyone would see just by observation

from an objective standpoint, then I think it may be legal. It is dicey at

best. Anything other than this is highly questionable. Since the information

is derived from public observation, it remains public information. I would

do some serious pushing and stern cautioning. I would heavily push the

school board for some answers as to what they think their basi s is for

collecting this data. Contact the Department of Education for a state

advocate. State advocates are attorneys empowered to represent students and

their families through this type of situation. The river of red tape is

usually more than parent's can handle.

Dave

( ) Can they do this? Is it illegal?

The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could finish

her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given from

ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son over

to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed descriptions

about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad about

this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would be

LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than paid

employees of that school.

Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't want

to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them discusseing

our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

[Guest guest]

GREAT POINT!! If she was being asked as a volunteer staff member.. That

might just be the reason it was done.. Never thought of that one.

-- ( ) Re: Can they do this? Is it illegal?

Hi, just my quick 2 cents, am just picking up on this thread,

haven't read them all yet.

But if the parent is volunteering there regularly, I can sort of see

asking the parent about a child in the classroom. Now, that

particular parent getting into how he acts at her personal home,

well, that was just...well, bad luck? in that she has that " extra

info " that she willingly spoke about; she could have just kept quiet

on that and gave her observations about how he is in the classroom.

As to the legality of asking a volunteer (not a paid

employee/staff), I dunno. I can see where personnel shouldn't

ask...but then again, I go back to where I think if a parent is

regularly in the room/volunteering, they probably know " who is who "

anyway in the classroom. I know when my kids were young and I had

the time then to help out at school, I pretty much knew " who was

who " not because anyone said anything, it just becomes apparent

while you're there (getting help from an aide, going to speech or

OT, having to go to the nurse as time for medication, my helping

with tasks...). Hmmm...if someone had asked me about any particular

one (never happened) I guess I would have commented on the child if

I'd helped him/her with things in the room and had some thoughts

about him/her.

Well, just some first thoughts on this!

>

> The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could

finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp

ed

[Guest guest]

No. The mother was not at the school as a volunteer. She was there with her 4

year old son who receives speech services at the school. She has never been in

my sons classroom. I know this for a fact. She and the speech therapist

engaged in conversation about my son & this parent proceeded to explain how my

son behaves while at her house. So she is just a parent who happened to be in

the speech room at a time my sons name came up & she offered info about my

child. Now se is aware my son receives services. We had not planed on telling

anyone. Now she knows, so you can be sure she will spread this around the

neighborhood. I just want the sp ed people to remember privacy is important and

some people (like us) don't want their kids sp ed info shared with other

parents.

Liz

Houston

<cmcintosh5@...> wrote:

GREAT POINT!! If she was being asked as a volunteer staff member..

That

might just be the reason it was done.. Never thought of that one.

-- ( ) Re: Can they do this? Is it illegal?

Hi, just my quick 2 cents, am just picking up on this thread,

haven't read them all yet.

But if the parent is volunteering there regularly, I can sort of see

asking the parent about a child in the classroom. Now, that

particular parent getting into how he acts at her personal home,

well, that was just...well, bad luck? in that she has that " extra

info " that she willingly spoke about; she could have just kept quiet

on that and gave her observations about how he is in the classroom.

As to the legality of asking a volunteer (not a paid

employee/staff), I dunno. I can see where personnel shouldn't

ask...but then again, I go back to where I think if a parent is

regularly in the room/volunteering, they probably know " who is who "

anyway in the classroom. I know when my kids were young and I had

the time then to help out at school, I pretty much knew " who was

who " not because anyone said anything, it just becomes apparent

while you're there (getting help from an aide, going to speech or

OT, having to go to the nurse as time for medication, my helping

with tasks...). Hmmm...if someone had asked me about any particular

one (never happened) I guess I would have commented on the child if

I'd helped him/her with things in the room and had some thoughts

about him/her.

Well, just some first thoughts on this!

>

> The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could

finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp

ed

[Guest guest]

I can't wait to see how her meeting went today with the staff.. I believe it

is today she is going in

To deal with this issue right?? Wow.. This is why I have my personal

24 hour rule LOL.. Always wait 24 hours before you Start freaking out - or

sign anything LOL

-- ( ) Re: Can they do this? Is it illegal?

Hi, just my quick 2 cents, am just picking up on this thread,

haven't read them all yet.

But if the parent is volunteering there regularly, I can sort of see

asking the parent about a child in the classroom. Now, that

particular parent getting into how he acts at her personal home,

well, that was just...well, bad luck? in that she has that " extra

info " that she willingly spoke about; she could have just kept quiet

on that and gave her observations about how he is in the classroom.

As to the legality of asking a volunteer (not a paid

employee/staff), I dunno. I can see where personnel shouldn't

ask...but then again, I go back to where I think if a parent is

regularly in the room/volunteering, they probably know " who is who "

anyway in the classroom. I know when my kids were young and I had

the time then to help out at school, I pretty much knew " who was

who " not because anyone said anything, it just becomes apparent

while you're there (getting help from an aide, going to speech or

OT, having to go to the nurse as time for medication, my helping

with tasks...). Hmmm...if someone had asked me about any particular

one (never happened) I guess I would have commented on the child if

I'd helped him/her with things in the room and had some thoughts

about him/her.

Well, just some first thoughts on this!

>

> The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could

finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp

ed

[Guest guest]

AAAAAMEN!! LOL

-- ( ) Re: Can they do this? Is it illegal?

Hi, just my quick 2 cents, am just picking up on this thread,

haven't read them all yet.

But if the parent is volunteering there regularly, I can sort of see

asking the parent about a child in the classroom. Now, that

particular parent getting into how he acts at her personal home,

well, that was just...well, bad luck? in that she has that " extra

info " that she willingly spoke about; she could have just kept quiet

on that and gave her observations about how he is in the classroom.

As to the legality of asking a volunteer (not a paid

employee/staff), I dunno. I can see where personnel shouldn't

ask...but then again, I go back to where I think if a parent is

regularly in the room/volunteering, they probably know " who is who "

anyway in the classroom. I know when my kids were young and I had

the time then to help out at school, I pretty much knew " who was

who " not because anyone said anything, it just becomes apparent

while you're there (getting help from an aide, going to speech or

OT, having to go to the nurse as time for medication, my helping

with tasks...). Hmmm...if someone had asked me about any particular

one (never happened) I guess I would have commented on the child if

I'd helped him/her with things in the room and had some thoughts

about him/her.

Well, just some first thoughts on this!

>

> The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could

finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp

ed