How do you ensure IEP students have a well-written plan? First, we have to make sure the school district is not going to lengths to block your child from the free, appropriate, public education to which they are entitled. From my own experience as a parent and as an advocate for special education, I have seen an absurd number of deliberate attempts to block education supports and services. Obstructionist school districts come and go. One year they will be great, and then staff changes cause them to suddenly become difficult. Dealing with this type of district requires significant negotiation skills and deep knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations regarding special education.
What happens if I do not possess the knowledge of state and federal regulations to deal with my obstructionist school district? Is my student stuck with a bad IEP until we leave the school?
Absolutely not! One way to encourage a school district to have a discussion instead of stonewalling you is to bring an experienced advocate to one of your IEP meetings. Your advocate is intimately familiar with what school districts are and are not allowed to say regarding whether they will provide services and supports for your child. After we break down the barriers the school district has tried to set up, it is possible to open a dialogue that has a much greater likelihood of success. It also enables parents to express their concerns about their child’s education.
With the IEP team listening to your concerns and suggestions, crafting a well-written IEP follows a specific process and contains a myriad of details pertaining to your IEP student’s education. It will list their strengths and their areas where they need additional support. With this information listed, it is possible to create a plan that focuses on getting your IEP student the support they need.
Remember: students need well-written IEPs in order to achieve educational success. If you believe that the IEP is not helping your child get the education that she/he/they deserve, call an IEP meeting! The school district must hold the meeting with 30 days of receiving notice. This meeting is a great time to get revisions to the IEP that help your child.
A student needs a powerful IEP document to provide a valuable blueprint for them to learn and get the services necessary to learn.
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