First, the acronyms associated with special education law are numerous and confusing.  A brief history of special education law may help. In 1975 Congress passed what would become the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, sometimes called IDEA. The Act seeks to provide special education students with a Free Appropriate Public Education or FAPE. To ensure this goal is meet, schools must create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each special education student.

 

The IEP must emphasize special education and related services designed to meet your child’s unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living. This purpose should be at the heart of every IEP.

 

Second, tensions can develop during the IEP development process, but keep the following in mind: the teachers, principle, and school district want what is best for your child. Try not to fall into an “us versus them” attitude. The resistance you may be facing from the school has more to due with time restrictions and lack of resources than apathy for your child. Try your best to be understanding and keep the lines of communication open.

 

Lastly, know what you want, and why your child needs it. Be ready to back up what you are asking for with evidence of your child’s strengths and weaknesses, research based studies, or some other kind of credible evidence.

 

At a minimum you should hold the school accountable for what the law requires of an IEP. Here are some questions that an IEP should answer:

1) What is my child’s present level of performance/ability?

2) What are my child’s goals for this year?

3) How will those goals be measured, and how often?

4) What services and modifications will be provided for my child?

5) What kind of alternatives or accommodations will be made for district and state-wide tests like the WASL?

In the end, your child’s IEP should be a thoughtful, well-drafted document that reflects the hard work of the teachers, school, parents, and student. It is your child’s future. If you continue to have any problems or concerns with your child’s IEP, you may want to consider consulting with an attorney experienced in education law.