Today was my son's *emergency IEP* and with much trepidation, I just wasn't quite sure what the outcome would be. But, I would have to say that it was very much a success and had a very positive outcome.
The items to be addressed were a) transportation b) 1 on 1 aid c) current needs and d) the 2007-2008 school year.
The *transportation part was a breeze. All the *i's* were dotted, and all the *t's* crossed, so we were good to go. Just waiting for the gal fr: the Trans. Dept. from the district to call!
Re: an *1 on 1 aid* was resolved by being able to have met at a happy medium. Although the 1-on-1 aid was my idea, the district was able to meet me and my son's teachers half way by given the approval for an additional aide to assist within the classroom for 2 hrs/every day. It surely didn't hurt to ask! So...I asked and we were able to meet at a place where the district could assist with current needs while putting some ease on my mind. I also thought I might ask if it would be out of the question to have a male aide be available. I certainly don't want to have any issues with gender discrimination, but I thought it might be helpful to have a male figure in the classroom. Again, it didn't hurt to ask. It was written in the addendum to the IEP, and we'll certainly see what the outcome is.
The behavioral issue/plan was reviewed and re-evaluated as having not been successful, and so the behavioral plan will be further assessed with the districts behavioral team and will hopefully have the team come in and come up with a more effective plan.
Last, but not least, the 2007-2008 school year was brought up. My son will continue on to special education. At first, I think my son's teacher and the district Resource Specialist (D.S.R.) seemed a bit nervous bringing it up, but I immediately put their minds to rest and right away mentioned that I certainly did not want to mainstream my son if he was not ready. My belief is, if I mainstreamed my son when he wasn't ready, I would NEVER want my son to feel as though he failed us, when in reality, it was US who failed him. My hubby and I are VERY comfortable that our son will be in special ed just a while longer. He needs to work on the structure and the skills in order to mainstream and however long that takes, we'll be there supporting him 100% of the way.
I am VERY thankful as to how the IEP turned out. My son's teacher and the D.R.S., in return, had very nice things to say to me in re: of my attitude and open mind with my son's school experiences and challenges and having been working together as a team together. I believe that if we, as parents, are able to work cohesively together (and we're fortunate if parents and our children's teachers have a good working relationship), it'll benefit all of us. After all, aside from us (parents), the teachers see our children a lot as well. One thing I learned from a PHP staff member at a recent meeting was, *Never Burn Your Bridges w/ ANYONE*. It's TRUE. You just NEVER know when you might need to use that person as a resource again. We, as parents, need to FIGHT for our children's rights in school, but fight the RIGHT fight, not just *to* fight.
I'm feeling much more at ease and what it comes down to is, my son's success. And, w e just need to find those right tools to help him down that road of success.
Until another day...
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