Re: school issues

[Guest guest]

-Hello Marie,

I know exactly what you're talking about. I went through the same issues with my son, who has mild cerebral palsy, and I went thru the proverbial "mill" with my son during his elementary school years.

I had almost resorted to homeschooling my son because neither in the public or private school systems did I find what my son needed.

When I was just about to do all the paperwork for home school, I was referred to a private school for special needs kids of middle school and high school age called Divine Academy. Well, all I can tell you is that my son, since attending this special school, has done amazingly well. They cater to each and every child individually depending on their specific needs and as a result, all the nonsense you and I as well as other parents have had to put up with, is no longer a factor in our lives.

If you would like more information please feel free to contact me, as a parent, and/or call the school director, Ingrid at directly.

I wish you all the luck in the world because I have been there and I am glad I found this school.

Respectfully,

Shashaty

Subject: school issuesTo: deniseslist Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2008, 4:56 PM

From: maria mattei <overtheriebow@ yahoo.com>Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2008 11:31:06 -0700 (PDT)To: denises<deniseslist@ yahoo.com>Subject: school issues

Can I put my situation out there?

Is this what I am to expect from the schools or did I just get up on the wrong side of the bed today. I am new to getting help from the school system. No IEP. My son has Aspergers. Starting middle school 6Th grade. ( I know what took so long? That's another discussion) I have been working with the Guidance Counselor and Teachers. I have had 2 parent/teachers conferences. The 1st to inform them of Asperger, the 2ND because he started missing assignments. The Guidance counselor told me last week she would get the teachers together today for a meeting to decide where they all stand with my son. She called me 1st thing this morning to discuss any concerns I now have about my son. Also to tell me that at this point in time there is no consent form to sign that doesn't happen til later in the process. I was informed by her that it is up to them if any testing is to be done, not me ,not his private evaluation

but just the school. If he is an A student what exactly do I expect them to do? Unless he is below a C they don't see a problem and "all these Kids whether they are Asperger, ADHD, Autistic if they are getting good grades we don't see that there is anything we should do for them."

"If there are behavioral issues and the teachers are dealing with it what's the problem?" Is this the usual ignorant response to Autistic children? If a main area initially is Social and Behavioral problems ( believe me if I stop helping him he will fail) is this what we are to expect from the school ? Where do I go from this point right now? A very hostile conversation a very closed minded discussion. Can they truly NOT help my son? Thank you for any input, Marie

[Guest guest]

,

You need to immediately start documenting EVERYTHING. Every phone call, and correspond with them in writing.

I would suggest you do a letter reiterating what you just stated. Requesting once again, in writing evaluations be done, and an IEP written.

You also want to ask for a functional behavior assesment... FBA. Even if he has no behaviors now, it will be a protection for later.

Samples of some of those letters are at www.standadvocates.org

Subject: school issuesTo: deniseslist Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2008, 4:56 PM

From: maria mattei <overtheriebow@ yahoo.com>Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2008 11:31:06 -0700 (PDT)To: denises<deniseslist@ yahoo.com>Subject: school issues

Can I put my situation out there?

Is this what I am to expect from the schools or did I just get up on the wrong side of the bed today. I am new to getting help from the school system. No IEP. My son has Aspergers. Starting middle school 6Th grade. ( I know what took so long? That's another discussion) I have been working with the Guidance Counselor and Teachers. I have had 2 parent/teachers conferences. The 1st to inform them of Asperger, the 2ND because he started missing assignments. The Guidance counselor told me last week she would get the teachers together today for a meeting to decide where they all stand with my son. She called me 1st thing this morning to discuss any concerns I now have about my son. Also to tell me that at this point in time there is no consent form to sign that doesn't happen til later in the process. I was informed by her that it is up to them if any testing is to be done, not me ,not his private evaluation

but just the school. If he is an A student what exactly do I expect them to do? Unless he is below a C they don't see a problem and "all these Kids whether they are Asperger, ADHD, Autistic if they are getting good grades we don't see that there is anything we should do for them."

"If there are behavioral issues and the teachers are dealing with it what's the problem?" Is this the usual ignorant response to Autistic children? If a main area initially is Social and Behavioral problems ( believe me if I stop helping him he will fail) is this what we are to expect from the school ? Where do I go from this point right now? A very hostile conversation a very closed minded discussion. Can they truly NOT help my son? Thank you for any input, Marie

[Guest guest]

Marie:

This person you call the Guidance Counselor is she the ESC Coordinator or is there someone else that is the ESC Coordinator? Because if she is not, then you need to find the ESC coordinator. I find it very interesting that in all of this conversation from her that the decisions to be made about you child are without your input. That in itself is a severe violation of FAPE. Find the ESC coordinator. If you get nowhere with her, then call your District Area Manager - she's the one that oversees your school ESC Dept. Tell her that you want a school meeting set up just to discuss with the District what tests are necessary for your child. Tell her you would like to be in touch before this meeting with the school psychologist to discuss with her what tests are available that determine your child's strengths and weaknesses NOT IQ. You can request the Psychologist to be at your meeting. Ask the District Area Manager to be at your meeting because the District is telling you that they are proceeding with making decisions without your input and therefore violating FAPE. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING until you have had a meeting and a discussion takes place so you have your concerns met. No one should be telling you as a parent what you are to do or where they are putting your child without discussing the issues with you so you have your input. This is supposed to be a symbiotic relationship for the benefit of your child. I would also contact the Autism Resource Specialist in your District and have them come and observe your child and be at your meeting.

While you are speaking to the Area District Manager I would mention your frustrating conversation with this Guidance Counselor and how very inappropriate her discussion was with you because you understand your rights, but apparently she does not.

Go back and read the Parent's Rights that they give you at your IEP meeting and understand that you have the right to written notice if you do not agree with what the School District is telling you about your child. Don't be intimidated by stupidity....learn your rights. And don't sign anything that you feel is not correct about your child. Go with your intuition.......it's generally right!

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[Guest guest]

Thank you Theresa, I am making a copy of your email. I will know the law. And in answer to your first question..she is the Guidance counselor.. ESE in my school didn't even want to meet me because my son is not in the system yet. I moved to this town because I heard good things about it. I don't think I heard the right things huh? I will discuss all of your info with my advocate. I am in constant touch with CARD and Family Network on Disabilities. Marie

Subject: Re: school issuesTo: sList Date: Friday, October 3, 2008, 2:24 PM

Marie:

This person you call the Guidance Counselor is she the ESC Coordinator or is there someone else that is the ESC Coordinator? Because if she is not, then you need to find the ESC coordinator. I find it very interesting that in all of this conversation from her that the decisions to be made about you child are without your input. That in itself is a severe violation of FAPE. Find the ESC coordinator. If you get nowhere with her, then call your District Area Manager - she's the one that oversees your school ESC Dept. Tell her that you want a school meeting set up just to discuss with the District what tests are necessary for your child. Tell her you would like to be in touch before this meeting with the school psychologist to discuss with her what tests are available that determine your child's strengths and weaknesses NOT IQ. You can request the Psychologist to be at your meeting. Ask the District Area Manager to be

at your meeting because the District is telling you that they are proceeding with making decisions without your input and therefore violating FAPE. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING until you have had a meeting and a discussion takes place so you have your concerns met. No one should be telling you as a parent what you are to do or where they are putting your child without discussing the issues with you so you have your input. This is supposed to be a symbiotic relationship for the benefit of your child. I would also contact the Autism Resource Specialist in your District and have them come and observe your child and be at your meeting.

While you are speaking to the Area District Manager I would mention your frustrating conversation with this Guidance Counselor and how very inappropriate her discussion was with you because you understand your rights, but apparently she does not.

Go back and read the Parent's Rights that they give you at your IEP meeting and understand that you have the right to written notice if you do not agree with what the School District is telling you about your child. Don't be intimidated by stupidity... .learn your rights. And don't sign anything that you feel is not correct about your child. Go with your intuition... ....it's generally right!

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