The Stakes are High! Learn the Art of IEP Diplomacy
During IEP season the stakes are high. Parents and teachers alike go into those meetings full of emotions and ideas. Sometimes I am surprised that what is unsaid seems just Continue Reading →
Category Archives: Strategies
Take Care of Yourself! Special Ed Can Consume Your Life
Raising a special needs child can be overwhelming. If you are not careful, special education can consume your life. Many parents drive themselves until they are exhausted and burned out. Continue Reading →
Documenting Disagreements with the IEP Team
Do you and the school disagree over your child’s IEP? School’s assessment not complete? Proposed IEP goals not appropriate? Effective reading program not available at your school? Other concerns? If Continue Reading →
Can’t Get the Doctor to Your IEP Meeting? There Is a Way Out!
Problem: All too often, the child’s doctor or therapist will nod sympathetically when the parent describes the difficulties encountered attempting to get the child the support he or she needs Continue Reading →
Learn How to Ask the 5 W’s + H + E Questions
When you attend meetings with school personnel, you will meet staff who will tell you what to do and how to solve your problems (AKA Know-it-Alls). They view themselves as Continue Reading →
Taking Away Recess as Punishment – Find A Better Way
My sixth grade son, 12, is diagnosed ADHD with anxiety. His current IEP does not include ADHD, only another disability. He has difficulty finishing his homework. The school takes away Continue Reading →
State Complaint, Non-Compliance: “The School is Trying to Intimidate Me!”
I filed a state complaint for non-compliance with the IEP. My son’s teacher and aide are not familiar with autism. He sits in the corner of the room and does Continue Reading →
The 3 Ps of Preparation for IEP Team Meetings
How do I prepare for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting? There is a simple way to prepare for IEP Team Meetings. I call it the “Three Ps of Preparation.” Continue Reading →
I Don’t Understand Why the School Won’t…
Can you tell me if I have any rights? Here is my issue: potty training. My daughter is 8, non verbal and developmentally delayed. She wants to be potty trained. Continue Reading →
Doing the Work Will Get the Results!
I’ve been writing my column, Doing Your Homework, for many years. Parents and teachers ask questions. Sometimes they don’t agree with my answers. Often, they aren’t willing to do the Continue Reading →
