The Wrightslaw Way

A parent writes, The IEP has been ongoing for a year now. There have been endless problems:     -no response to requested evaluation    -IEP is still unsigned    -procedural errors by the team    -reevaluation committee met, the teacher was not there     -two new people attended the meeting, neither knew my child How […]

The school said, “I am not sure if you are aware, outside professionals are not considered a part of the IEP team. Your doctor really cannot participate. Parents use professionals to bounce ideas off of, however, the school will set up services based on the IEP we write.” Check the federal statute and federal regulation.  […]

When parents build an effective team with the school, what does it look like? What happens at IEP meetings when staff and parents come together to develop an effective plan for a child with disabilities? It is basically the same set of people.  What is different about an effective team? 1.   Parents will get more […]

I get a knot in my stomach for days ahead of time. When I provide information and observations about my child at IEP meetings, the team ignores them. How can I be a better advocate for my child and not be basket case before these meetings? The best way to become a good advocate for […]

You say parents have rights but I don’t think they do. I think parents are powerless. The only parents who have rights are financially able to afford the implementation of the IEP. Schools call those who cannot a “constant complainer.” Parent Credibility You sound a lot like I did about 6 years ago. Three of […]

I just reviewed your Summer School for Parents: Lesson #4. I am the mom who wrote about the need for a particular type of placement for my son with autism. Never thought that my letter about How I Got the School to Change My Son’s Program & Placement would show up there! Here’s the further […]

2008 Special Education PARENT INVOLVEMENT SURVEY The Virginia Department of Education’s third annual Parent Involvement Survey will be arriving in parents’ mailboxes within the next several weeks. It is for all PARENTS & GUARDIANS of school-aged children who receive special education services in Virginia’s schools.