Are you the parent of a child with autism or another disability, that thinks your child should be in another placement, other than a regular classroom. Have you been told by special education personnel, that they only offer inclusion for children, and you feel that your child needs more intense special education services? This article will explain continuum of placement options, which is part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). By knowing the law, you will be able to more effectively advocate for your child’s education.
Continuum of placement option is in IDEA at 300.115 This section “Requires each public agency to ensure that a continuum of alternative placements (including instruction in regular classes, special classes, special schools, home instruction, and instruction in hospitals and institutions), is available to meet the needs of children with disabilities for special education and related services.”
This means that school districts can not only offer inclusion, to children with disabilities. If your child needs more intense educational services, they must offer those also. The continuum could mean more “supplementary aids and services in the regular education environment,” more resource help, special education classroom, special education school etc.
Some school districts use a cooperative type system, where several school districts go together to provide special education services. The bottom line is, that special education personnel are responsible for giving your child a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
If your school district is not giving, your child FAPE, there is a provision in IDEA to place your child in a private school, and seek reimbursement. IDEA requirements are very strict in this area, if you do not follow them, you may lose reimbursement. Make sure you understand what the law says, before you remove your child and place them in private school. The school district will probably file for a due process hearing, to prove to a hearing officer that they are giving your child FAPE. If you are able to prove your case, the hearing officer will require the school district to reimburse you for the private school costs.
School districts are required to give children with disabilities a continuum of placement options to meet their unique educational needs. By understanding this concept you can fight for the education that your child needs, and deserves.
By: JoAnn Collins
Posts Tagged ‘Education Classroom’
Special Education – 3 Benefits Your Child Could Receive From an Inclusive Placement
October 30th, 2009
Are you considering an inclusive placement for your child with autism,
or learning disabilities? Would you like to know what benefits, your
child with a disability could gain by being in an inclusive placement?
This article will discuss what inclusion is, and what positive things
your child can receive, from an inclusive placement. Remember,
inclusion is not for every child with a disability, but it is an
option.
Inclusion is a type of placement that is available, for any child with
a disability. The education takes place in the regular classroom. This
could be a full time inclusive placement or a part time, whatever your
child needs to benefit from their education.
3 Benefits:
1. In an inclusive setting, your child will have access to the regular
education curriculum. What this means, is that your child will
hopefully receive the same educational instruction, as children
without disabilities. Parents and special education personnel, should
have high expectations for children with disabilities, and access to
the regular education curriculum may be what the child needs.
2. In a inclusive setting, your child will also receive district wide
and state testing. This testing will bring about accountability for
your child, and will also help you understand if they are not
learning, and need a more intense placement. Keep copies of all
district and state wide testing, in case a dispute occurs between
yourself and school personnel.
3. In an inclusive setting, your child will have a greater access to
children without disabilities, which will help them develop
appropriate social skills. Children with disabilities have the right
to be educated with children without disabilities, to the maximum
extent appropriate.
Remember, that if your child is in a regular classroom, they have the
right to supplementary aids and services, that will help them benefit
from a regular education classroom. These could be anything that your
child needs; a classroom assistant, and individual assistant, shorter
assignments, shorter tests, etc. These supplementary aids and services
will help your child succeed in a regular classroom.
By understanding what benefits your child can receive from an
inclusive placement, you will be better able, to make an informed
decision about placement. What is most important is what placement
your child needs in order to learn.
By: JoAnn Collins
New Teacher Tips – How to Set Up a Special Education Classroom
October 22nd, 2009
If your child is in a special education class, it is imperative that several things should be in order in order to maximize the learning conditions and subsequently their achievement.
In order to facilitate the learning, the classroom should have a special desk arrangement. Desks should be arranged in rows in order to minimize the amount of distractions caused by group and paired learning.
Another way to cater to the various levels is to set up a learning center around various stations that allow for hands-on fun or educational experiences depending on the educational background of the student. Learning centers should also provide a variety of activities and themes which ultimately makes the learning purposeful.
An additional set-up arrangement is to put the teacher’s desk in front of the class which allows for individual eye contact and body language.
In some special education classrooms, restroom facilities are located within the classroom. However, not all special education are set up in this way. However it can be a consideration should other arrangements be unsatisfactory.
As a new special education teacher, you’ll want a classroom setup that encourages an effective engagement with minimal distractions. With children who need to deal with special learning adjustments, try for a new setup that is not too overwhelming for him/her to function. You’ll want to also maintain control with the rest of the class as well.
Consider the kinds of activities that are systematic enough to help these kids thrive under a minimal number of classroom arrangement. Kids do not thrive well under too many unanticipated situations.
So what are you waiting for? Try it!
By: Dorit Sasson
