504 Plans certainly have their place in our education system. After all, they guarantee access to a student's education, even when a disability may be prohibiting access. What's unfortunate is that I see too many 504 Plans being handed out to pacify parents and avoid IEP evaluations. Or, when a 504 plan is warranted, it's| A Day in our Shoes
The special education system is rigged against parents. It's not your imagination. It is not an even playing field. Lately, I've been feeling very deflated. I have written to several people I know in this field to reach out for help, reach out for ideas. Anyone who knows me, you know, I really try to| A Day in our Shoes
You met, you documented, you collected data and have an IEP that you feel hopeful about. Then, it's not being followed. It's a common parent complaint. Your school, teacher or IEP team is not following the IEP. In non-compliance. Whatever the reason, your IEP is not being followed. Here are some steps that you can take| A Day in our Shoes
Can students be excluded from field trips for behavior? Imagine this--your school is planning a field trip. But, they call you and say 'Oh, I'm| A Day in our Shoes
When Your School Calls CPS Sometimes I hear the stories and think 'How, how did we get here?' And, many times I've seen a parent| A Day in our Shoes
Mediation, meee--deee-aayyy-shun! I'm singing that in the Cat in the Hat tune. Have you seen that episode where he sings about hibernation? Well, that's what| A Day in our Shoes
Not only is IEP placement one of the most debated topics among parents, it's also one of the most contentious issues you will have with| A Day in our Shoes
IEE stands for Independent Education Evaluation. It is a provision of IDEA, listed in the Parents' Rights Booklet, or Procedural Safeguards. This will explain what an IEE is, how to obtain one, who pays for the IEE and what happens with the Evaluation Report from an Independent Evaluator. Last week I had a phone chat| A Day in our Shoes