You may recall that I attended a special education law training recently. In this training session the leader gave a very comprehensive history of the law and the recent re-authorization, IDEA 2004. Before you think this law is 3 years old, keep in mind that the state educational agencies (SEAs) have had some time to enact the changes and make their state rules match the changes in IDEA 2004. Those changes are taking place now…by July 1, 2007. So, those of you seeking to know more about special education in your state should find out about... more

Ok…write this down on the top of your child’s special education file:

Special Education is a SERVICE; not a PLACE.

Special education is not a self-contained classroom, a broom closet or trailer out back of the school. It is not about riding the short bus or being sequestered away from the rest of the school. Special ed is NOT A PLACE.

Much of what needs to be changed about special education is attitude. Everyone’s attitude…teachers, administrators, parents, children... more

Under IDEA, schools are required to educate children in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) to the maximum extent possible. This means that children eligible for special education need to be educated in the classrooms with non-disabled peers as much as they can. Modifications and accommodations to allow that to happen should be a part of a child’s IEP.

LRE often means “mainstreaming” or “inclusion” – two buzzwords you are likely to hear at IEP meetings. This means that a child is placed in the school they would attend... more

If your child receives special education services, it’s important that you understand the basics of the law (IDEA) and some of the “rules of the game” so to speak.

The first concept you need to understand is that by law, through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), all children are entitled to a “Free, Appropriate Public Education” (FAPE). This means that special education and related services should be:

• Provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without... more

Part 1

Continuing on with the key provisions of IDEA that CAN NOT CHANGE:

5. Related Services: Related services shall be provided as determined needed by the individual child to allow the child to benefit from special education (speech therapy, occupational therapy, use of assistive technology are all examples of related services). 6. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Each child shall be educated, to the maximum... more

Along with the pollen, the blooming azaleas, the Easter eggs, spring is officially known as “IEP Season”. Nearly every child who receives special education services has their annual IEP slated in the spring to plan for the next year.

Confused, overwhelmed, nervous, anxious??? Well, you’re in luck because I attended an 8-hour special education training on Saturday that outlined the main points of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). And, as usual, I love to share what I learn the second I learn it. So here goes.

The... more

Now that IEP season is upon us, we all need a little levity. I ran across this post on one of my favorite blogs, the Special Education Blog. While usually this blog teaches me a great deal about the world of special education law, this time, it just warmed my heart and tickled my funny bone.

Something desperately needed if you're headed into an IEP meeting in the coming days...

ENJOY!

Here are some of the common obstacles, paraphrased from the Wrights’ book: -- lack of information (or inaccurate information). Don’t assume that information you are given from school personnel is accurate. Most school personnel are not steeped in special ed law, but instead have been trained specifically by their school system to follow in-house rules. Also don’t assume you have everything. Ask to see your child’s records, then go to the school and look at everything. Take your... more

The words jumped out from the page:

Do not waste your time and energy getting mad or thinking about how you can get even. If you are feeling sorry for yourself or brooding about injustice, contact your support group or call a special education friend.

Those are some pretty harsh words right there in the middle of Pete & Pam Wright’s From Emotions to Advocacy book. If you have a child receiving special education services, do yourself a huge favor and buy this book now…and... more