Advocate Mommy

It may sound weird but I truly love our IEP experience.  It wasn't always that way, in fact it was quite the opposite.  I would be knotted up with anxiety and anger and go in expecting the absolute worst.  But now, even when there are disagreements I love the meetings and the process.   What changed?   First my attitude.  It took a lot of effort to go in expecting collaboration and desirable outcome.   Second my communication.  I learned to talk directly to the teachers when I had questions or concerns rather than wait for a scheduled meeting or going to administration.   Third I learned to ask for "special treatment"...for instance my son's school procedure was to tell you your classroom assignment on meet the teacher day which was the day before the first day of school.  I respectfully sent an email to the principal and VP explaining that my son had an IEP and I'd love to pass along my information to his teacher and if she is available...

Between progress reports and before your IEP meeting its a good idea to give your IEP a check up.  Using this chart you can do a simple look over to see if things are kosher.   Do you have questions about the IEP?  If so (right this second) email the special education teacher.  Do you have concerns about the IEP?  If so (right this second) email the special education teacher.  After emailing the teacher if you are still feeling lost? contact me, I can help Do you think things are looking fine but not completely confident in your knowledge of the document?  contact me, I can help with that too. Grab a copy of this chart here

Take a look at your child's IEP goals.  Do they prepare your child for further education, employment and/or independent living? Do you remember asking your teacher "when are we ever going to need this in real life"?  Learning how to use a graphing calculator helped complete my high school math requirements (ie further education).  Learning how to add and subtract help me figure out my finances and understand what I can afford at the store.  Cooperative learning helped me in my career.  There are some curriculum goals though that are not necessary for further education, employment and independent living.   Counting coins.  Is this a good skill to learn in second grade...sure why not.  Is understanting the value of coins an appropriate IEP goal?  No.  Can you get through your education without knowing a dime is worth 10c?  Yes, you may miss a few questions on a test but in the long run it won't effect your education.  Can you get...