generalparenting

Individualized Education Plan. If you are not positive and I mean %100 positive that your child will need this for the long haul consider this option carefully!

My son has been homeschooled for three years and returned to public school not to long ago. When he was in public school before he was tested for special education services and received an IEP ( Individual Education Plan). He received assistance in reading and writing. He was reading less than 1/3 of his grade level and needed a lot of help.

Now that my son is exiting homeschooling things have changed. My son started out as a child who struggled over Dick and Jane books and is now reading full chapter books like Maximum Ride, Vampire Kisses, Charlie Bone, and several.. I do mean SEVERAL other ones. He zips right through them. When he gets a book that catches his interest he can finish it in a matter of days. Homeschooling greatly improved his reading skills.

He is almost at grade level for his writing and his math. I admit his spelling could use a little work but it’s no worse than my daughters and she isn’t in special education. I went to the school about his IEP hoping she would tell me that he no longer needed services. That was NOT what I got.

I walked into the tiny classroom and the Special Ed teacher greeted me. She started right away saying that my son needed Special Education for his reading. I strongly disagreed, pointing out when he was tested at the other school he was only a few words a minute behind grade average. She insisted. I would not let up. I know my son doesn’t need these services and do NOT want him taking a step back just to appease a teachers ego.

Finally it took his regular teacher to interupt the battle saying she has seen no problem with my son reading books of grade level and above. She also noted that he is easily comprehending the books he is reading. I knew that! I tried to explain that to this ridiculous Special Ed teacher. And she wouldn’t listen.

The teacher was standing behind me. Not nearly as boldly as I was but she agreed with me all the same. Even with that this teacher, who was infuriating me, stood there trying to convince me that he needs these services. I’m coming to find it isn’t easy to get out of the system once he is in.

I finally told her that he would NOT be in Special Education this year for reading. If she wants to test him for Math or Writing that would be fine with me but he is NOT to be in Special Ed for reading. I don’t think she expected me to stand strong. My guess is that not many people challange her suggestion. She seemed shocked that I would not give into her. I have been teaching my child for three years, THREE YEARS, I think I know his capabilities! This school has no idea what they are dealing with when it comes to what kind of education my child is going to get. I’m afraid for them, this is going to be a rude awakening the remainder of the time he is there.

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