Help me get ready...

[camismom]

OK, I have a conferance with my daughter's teachers and the 6th grade guidance counselor next Thursday. I assume this is the first in getting going with a 504 for her. Help me know what I need to be prepared for this. I want to do this right...

[rosyred45]

I don't know that this will be much of a help, but during your conference, either jot down any questions that may arise, or any comments that you want to make.

With disscusing any plans last year, (a 504 was never initiated) for Mikey, I made certain to point out how WE deal with things at home. And of course, sometimes the teacher would say that's not possible. BUT thank goodness the principal went through it all with her son and informed the teacher that YES< some of it was possible.

I don't know what situation your is in, class size, middle/elementary school.....that may be part of the problem. But it could also be part of the solution.

If something tells you to agree or disagree, ask questions until you are comforable with the answers. It'll be nerve racking, but your the mom, you'll be fine, mom's always are!!!

Prayers are with you
Kaiti

[sierra]

My advice is not to sign anything the day of the meeting if it involves a 504 plan or IEP. Give yourself some time to think about it.

You might find afterwards that there were questions that didn't get answered or classroom accomodations you forgot to ask for.

Even if I think we accomplished everything I had in mind I always give myself a couple of cooling off days before signing things related to special ed and accomodations.

[Sorka]

go to www.tourettesyndrome.net and check out the advocacy tutorial it will be a big help!

[tridlette]

Sorka is absolutely right. The worksheets from the tourettesydrome site are invaluable. I used them for setting up my son's Gifted IEP and now our district supervisor of Gifted Ed. uses them for everyone!

also, another mom from the old site, Karate Mom, has a link to her district's intervention suggestions.

home.insightbb.com/~eisresources/files/Interventions%20Main.htm

I have incorporated several of them into our formal and informal plans for each of the kids.

Go into the meeting with your OWN agenda, take your own notes, and DON'T leave the meeting without a copy of their notes. Offer to wait while the copies are made!

I attended a lecture 2 weeks ago run by the director of Gifted Ed. in Pittsburgh Public Schools (also a parent). She gave us a handout called Ten Steps to Effective GIEP's (geared toward gifted, but easily adapted to 504 and IEP meetings)

I will quote:

Writing IEP's that truly reflect your child's needs and impact instruction can be challenging and time consuming. Parents can help by partnering with schools in this process. Assume your school is thrilled with your involvement, and thank them every chance you get for being so welcoming and open.

1. Assume your school is THRILLED WITH YOUR INVOLVEMENT.
2. Know your districts program and options.
3. Let the district know before the meeting
a. that you want to work together with them on the process and share your concerns with them.
b. that you are requestiong the presence of the regular ed. teacher at the IEP meeting.
c. that you will be expecting someone who can commit district resources to the implementation of your childs IEP to be PRESENT at the meeting.
4. Try to be flexible and patient. You may be breaking new ground!
5. Keep in mind that there are usually several different ways to accomplish the same thing. Districts will look the the LOW-Cost/No cost solutions.
6. Focus on the present levels of educational performance. They determine what weaknesses need to be addressed in the IEP.
7. Be sure the Annual Goals align with the present level and YOU fully understand them.
8. Be sure that Short Term Learning Outcomes align with the Annual Goals and YOU fully understand them.
9. Make sure you are clear on how and when progress will be MEASURED and REPORTED.
10. Support the "big picture" of the issues in the district and assume that you are helping the entire district by your willingness to work on your own child's IEP.
***

I have plenty of info. on this stuff, and can be contacted off the forum if there is anything specific I can help ANYONE with. The idea is to remember that the "I" is for individual and you are the one working with your child for his/her entire school career. Teacher and school administrators should invest in steel toed shoes because WE as parents, are going to step on toes when it comes to advocating for OUR children.

And perhaps the best line I came away from the conference prepared to use when a school employee says or does something so unbelievably stupid as to make you wonder what Cracker Jack Box they have been digging through: "I am sure that you didn't mean that the way it came out, because no one would REALLY say that and still have the audacity to pick up their paycheck!" and don't forget to smile sweetly delivering your remark!

I will be happy to scan documents and send an e-mail of topics I have on file if anyone needs. Just e-mail me directly at [e-mail]

Laurie