Tag Archives: IEP

Bill Could Change Oklahoma State Testing Guidelines

A bill in Oklahoma could change some of the requirements of ACE. It is a test that all high school students must pass in order to graduate high school. Some feel that the test guidelines are inappropriate for students who have special needs because it does not take their IEP’s into account. Standardized testing can be a controversial topic. Many have qualms about the connection between school funding and the results of standardized tests. On the other side of the issue are people who believe that the only way to fairly test all students in a school, a district, or … Continue reading →

What Happened at Kyle’s IEP Meeting

Having a son with autism who is now a teenager means that, for me, IEP meetings are taken in stride. I drove up to the junior high school, parked, entered the building, and immediately saw Kyle waiting in the hallway by the office. A wide grin spread across his face when he saw me, and he began to stoop over and clap to himself. “Hello, Kyle!” I said, hugging him exuberantly. Then we went into the principal’s office, where Kyle’s special education teacher, principal, speech and language pathologist, and art teacher were waiting. (I have started to notice, interestingly enough, … Continue reading →

How to Prepare for Your Child’s IEP Meeting

Every child eligible for special education will have periodic Individualized Education Program meetings. (See my blog, “What in the World is an IEP?”) When it’s time for your child’s IEP meeting, you may have a lot of concerns. What questions should I ask? How will I know if the goals being presented are right for my child? When should I agree, and when should I disagree? As a parent, what role do I play at the meeting? Here are a few tips to help you prepare. 1. Spend some time prior to the meeting thinking about any issues that concern … Continue reading →

What in the World is an IEP?

Ionizing Electric Plug? Iced Eggnog Parfait? Impish Elf-like Person? No. In the world of special needs, you will become quickly familiar with the IEP, which stands for Individualized Education Program. What is an Individualized Education Program? In the simplest terms, it is a program or “plan” for your child’s education, put down on paper. The plan is put together in a meeting with you and the primary people involved in your child’s schooling. Your first IEP meeting should take place within 30 days of your child being determined eligible for special education. Once the program is put in place, it … Continue reading →

When You Disagree with Decisions Regarding Your Child’s Education: What to Do

Let’s say your child with ADHD is suspended from school for provoking another student. You’ve heard sketchy facts; you’ve spoken with your child, and the school administration has made their decision. You’re unhappy with the way they’ve handled the situation. What can you do about it? Or maybe you’ve been continually dissatisfied with your child’s educational placement. He is in a class with children of a much younger developmental age, and he seems bored and restless. What are your options? According to the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities, there are five ways, depending on the circumstances, for you … Continue reading →