Wrightslaw: From Emotions To Advocacy - Success Stories - How I Got the School to Change My Son's Program & Placement

How I Got the School to Change My Son's Program & Placement
by Debbie from New York

Note: Debbie has a 7 year old son with autism. This article includes three letters: one from Debbie about her 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.

July 5

Dear Wrights,

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.

Fortunately, there is just such a teacher/room in our district. I approached the CSE chair about this concern. He told me that which teacher Kevin has is completely out of the CSE's hands because Kevin is in a "regular ed" program. Over the last 3 months, I met with Kevin's (then) teacher, the elementary school principal, the district superintendent, and the Board of Education. All refused to place Kevin in the visual program, instead deferring to the recommendation of his teacher for this year.

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.

The Board president commented on how well written it was. He described it as "superb." And I have it on tape.

We do not know what the future will bring. I cannot foretell what a hearing officer will do.

But I know that our chances are much better because I had and used the excellent information you have so generously provided. I will keep you informed.

July 6

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 organized your son's file. You educated yourself about test scores and the kind of program he needs in order to learn.

You made a clear request in writing about what you want (many parents have a hard time with this step, they know the child's program is not working but they do not know what to suggest).

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

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.

On Thursday, July 9, the district superintendent called me and said the district was "not interested in pursuing an impartial hearing."

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.

I feel we gave the district a way to change position yet still save face (their lawyer made them do it). It can be characterized as a "win-win" solution.

Thanks again for all your great suggestions and advice.

Debbie

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