School districts must provide reports showing if and how well a student is progressing toward the goals of an IEP. These progress reports are usually sent out quarterly.
IEP Fact You Need to Know #5
Is your child on an IEP? Did you know that the school district could at any time suggest your student should no longer receive special education services? However before the services end, the school district must honor a parent’s request for a complete reevaluation prior to them taking any action to end services. Make sure to put the request in writing.
IEP Fact You Need to Know #4
Did you know that the school district cannot change an IEP without parental consent?
IEP Fact You Need to Know #3
IEP’s are not designed to be permanent. In fact, at least once every three years, the school district is required to reevaluate whether the student remains eligible for special education services.
IEP Fact You Need to Know #2
IEP’s are written for one year only. They set out goals for the child to work towards. Parents are to meet with the school district to review the IEP and set new goals once the old ones are satisfied.
IEP Fact You Need to Know #1
Once a student is deemed eligible for special education services, the specialized instruction will begin as soon as the parent signs the IEP.
Evaluation & Special Education Team Meeting
Once the school system provides a free comprehensive evaluation, a meeting date with the school’s special education team will be scheduled. The law says that this must happen within 45 days of the parent signing off on the evaluation. As the parent, you have the right to request a copy of the school’s report, which the school district must provide to you not later than 48 hours before the meeting. Make sure you take advantage of this rule and attain your copy so you have time to prepare. Be sure to put your request in writing so they can’t claim you never asked for a copy.
What can you do if you disagree with the school district’s evaluation? Come back here soon as we look at the secrets they may not tell you so you can fight for the education your student deserves.
IEP Accommodations and Modifications
In order for special education students to remain in a mainstream classroom setting, their IEP’s must contain at least one of two items: accommodations and modifications. Accommodations are supports the classroom teachers provide to help students access the curriculum in the classroom. An example of this would be listening to an audio book instead of reading a book the rest of the class is reading. Modifications involve adjusting the child’s curriculum. An example would be making assignments easier when a student is behind at a lower level than the rest of the class.
Have you ever suspected there was a problem with your student’s education and don’t know how move forward to help? Check back here as we will let you know the secrets most schools won’t tell you about how you can fight for the proper education for your child deserves.
IEP History
Did you know that in 1975 Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that specifically addressed special education? By the 2018-2019 school year, 18.1% of Massachusetts students pre-kindergarten through grade 12 had IEP’s (individualized education programs).
Next time we will explain the 2 types of help special education students can receive in order to keep them mainstreamed in the classroom.
Beware of Bees
Be careful. Bees with honey in their mouths, have stings on their tails. Schools with promises of special education help on their mouths, fight to not provide these services which will sting.
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