My child is in 7th grade and the IEP update is in December. So that means that in 9th grade the 8th grade IEP will still be effective until December.So I was planning early to get the IEP arranged to let them know that I want my child to get a regular diploma and that is the goal since the next IEP will be valid for the first 4 months of High School. I was told it was not appropriate to write a goal for my child to receive a diploma when they have not been told exactly what it takes to get one, and should be dealt with once she is in High School. Shouldn’t this be dealt with before she gets to High School?
question on IEP for High School
What I am finding is that I may ask for an IEP meeting, but I may not get it.I have had this happen to me before from going from elementary to middle school and I had a heck of a time trying to get an IEP meeting. I also sent an E-mail to add study skills to my daughter’s IEP and had written the objectives to be a no-brainer and Sped instructor told me they have too many other IEPs to deal with adjusting mine.My daughter is getting an F in one of her classes, so I wanted objectives of writing in planner,and organizing binder.Thanks for your reply-
question on IEP for High School
It sounds like they are in non-compliance with IDEA. You can file a complaint with your school district first. If that doesn’t get a response, then you can file a complaint with the state. You are a part of the IEP team and can request a meeting at any time. Make sure that all requests are IN WRITING! Document everything!
A great book that can be helpful when dealing with school issues is From Emotions to Advocacy by Pete and Pam Wright - http://www.wrightslaw.com
An IEP meeting can be called at anytime and IEPs changed. I would request a meeting with the HS at the end of her 8th grade year to see where she is, what the HS can offer and discuss what she will need to graduated with a regular diploma. Credits for diplomas do not start until 9th grade.
A lot of changes can happen during 8th grade as kids mature and hormones change. This could change what she needs for HS. I have definitely noticed HUGE changes in Ms. 14’s abilities this year, especially in the last month.
You could talk informally to the HS special ed person and find out what your dd would need to do to get a regular diploma, then spend time encouraging dd in those things over the next year without having a formal change to the IEP. Keep talking to dd about the different skills, encourage improvement and hard work, etc. With Ms. 14 I’ve done a lot of talking about HS, directions of interest, special programs, tech schools, etc. so that she knows her options. Currently she is looking at a HS tech program in robotics and electronics which could give her HS and College credits.