NOVEMBER 20, 2003
(Actually it's Nov. 22, but you're not keeping track are you?)
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!
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
It is imperative that you acquaint yourself with your rights as they pertain to special education. Parents must be aware of the laws. Parents need to know HOW to advocate for their child.
Lately, I've visited with two people via internet that are being
rooky-dooed by the school district their child is supposed to get special
education services from.
One mom, from the Midwest, has a son with obvious behavior issues. He's been suspended from school 7 times. It is appalling that he does NOT HAVE a behavior plan. When this mother calls the school, administrators are not available and do not return her calls. If she goes into the school, she feels school personnel actively ignore her and head in another direction.
Another concerned mom from the New York City school system is
being hornswaggled and bullied by her son's principal, vice-principal, teacher,
counselor, and special education director. This lady is well educated and has volunteered
in the schools for a number of years. Her son has ADD, is
diagnosed but "does not qualify for any program". The parents are
paying big bucks to go to an outside agency for testing because the school
district REFUSES to test their son. The principal had the audacity to tell
this parent "You need to take care of this. We are not paid to baby-sit
your son".
Both of these women have not studied their rights enough to know what their children are missing and how to go about rectifying the problem. I suggested they visit the Wrightslaw website.
Who do you talk to if you are dissatisfied with your child's program?
What is the "chain of command to follow? Can you really sue the school
district? Should you hire a lawyer?
Wrightslaw is the most comprehensive special education advocacy site on the Internet. To learn about your parental rights and your child's rights go to:
IT'S YOUR CHOICE
Get informed.
As a Post Script: Parents have the POWER to change things that are lacking or "wrong" in a school's special education department. Special Education teachers are NOT. When we realize general education teachers are not following the IEP, we have no recourse except to try to convince the teacher to do so. If that fails, we have to talk to the principal who may, or may not be able to help.
Additionally, special education teachers have "no say" in the number of students they are required to provide services to. Can you imagine having full responsibility for implementing IEPs for 27 students - including 15 pull out students needing individualized programs on Reading, Language Arts and/or Math in grades K-5? Just planning for these students takes up more than the allotted planning time.
Ok, I'm off my soapbox now....
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
Email ADDchoices@aol.com or ADDchoices@yahoo.com
