Is there anyone out there who is dealing with the school districts so called Individualized Educational Plan?

Question

Can anyone help/or relate ?single mom in S.F. deeply upset with how poorly underqualified and /or unorganized special education educators and adminstators are handling the service plans and allowing classrooms to flounder in CRISIS MODE with EmmotionallyDisturbed/andor,Bipolar,&ADHD CHILDREN,literally falling through the abyss.Bright caring and creative yet troubled are systematically overlooked and underfunded,while the generally stable population is recieving more enrichment tools,monies, and Qualified teachers.In particular that the underpriviliged children in SFUSD SPECIAL ED. rarely get exercise ,no exposure to music and the arts lack of adult supervision and input unless they behave negatively, no field trips,Fewer and fewer reasons to engage in school constructively..AND tons of bullying aggressive bx between peers, the normalization of violence and disrespect is scary So sad to see the children who need extra: love care,patience,planning , coping skills, being forgotte

Answer 1

I used to be a teacher. USED to be. All the paperwork required, especially IEP paperwork, took so much of my time that I barely had time to think about individual children. I set my basic plans for the week and tweeked them as needed each day, but there just wasn't enough time to plan for each and every child every second of the day. It's not the teacher's fault, or the school's fault, or the parent's fault. It's everyone's fault.

There are "good" and "bad" teachers out there, but they get squeezed just the same. Parents expect the teacher to spend extra time with their kid, administration expects the teacher to get more work done, faster and with less money and fewer supplies. The public, in general, wants a better education for their community but refuses to fund it.

What can you do about it? Don't get mad, get active! Being a single parent, you probably don't have much time, but try to make a little. Call the teacher and see what you can do to help. Maybe volunteer one day a month in the classroom and see if you can get other parents to do the same. Help prepare supplies for a lesson. Organize a field trip and a fundraiser to pay for it. Find local organizations to donate for the field trip. Maybe other classes at the school would be willing to help also.

The last year I taught, my class organized a fund raiser for our field trip and end of year party. We had enough to invite the special ed. class to join us so they could have a field trip too. The point is that there are tons of things you can do to help.

You posted the question which makes me believe you care enough to help and will find a way. Good luck!

Answer 2

I know that when it seems like you against a huge system, there is little you can do. But quite to the contrary, having a child on an IEP entitles you to many rights and procedures.

If you have a concern that your child is not receiving and appropriate education, you should first call for a meeting of the IEP team. This is your legal right and they MUST initiate the meeting with the case manager, a regular education teacher and an administrator. This would be the venue to first announce concerns, document the meeting and any agreed on solutions--the district must also provide this at some point after the meeting. If a decision is made that you disagree with, it is your legal right to appeal this in multiple stages.

Also, keep in mind that if you believe there is a problem within the classroom, it is more than reasonable to request to spend a day in the classroom(s). This may help you understand the venue or help you document serious lapse in judgment or responsibilities.

If the problem still persists, you contact the district's director of Special Education. Once again, bring your documentation and reintroduce the problem. If they are unwilling to act or make changes, you may contact your state's Department of Education, they have formal procedures for evaluation of complaints as well as researching their merit.

Now here is where it can get mighty sticky for a district, the Department of Ed (usually) is a harsh entity, gun-ho on enforcement and protocol. Districts can be legally sanctioned for not following decrees of the Department of Ed, especially when it comes to Special Education. Multiple complaints can bring about a series of painful and continuous file reviews, procedure updates, and observations by the state (all of which are horribly inconvenient and time-consuming).

I know that this answer is quite involved but as a parent, you want to make sure that you have moved through all of the appropriate channels and make it appear as though the district has been given the reasonable chance to meet your child's needs. Doing so will solidify your position, especially upon review of the higher beings.

Another option is to document all of your misgivings about the district's actions. Research other schools or institutions that have good track records and word of mouth from parents of children with the same needs as yours. Then, request an IEP meeting and be an advocate for your student and yourself and suggest this school, highlighting the miscues of the current district and the track record of the other. If the IEP team agrees to the placement, they are responsible for the cost of the school AND the transportation. However, make sure that the team's (of which you are a part) comes to this decision, because if they can say that it was only you wanting to pull your child to the new placement, then you are responsible for all costs.

And finally, if you are dissatisfied with your school district, take charge, run for a school board seat. There is nothing more proactive than a parent who has a hand in the system. Changes can be easier to initiate from the inside.

In closing, IEPs are something is there to assist your child. These plans are created to give your student the education they legally deserve regardless of any mitigating factors.

Good luck.

Answer 3

There are many excellent spec. ed teachers out there who need your help as a parent. The more involved you become with your child's education the more you will see what is being done. Aside from the fact that most teachers are overworked and underpaid, there are many out there who are doing a great job. You need to find them. YOu may be in a poor district that does not see special ed. as a priority. As for the music and art - demand that your child have the same art and music teachers as the rest of the school population.
With the help of other parents and getting more involved you could make a big difference. The IEP that you speak of is only a guide that tells any teacher what they must do to teach your child. Make sure your child's teacher knows that IEP - yes, you have to be THERE all the time in one way or another.

Answer 4

I agree with some of these answers. I am a special education teacher. I see first hand all of the "busy work" that we must do instead of teaching. Yes, Individualized Education Plans are an important tool, but there is too much paperwork to deal with instead of actual instruction. I would say that about 50% of my time is direct instruction. This is a sad statistic, but it is the best that I have been able to achieve when required to upkeep the paperwork.

I also agree that it's EVERYONE'S responsibility to educate the kids. Most parents believe that kids learn in school. Yes, that is true; but they also learn at HOME! With all of the new fangled programs out there that we are forced to do (anti-bullying, anti-drug, anti-smoking, etc.), we are losing instructional time. These issues should be dealt with by the parents--these are VALUES! Our society is on the decline because we have no values anymore! What little values the kids do have, they get from school. That's just not right!

I think that schools are overfunded. Yes, we don't have enough books or materials. The money is spent on top-heavy administration salaries. I mean, seriously, why do schools need an assistant to the assistant of technology?!?!

If you feel the IEP is being violated, you need to get your Procedural Safeguards packet out (you can request one from the school, but you should've gotten one at the IEP meeting) and contact a parents' rights advocate for advice and assistance.

Answer 5

Wow, that's sad. I'm in San Jose and have a good team of teachers, but I HAVE to fight CONSTANTLY for my daughter. If I just am working with my daughter at home, the teachers stop caring, so I have to make some phone calls, make sure everything is going well, and keep communication up. It's like if they think I don't care, then they don't. So I have to continiously show them that I'm at home and I'm an active part of my daughter's education.

Right now, the math is a major issue. They just have her in an algebra class without any help at all... it's so close to the end of the school year, I'm just going to let this pass, but she has summer school and next year, I'll be able to nip this problem in the bud (however the saying goes).... so it's not all perfect.

Does Parents Helping Parents go up to San Francisco? I believe they do. If you have a child, they should be able to help or maybe if you are an advocate, you can volunteer somewhere to help.
I've seen them have classes as far as Burlingame.

http://www.php.com

Best to you

Answer 6

Hi,
My brother had early onset bi-polar ( his HS experience was in the 80's). So much has changed since then, but my mother felt bullied by the school system, ( and smoke and mirrors was often a tool as well).
I dedicated my life to Spec.Ed partially because of my mother's experience. My brother is brilliant, and went through so much unneccessary mental anguish at the hands of the school system.I can tell you that I absolutely LOVE my job, and am surrounded by so many caring and effective teachers. The problem is this..... $. -They have it and don't want to spend it if they don't have to.They have a budget that must be approved, and they dont want to have to cut something else out.
Bottom line:
IF YOU FIGHT AND BE A SQUEAKY WHEEL, YOU WILL GET OIL. I have witnessed life changing decisions being made BASED on whether a parent will kick up dust or not.KICK UP DUST AND BE A HUGE PAIN IN THE ***. Research the BEST school for your child and demand that he be placed there. Get an advocate. Memorize Parents Right's in Special Ed....and USE it. Allude to (Don't out and out threaten....but turn the smoke and mirrors back on them) to go due process,need be. They will want you to go away, so they will make you happy so you do. ( And your child will have a better experience because of it, and a better life.) Hope this helps. Thanks for being and AWESOME parent.

Answer 7

I understand exactly what you mean. I was a special educator, but it seemed like I was the only one fighting for my 'kids' at times. The key seems to be finding the teacher and school that truly cares for your child. They are out there and I have been fortunate enough to be a part of it. There is a process in which a person from the state department can come in and look at you child's education and hear your concerns (In my state it is called due process). There are also parent advocates in my state. The state department of ed. for you state should have a special education link on its website. Read everything you can and fight for your child. I will tell you that the school may only be able to offer your child a free appropriate public education - you will hear this I am sure!

Answer 8

Special education across the country is taking a hit. Our schools are woefully unprepared for the soaring nubers of children with developmental issues...and very few schools have any serious experience or programs for children with severe emotional/mental health issues like early onset bi-polar. The honest truth is, if your child is bi-polar, he may be better served if you direct your efforts into getting the school to pay for placement in an appropriate day school where the teachers and admin have extensive experience dealing with these kids. I have worked with several parents with bi-polar children and have yet to see a placement that held or was healthy for the child. Integration will take an exceptional teacher, support from the school, easy access to a psychologist and a lot of parental support. Most of the classes for the kids with emotional/mental health disorders focus more on life skills than academics...not the best since most kids with these issues have average to above average intelligence. I would talk with an advocate, bring in every piece of documentation you have and get a meeting to immediately re-asses your child's placement. My dream is that one day all our kids can get appropriate edcuation in a public school, but until that time, we have to fight for the best options.

Answer 9

The people you have to get to rally are the parents, I had to fight for my daughter, not all parents fight for their child. Even after getting the services you have to make sure that the services mandated are given. I still have contact with my daughter's school and particularly her principal. I spent a half hour on the phone today setting up her schedule for next year, I had to make sure of what classes she was going to take and how her day would be structured. I had to remind them of the modifications for testing and gym. My daughter goes to a school for the learning disabled and is doing very well, but I still stay one top of things and if she needs my help insuring that she gets modifications in college I will. I hope that she'll feel old enough to advocate for herself. But if she doesn't either I or her older sister will be there for her,
Parents can't just put their child in school what ever school and than think that their part is over until it's time to go on to the next level. To many parents do that where in general education or special education.

Answer 10

I am a special education teacher and I also have a son labeled as EBD emotional/behavior disorder who has been diagnosed w/asperges syndrome (form of autism). I agree that the children need exposure to music and arts and field trips. I am 100% for inclusion which means that these children attend regular public schools and may have to be in a separate classroom at times. In KY the law says that the children must have available every opportunity that a child w/out a disability should have. Contact the local children's law center in your area. they are free and only advocate for children in an educational setting. Good luck and please keep me posted. signed a sp. ed teacher who is out to change the world :)