Special Education Parents have many questions as the new school year starts. Below we will answer 2 key questions and ask a 3rd.
1- My child has an IEP (Individual Education Plan). Are the services in the plan guaranteed for this year?
Answer -- contractually they are, but with the budget realities, schools may try and reduce services. We strongly encourage parents to check their child's IEP, make sure your child's teacher has a copy, and make sure any issues are surfaced ASAP
2- When we are doing a new IEP, the school may try and keep the goals the same, but reduce services. Is there a good response>
Answer -- Yes. If the services suggested will not allow your child to achieve their goals make that point, You do not have to sign the IEP and you can send the school a letter that says the proposed IEP does not provide the services required to achieve the goals and ask for a meeting with a higher official. Parents need to be realistic this year and we will need to work together to protect our ESE kids
3- The 3rd and most important question is the one you want to ask -- we strongly encourage you to send your questions to questions@3dlearner.com and we will try and respond
Mark Halpert is the Co-President of the Learning Disabilities Association of Florida, Parent Advocate for the National Center for Learning Disabilities and a parent of two children who had learning disabilities. Mark's full time job is director of 3D Learner, an organization that helps smart struggling students to succeed -- whether they are Special Education or not