Wrightslaw
The
Special Ed Advocate Newsletter
December 10, 2002
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At Wrightslaw, we help you gain the information and skills you need to navigate the confusing world of special education. In this issue, we offer inspiration along with practical advice about letter writing and school meetings. Download printer-friendly version of this newsletter. The Special Ed Advocate newsletter is free - please forward this issue or the subscription link to your friends and colleagues so they can learn about special education law and advocacy too. Thanks! https://www.wrightslaw.com/subscribe.htm Flyers! Download and distribute your state Yellow Pages Flyer. 1.
"Pete
Wright is one of the Lucky Ones" "When Peter W. D. Wright was a sophomore in high school, a counselor told his parents that his learning difficulties made it 'unrealistic for Peter to attend college.' They were wrong. Pete Wright went to college, became an attorney, and successfully argued a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. It is doubtful this would have happened had Wright not received treatment for his learning disabilities." "Pete Wright is one of the lucky ones. When he was growing up in Washington, DC, learning disabilities were not well understood. This is changing. Today, parents of children with special education needs can turn to www.wrightslaw.com. "Peter Wright and his wife Pam have developed Wrightslaw.com, an internationally recognized organization about advocacy for children with special education needs. Through their website and two books, the Wrights have reached hundreds of thousands of people and helped to turn many lives around." Learn about Wrightslaw and meet Pete, Pam, Debra, and Traci in "Special Education Rights." 2. Parent Tips: Visiting the School You are the most important advocate for your child's education. You should feel comfortable visiting your child's school and examining the curriculum. Some things you may want to ask your child's teacher or principal: * May I see a copy of this school's report card? * May I see my child's test results? Please explain in what areas my child is improving and in what subjects she may need help. * What subjects does my child seem to enjoy the most? What can I do at home to reinforce and encourage that interest? * If my child needs extra help, what resources are available before or after school or on the weekends to make sure she gets the help she needs? These tips are from The Achiever, a newsletter published for parents and educators by the U. S. Department of Education. 3. Free Shipping & Autographed Books - Sale Ends Dec 20!
Get free shipping on any Wrightslaw book - save $4.95! Wrightslaw books make great gifts for friends, teachers, and child advocates! Your autographed book will come in a special holiday gift box. Info
about special sale - Internet
Orders - Fax,
Phone & Mail Orders 4. The Art of Writing Letters When you use tactics and strategies, you write letters to clarify events and what you were told. When you train yourself to write things down, you are taking steps to protect your child's interests. In this article you learn to use tactics and strategies when you write letters to the school. In The Art of Writing Letters, you learn about the Blame Approach and the Story-Telling Approach, the sympathy factor, first impressions, pitfalls, and the powerful decision-making Stranger. 12 Rules for Writing Great Letters If you have a problem with the school or concerns about your child's program, you must document your concerns in writing. This article includes twelve rules for writing letters, along with editing tips. 5. Sample Letters in From Emotions to Advocacy
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From Emotions to Advocacy. 6. Writing a "Letter to the Stranger" What is a "Letter to a Stranger"? When you write letters to the school, strangers will read your letters. Strangers will make many important decisions about your child’s education. What impression will your letter make on a stranger? Will the stranger see you as an angry, negative complainer? Will the stranger see you as a rational, thoughtful parent who is expressing valid concerns? When you write letters, keep this "stranger" in your mind’s eye. Who is the stranger? What does he look like? How does he think? Read "Letter to the Stranger" by Janie Bowman and Pete Wright. NOTE: This original “Letter to the Stranger” was posted on the CompuServe ADD Forum in 1994. Later, this article and other memorabilia from the ADD Forum was permanently archived at the Smithsonian Institute. 7. More About Paper Trails, Letters & Documents When you advocate for your child, you want to anticipate problems, negotiate for services, and avoid crises. If you have a dispute with the school, your letters are independent evidence that support your memory. Documents that support your position will help you resolve disputes early. Learn more about paper trails, letter writing, and how to manage your child's documents. 8. Subscription & Contact Info The Special Ed Advocate is a free online newsletter about special education legal and advocacy issues, cases, tactics and strategy, and Internet resources. Subscribers receive announcements and "alerts" about new cases, events, and special offers on Wrightslaw books. Subscribe Need Help? Visit the Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities. Link
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