Now that you have read Ch. 1, Ch. 2, & the Alabama Special Education Code, you should have a strong idea about how we begin determining special education eligibility. While it can be a lengthy process, following the basic procedures will help you to provide appropriate services. In a well thought out statement, explain two things you learned from your readings and two things that all parents need to know.
Parents need to know that they have rights for their child. When there is an IEP meeting for their child, it is not a courtesy that they are being invited to the meeting. The parents are required to attend meetings where their child's special needs is discussed. The parents should also know that they have rights outside of the school. If they do not agree with the school's decision to put their child in a special needs classroom, they have the right to have their child assessed outside of the school system.
ReplyDeleteThe two things I learned are: that there is such a thing as over representation in special education, and I learned a great deal about the TEP process in our reading.
ReplyDeleteI think one thing parents need to know is that all teachers are not out to get you or to punish your child. We HAVE to be an advocate for your child. Another thing that parents need to know is that while the TEP meeting may be overwhelming, it is for the betterment of your child.
The two things that I learned in this reading were that the parents must be informed of the decision to have an evaluation and placed in special education before it happens. The second thing I learned was reinforcement of the minority of the overrepresentation. The reason for the different processes and different tiers are to help prevent this.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I learned from the Alabama Special Education Code today was that you can have a student reevaluated before the actual reevaluation is due if the parent consents. I also refreshed my memory on the policy of holding IEP meetins and making decisions when a parent will not respond or come to a meeting. One thing I think parents should know is that it is extremly important for them to attend all meetings concerning their child, IEP meetings and FBA and BIP meetings, because the decisions that are made are important and the school personelle needs their support. Also I wish parents understood that even though their child has an IEP it doesn't mean they can just skip to the next grade without doing the work, the student still has to put in the work to pass the grade.
ReplyDeleteI learned that students can qualify for services for both academic and behaviorial reasons. I also learned that intervention is a key to avoid disproportionality and overrepresentation. Also, parents should know that not all students are eligible for services and that there is alternatives for those students who are not identified as disabled pursuant to the code. Parents should be told exactly why their student was not identified as disabled and be recommended steps to take to receive help for their child.
ReplyDeleteParents should know that their child, like all children, are entitled to a "free appropriate public education". Parents must realize that what is "appropriate" is the best learning envrionment, or the least restrictive envrionment, for their child, which could mean a regular education classroom, a pull-out program, or some other form of education that is determined in co-operation with the parents, teachers, and other specialists. They should know that as parents, they should be involved in all aspects of their child's education, and ensure that the needs of the child are being met.
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