Just when we think we have seen it all . . . nope! A district goes and surprises us. Here are some more “creative” IEP comments we’ve heard from our local school districts, along with what it means for you and how you or your advocate can respond.
“We did not receive notice that you would be recording the meeting.”
I understand. Let me show you here, in the email on my phone or iPad, where I sent notice to you and the administrator.
“In the meeting notes, we do not have to include anything you said or anything we said that we wish we had not.”
Yes, you do. The meeting notes deserve as much time and attention as the other parts of the IEP. Why? No family wants to go to due process. If, however, the district becomes completely unreasonable, the family may have no choice. The meeting notes are an important part of due process that the hearing officer will review and pay careful attention to. You should as well.
“You are not allowed to modify or correct the meeting notes.”
Again, yes, you are. In a recent instance, the district refused to add a key item to the meeting notes. When gently pointed out that all team members have the right to add items to the meeting notes, the district then wrote something unrelated. At the point where they passed the attendance page around for signature, we handwrote on the document the statement that the district had made several times during the meeting.
“Badges, we don’t have to show you no stinkin’ badges!” or “We can make up policies that sound outrageous and/or intrusive, and say, ‘That’s just what we do.’ When pressed, we will add that it’s our usual and customary practice.”
You have the right to ask them to show you a copy of the policy—whether it’s a district policy, part of IDEA, or part of California Ed Code. If the district cannot produce it or repeatedly avoids giving a clear answer on whether they have a written policy, keep asking and document the answer (or lack thereof) in the meeting notes.
“Let me clarify what I really meant and/or the district’s position in the meeting notes.”
The district said some things that, once transcribed from the audio recording of the meeting, they apparently regretted. In response to our submission of their quotes directly from the transcript, we received a “here’s what I really meant” response. No, sorry, revisionist history will have to wait for the next IEP team meeting.
As parents, we understand. As trained advocates, we can help.