IEP Special Ed Frustration Santa Clara

One of the most frustrating issues about special education is having to work within the system. The system itself is rarely the problem however. It is most often how a school district uses the system to their own advantage by ignoring the parts they want to and cherry picking the laws that work to their advantage. This is where schools fail students miserably. It is also what drives families into due process.

After being in the special ed advocacy world for years, it is very easy to spot districts that operate like this. Their misbehavior is often oblivious to them. When questioned about their approach to particular situations, they will state “this is how we have always done it.” Some districts bring attorneys to IEP meetings as a means of intimidation. And often is works. Collaboration can be very difficult with these types of districts.

We parents really want to trust those people who have such an impact on our children’s lives. But unfortunately that trust can be, and is, broken repeatedly sometimes. The trust is that the district is acting in the best interest of the student and not in their own financial interests. Districts can not ever mention money when discussing what is appropriate for a student…..so they misconstrue or deliberately ignore certain federal laws so that the IEP process is not done accurately or with fidelity.

All of this is what can drive a family to due process. It can be a very emotional journey and is not for the faint of heart. Part of the job of an advocate is to help prepare a case for due process by making sure there is as much documentation as possible.

The moral of the story? When dealing with a district that continually blocks progress of both the student and the IEP development, get help.

Hire an advocate. Learn your rights.

http://www.aspireadvocacy.com

https://www.facebook.com/aspireadvocacy

As parents, we understand, As advocates, we can help.