Special Education Tips

   

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"Opening the Doors of Opportunity through Special Education"

YOUR  RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Visit program before placement - afterwards is too late.

  • Meet with teacher or teaching team.  Review IEP at beginning of year or after any changes have been made.

  • Notify teacher, teaching team and Special Education Office of any changes.

  • Share outside evaluations, make them a part of the record.

  • Communicate concerns with teachers, principal and Special Education Office.

  • Keep copies of all records.

  • Attend meetings.

  • Let the school know you disagree in writing before resorting to a due process hearing.

MEETING STRATEGIES

  • Watch where you sit, feel comfortable.

  • Bring someone with you who knows your child.

  • Make sure introductions are made.

  • Don't start until everyone is present.

  • State your opinion or experience.

  • Don't argue or attack.

  • Don't look at it as a win/lose situation.

Acknowledge what is said --

  • Summarize in your won words.  Active listening helps others understand you heard, even if you don't agree.  Active listening helps you process what's been said.

  • Leave the meeting with Measurable Annual Goals/Short-term Objectives and Benchmarks based on present levels of performance.

AVOIDING A HEARING

The best way to avoid a conflict is to plan ahead.  You want t do all of your planning under the assumption that you may not be able to come to an agreement with the CSE.

  • You will have to request a due process hearing to resolve your dispute.

  • School personnel will not support you with their testimony.

  • School personnel will often not tell the truth, unless forced to.

  • The hearing Officer or Administrative Law Judge is sometimes biased against parents of children with disabilities.

  • Your testimony carries less weight.


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