Help is available– and the law is on your side. Its promise is simple: Every child counts. Every child is entitled to an education. Every eligible child with a disability is entitled to a “special” education – one that confers “meaningful benefits.” That is what Congress has said. That is what the United States Supreme Court has said.
The law protects every child. The law protects you as your child’s parent.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) – Every special-education student must have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) developed by a team that includes parents, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals. An IEP establishes educational goals and describes the special services that will be provided to the student.
Due Process – Special-Education law provides many due-process hearing and appeal procedures.
“Section 504″Classroom accommodations are available to many students (K-12 and college) who have disabilities.
There are only five modes of communication that can lead to a disability; they are auditory, visual, verbal, nonverbal and tactical communication.
If your child’s disability is affecting their education, they may be eligible to receive services under the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation act of 1973. The IDEA requires public schools to locate and identify children with disabilities who may need specialized education. These children must “have available” to them a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs” 20 U.S.C. sec. 140(d). Children with disabilities must “to the maximum extent appropriate [be] educated with children who are not disabled” 20 U.S. C. 1412 (e)(5).
Many parents find themselves in a situation where their child is either struggling academically or having discipline problems in school. Often times, there maybe an unidentified disability causing these problem. If they do have a disability that is negatively affecting their education, they would likely benefit from special education services.
Special Education services may include:
Occupational therapy
Speech and language therapy
Resource specialist programs
Modification of the regular education programs
Special day classes
Non-public schools
Residential treatment, and many more.
If you believe your child will benefit from special education services call a professional. Your child only goes through their education process once, so give your child the best chance for the future by making sure they have the type of education that helps them learn and succeed. Nothing is more important to their future.
By: Paul Epstein
Posts Tagged ‘Individualized Education Plan’
Special Education – The Law is on Your Side
November 16th, 2009Goals And Objectives Creation For Special Education Students
October 15th, 2009
Planning and Placement Team Meeting continued…
What are goals and objectives?
Goals and objectives are the areas that your child will work on throughout the year in the classroom, with a special education teacher, a counselor or in some other way. Hey have to be monitored and measured. Monitoring can be through completion of tasks, teacher observation, etc. The measurement can be through grades, standardized tests or mastery of a task. Each goal and subsequent objectives has a page dedicated to it. Goals can be related to academics, self-help skills, behavior, counseling, etc.
How are goals and objectives created?
The team including yourself (the parent) will talk about your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Goals/objectives will reflect areas that a child needs assistance in. Any classes taken with a special education teacher will have their own set of goals/objectives. Depending on the age of your child, he or she may need transition goals from one school to the next or post-graduation Behavior goals are generally for mild behavior problems. Students with serious behavior issues generally have a behavior intervention plan made up separately from an Individualized Education Plan. Other goals may be added as necessary in terms of community participation, general education participation, self-help skills, etc. Children with Occupational, Speech or Physical Therapy needs will have goals related to these areas as well.
Who writes the goal page?
The special education teacher generally writes the goals and objectives with input from the team. Certain goals related to counseling, speech therapy, etc. would be written by the individuals providing the service.
Can a parent request certain goals/objectives?
Certainly. Most teachers will work with the parent in creating goals and objectives that both feel are appropriate and in the best interests of the child. Also, if there are goals or objectives that you feel are not needed or are inappropriate talk to the individual about it and see why it was created and discuss whether or not it is relevant.
By: Melissa A Gilbert
