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Home > Success Story > How I Got the School to Change My Son's Program and Placement |
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How I Got the School to Change My Son's Program & Placement Note: In July, 1998, Debbie had a 7 year old with autism. This article includes three letters: one from Debbie about problems with the school that led to her request for a due process hearing; a quick letter from us; and a letter from Debbie after the school board agreed to grant her request that Kevin be placed in a different program and placement. Be sure to read to the end of the article where you will find an update on Kevin's success eight years later. July
5, 1998 My 7 year old son has autism. I have been trying to get the school district to change the placement they intend for Kevin next year. The help and advice from your web site has been invaluable. Kevin has been in a "regular ed." first grade. I requested standardized testing in reading and math this year. He tests a full grade level behind in both areas, yet his teacher describes the "good progress" he has made. I
knew that Kevin's progress next year would hinge on his placement in
a visually rich program. I consulted with an area education law attorney who sent a letter to request an impartial due process hearing. She said that my organization of the material, the fact that I had taped meetings and that I placed my concerns in clearly written, civilly phrased letters would make our case much stronger. (Thank you Pete & Pam!) At
the meeting with the Board of Education, I handed out my document, clearly
stated what I was asking from them, cited supporting test results and
quotes from meetings, and ended with the request for the change of placement.
We
do not know what the future will bring. I cannot foretell what a hearing
officer will do. July 6, 1998 Thanks for taking the time to write and update us. We often wonder what happens to families with whom we communicated. Your
situation shows what a big role parents can play if they know how to
go about it. You made good use of the advice in our book, From
Emotions to Advocacy. You taped the meetings. You wrote letters. You didn't make idle threats. When you ran into a brick wall at the lower levels, you made your case to the school board. Your letter will give other parents hope and a sense of direction when they wonder "what do I do?" - and the nudge they need to get started. Many thanks! Pam Wright July 14, 1998 Dear Wrights, The
school district received the letter requesting an impartial due process
hearing on Monday, July 6. On Wednesday, July 8 there was a Board of
Education meeting. I found out that the letter was brought to the board
after that meeting. In other words, we won. Kevin will be placed in the visually based class next year. I have already spoken to the teacher (she called me). She is enthusiastic about what she and Kevin can together accomplish next year. I'm
very glad we did not have to go through with the hearing although we
were prepared to do so if necessary. Thanks again for all your great suggestions and advice. Debbie August 29, 2007 Dear Wrights, Kevin is no longer 7. He is now a strapping and handsome young man of 16. Kevin's latest successes are the reason for this update. He has continued in an inclusive setting. When we moved to a new district 5 years ago, the preparation I was able to do with the new district brought wonderful results. The transition was very smooth. Then as the district started to see the benefits to all (district, Kevin and his peers) of effective inclusive education, things really came together. Last spring, Kevin took the New York State Regents test in Global History. I was told afterward by teachers that it was a particularly difficult test. Kevin scored 88. He is starting to make friends in his classes and is accepted in all of his classes. He reads chapter books for enjoyment. He tells us he has two books and three movies in his imagination. And you know what? I believe him! We are deep in transition, with college on the horizon. And much of this success started with my learning effective advocacy skills from you. Once again, thank you both. His is just one of the lives you have forever changed. March 29, 2009 I've been reading the questions and comments on the Wrightslaw Way blog. Once parents comprehend that their children (and they) have actual RIGHTS in the process, they gain confidence. Confidence reduces the need to be confrontational. Calm, professional, confident behavior puts parents on the equal footing that is so essential to true collaboration at special education meetings. A principal once asked me why I brought the state regulation book to every meeting. I replied that they were the rock on which I stood. He asked how long I was going to stand alone on that rock. My answer was immediate. As long as there was a storm raging around my son’s special education needs, the safe and sure rock was where I would stay. Note: Debbie continues to work as an advocate and as a trainer to both parents and professionals. Do
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