A free newsletter by BJ Madewell
DIAGNOSIS ADD ADHD Now What?
Published 10th, 20th & 30th of each month
PLEASE SEE DISCLAIMER AT THE END OF THIS DOCUMENT!
APRIL 10, 2003
It's A PLAN
As an Inter-related elementary special education teacher, this time of year, I am snowed under with IEP (Individual Educational Plan) meetings. It's time to revamp, rewrite, review, think over, and adjust IEPs for students.
Depending on the placement date, IEPs are "due" one year after the initial placement date. However, in many cases, the IEP needs to be revisited at the end of each school year, in my opinion.
I'm anticipating 9 that's NINE such meetings between now and the end of the school year.
Each IEP takes me roughly 3 hours to write. It is impossible (for me) to complete this concentration intensive procedure during the regular school day. My allotted planning time is filled making daily/weekly educational plans for each individual student to be sure the goals on their current IEP are met.
Are you ready to give me a "pity party"?
My newsletter today is not to ask for sympathy -- even though an email from you to motivate me to spend about 27 hours completing this task would sure be nice!
click here to email me BJ Madewell
Jokes are
greatly appreciated.
Please put Pity Party in the subject line.
I would like to remind general education teachers, parents, administrators and other special education staff that the IEP is A PLAN . It is a plan to assist students but it is ONLY A PLAN.
When an IEP is written, those on the team are charged with predicting the needs, rate of success, and amount of time necessary to complete goals as drafted.
IT IS A PLAN. A plan can be altered if need be. Those on the IEP team apply their own expectations, expertise and experiences to the PLAN. Each point of view is valid. The IEP is an informed guess, but still essentially a guess. Be tolerant with those on the team trying to make predications required on an IEP.
General education teachers, parents and students have the right/obligation to provide input for THE PLAN. The special education teacher and General Education teachers are charged with implementing THE PLAN. If a new or unknown procedure is suggested and approved by the team, training must be provided so the IEP can be implemented properly.
IT'S YOUR CHOICE
An IEP is A PLAN . Like any plan, it may be tremendous, or terrible.
Be open to fine-tuning the IEP more than once a year.
Any member of the team can call for a meeting to discuss IEP issues. ANYTIME!
PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE
When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only. Much of the information is from classes and workshops I've taken AND GIVEN during my 30+ years of working with ADD & ADHD students - sprinkled with my own comments, thoughts and insights.
Some information is acquired from the INTERNET. Be aware that not all information on the WWW is accurate. Use your own judgment. This information is not intended to replace information from your doctor, therapist, lawyer, psychologist, nutritionist or psychiatrist. Consult your child's (or your own) doctor for additional input.
Editor: BJ Madewell
Wichita, KS area
316-733-9532
FAX not available
Email ADDchoices@aol.com or ADDchoices@yahoo.com
