Ask your school for EDUCATION
It has been a full year since I took my child out of an unsupportive environment and accepted that every educator does not have my child’s best interest. It was a painful period for many reasons. First, I trusted the school, Second, I selected a school that I get shared my Christian principles and it disappointed me, Third and most importantly my child lost her safety net.
I have been advocating for children for many years now, but I was lulled into a false sense of security. I thought I fought hard enough and understood the law enough to protect my child, but that wasn’t true. When it came down to it, I was a confused and very sad mom dealing with a new normal and harsh reality. I had to explain this to my family and friends who could not console me and the anger on all fronts was overwhelming.
I do not believe in retaliation and I spend little time on changing opinions not based in facts. So, although we are still healing from this period -this is what I would say to other parents.
Know your rights
Ask what the difference is between and Individual Education Plan and a 504 plan.
Ask what a Functional Behavioral Assessment and a Behavioral Intervention Plan is.
Ask- what are the qualifications of those making these plans and decisions.
Ask if the district follows the School District’s policies.
Ask if you are entitled to a private educational plan.
You do not have to sit in a room and just listen. You have the right to disagree and actively ask for a second opinion. In every other aspect of your life you get differing opinions. Before you make any decision read your procedural safeguard, which outline your rights and take your time!
See “School Committee of the Town of Burlington v. Department of Education of Massachusetts.” Oyez, www.
20 U.S.C. 1415(b)(1), Procedural Safeguards and 34 C.F.R. 300.502(b)(1) (2005), Independent Education Evaluation.
