Education Forum Archived Messages - April, 2008
Education Forum Archived Messages
DISCUSSION: Suggestions for in classroom defiance 2008-04-16 10:34:07 2008-04-15 14:27:07
My daughter was only diagnosed bi-polar in November of 07. She is in first grade and with medication and therapy is doing much better. She is in mainstream public school. She seems to be cycling back into a depressive phase, which for her means that we start with defiance at school, where she starts refusing to do her work and then she will get worse and start hitting her classmates when she refuses to do her work in order to get out of the situation. My daughters 1st grade teacher is absolutely excellent (in fact she is the reason we were able to ascertain that my daughter needed medical help and this was not a disciplinary problem), she is very attentive and does everything she can to help Jessica through these times. However, I would love it if anyone out there could give me suggestions to help Jessica get through these depressive phases without resorting to violence or upsetting the rest of the class.
Based on the fact that with a change in medication made in February (her last depressive phase), she immediately improved in both academic performance and behavior, her school has decided that she does not need a child study performed. I have asked them to reconsider as, from what I have learned this is a disorder that cycles. They are obliging me with a second meeting in a couple of weeks. Sadly I'm a little relieved to see her go back into this phase so that I can show the school that a child study is necessary. Medication will not fix everything.
RESPONSES:
Response (1.)... by michasmom - 2008-04-15 17:04:40
By law, you as a parent can request in writing for an evaluation to be done and they have 60 days to complete it. It does not have to go through child study if the parents request it. Make sure you sign and date the letter and keep a copy for yourself.
Does she have a 504 in place? If not, I would request one until the evaluation is complete. You can put accomodations in place that way, but they don't have the legal teeth that an iep has.
My dd is 7 in the first grade and she sounds a lot like your daughter. She was eventually labeled ED and put in a self contained room. It took about 4 months before she stopped hitting the teacher or physically bothering her when she did not want to do her work. She now knows that it will not make the work go away.
Chandra
----------------------------------------------
Response (1.1.)... by eclark8968@comcast.net - 2008-04-16 10:34:07
Thank you for the information. At the moment she does not have a 504 in place.
I suspect I will be getting a call from the school today as she became violent when I pressed her to do her homework last night. She slept better last night so I was hoping that she was just working out of it. But she became violent again this morning when I took a pen (she was trying to take to school, it's a pen with a giant pom pom attached to the top of it) out of her backpack. I would allow her to take items like this to school for free time, but they have been problematic in the past. What frustrates me is the schools reaction to her episodes, it's like this is completely new ground for them. This is a large public school, I'm sure there are a few more children like my daughter so why do they act so surprised?
Ellen
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
DISCUSSION: EXCITING NEWS - MOVING TO OUR NEW HOME 2008-04-15 11:18:21 2008-04-15 11:18:21
As you know, The Balanced Mind Foundation has been working hard to provide our members with a better, more user friendly and versitile platform for our message boards and support groups. This Friday we will be moving to our new home. This will require that we close the message boards for several hours so that we can move over active discussion threads.
Archived discussions will all be moved over as well and housed in a folder so that you will have access to them just as you've had on this platform.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but are confident that the short interruption will be well worth it and that you will enjoy the new features of our message boards.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me.
Nanci Schiman, MSW
The Balanced Mind Foundation Program Coordinator
RESPONSES:
----------------------------------------------
DISCUSSION: Home schooling? 2008-04-14 17:15:04 2008-04-14 12:40:55
Hi,
I am looking for information from anyone out there who is homeschooling their bipolar child or who has tried. My 16 year old daughter has not been able to get to school in a long time and will now need to repeat 10th grade unless I can homeschool her. She is in a traditional private school. I am trying to avoid a therapeutic school for many reasons and can see that there could be huge advantages to home schooling.
Any suggestions? advice? Or I would love to just hear other's experiences with home schooling.
Thanks
Stephanie
16 year old daughter bipolar, zyprexa, wellbutrin, lithium, neurontin
RESPONSES:
Response (1.)... by michasmom - 2008-04-14 17:15:04
I have done it twice with my son who does not have bp. I loved it. It was one of the most bonding times between us. I would suggest looking into on line programs. High school is very hard to teach unless you know all of the subjects inside and out.
I would not have the patience to homeschool my daughter who is 7 and has bp. She exasperates me easily and everything would turn into a battle. I hold it together while she is home, but to be honest need the break while she is at school.
I would look at your dd's personality and yours. If you can do it, I would highly suggest it.
Chandra
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
DISCUSSION: Taking a break from school 2008-04-17 11:22:23 2008-04-10 20:20:40
Hi,
I have been having a tough time with my 2 kids since Christmas, both have anxiety, 1 possibly BP too.( trying meds right now, all side effects and no improvement so far) Current schools are not working for either kid. Almost impossible to get either one there for the whole day. I am thinking of home schooling, but mostly just want to take a break from school for both kids. We are at 5-6 pdoc and tdoc appts each week, before I add in dentist, eye doc and pediatrician etc. Almost all docs are non-network and the paperwork for reimbursement is just wearing me out.
I honestly don't have time to fight for the right IEP or right placement right now. I want some time just to be a mom to my kids. What can I do to legally "keep" the IEP in place/ protect against truancy etc but a month or so out of school, without totally going down the homeschool statement route?
Thanks, much appreciated.
C
RESPONSES:
Response (1.)... by michasmom - 2008-04-10 21:59:07
I could be wrong, and it may vary from state to state, but I think the iep is good for a while. Even if you pull your child out to homeschool, I believe the iep will be good if you go back. What does your state require for homeschooling? AZ just requires an afidavit signed before a notary and filed with the county superintendent's office. If I were in your situation I would consider homeschooling for the rest of the year with the intention of having modified ieps in place for next year. But that is assuming that the laws in your state would allow that. It sounds like you all could use a break from the stress of school plus appointments and everything else. I very much understand and pulled our son out of school for a few months and homeschooled him. The stress of this bp sister was getting to him and he was going downhill fast. It was the best thing I could have done for him. He is much more stable and able to cope with life.
Chandra
----------------------------------------------
Response (2.)... by kotocat - 2008-04-11 10:58:43
I can't help but wonder why the school fails to address what factors, school settings, and outward behaviors that are the causes that make it unable for both children to complete a school day. Maybe, if time allows, read up on your child's rights. I use Starfish Advocacy. Just want you to know with the school's noncompliance towards my daughters disability and her growing adversion to school, left us only with one choice. We hired a lawyer, didn't pay anything for his services, and she now is successful in school. We had a well documented paper trail to back up our allegations. I reccommend you start one. Once you get into the habit of doing it, it doesn't take much time at all. At the very least, have the school start testing them and get letters from the Dr's concerning their symptoms to submit to the school.
Wish you luck
----------------------------------------------
Response (3.)... by stephanini@comcast.net - 2008-04-12 12:28:28
I actually just did that with Michael. First, I'd get a dr's note for the time he's been out if you don't already have one until the time that homeschooling will begin if that's what you want to do. What about homebound instruction or home hospital through the school district and maybe a letter from the doctor stating that this would be in the best interest for right now. I was thinking of doing the same thing after 2 suspensions and he's already at a nonpublic school that the district placed him at. We get AB 3632 services which is intensive mental health here in California and I would not want to lose that so for right now we're trying to make it work. I homeschooled once before and I think it was really good for him to kind of take a break from all the really negative interactions he was having at school.
----------------------------------------------
Response (4.)... by joanfisher - 2008-04-12 15:16:46
Homebound instruction allows you to stay in the system, have access to the schools materials and tutors, and do it at home. Sounds like something you might want to consider for the rest of this year.
Joan
----------------------------------------------
Response (5.)... by mum22 - 2008-04-17 11:22:23
Pdoc will advocate for homebound for 11 yr old child. We have done that before, it was very minimal then, just an hour or so 2-3 days a week. I actually found it quite limiting, keeping house clean and quiet was a challenge! Our house is very open plan, so I couldn't have the laundry going or vacuum etc while tutor was with my son.
Also I doubt if I would get homebound approved for my other child. Homeschooling looks so relaxing compared to the alternatives right now. I know that it sounds nonsense, but I actually think it may de stress my whole family.
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
DISCUSSION: Son wanting to go back to public high school 2008-04-12 15:09:39 2008-04-10 01:53:22
My son has been homeschool through a charter school for the past 2 years. He was failing and getting in so much trouble. He is now ahead in school. However, he is wanting to be around other kids (which makes me happy). We have two schools to chose from. His father and I want the smaller school, he wants the other, larger school that is known for more problems.... So we will be visiting both. He looked at the websites the other night and got excited that the smaller school does have sports and clubs (he liked the newspaper and creative writing clubs). I fear this because of his inability to deal with authority. Please send advice or just good luck wishes! We have until August. I'm goign to ask his therapist to really start working with him on social skills and coping skills. I do hope this works out - but my fear is that getting up early, authority, dealing with kids he thinks are "stupid" or "immature" will lead us back to where we are.....
Has anyone been successful at returning to public schools?
RESPONSES:
Response (1.)... by michasmom - 2008-04-10 22:01:04
Does your child have an iep? I would hesitate to put him in the public school without one if he has issues with school and authority. Is the charter school state funded? If so, he should be able to get an iep there first that would transfer to the other school.
Chandra
----------------------------------------------
Response (2.)... by kotocat - 2008-04-11 10:28:10
I would strongly reccommend you start doing your homework. Learn your rights and be proactive towards your son's needs. Make sure you have the behavioral issues completely covered in a IEP and FBA. Expect to address those contracts with the school frequently to make sure the goals are implicated properly, Include a continuation of social skill training and make sure it is and remains relevant to your son's needs. I'm glad to hear he's going to be "mainstreamed".
Good luck to you
----------------------------------------------
Response (3.)... by joanfisher - 2008-04-12 15:09:39
After really going through a lot, I feel fairly confident in saying that smaller schools are better for the kids with bp issues (and other issues too). My dds left the public school for a small private school, did very well there, then we had to move back to public schools, where they had lots of problems, and now with an IEP they are being sent to alternative schools (that are also very small). In large schools so many problems can happen with no one noticing or notifying you. So, my recommendation, knowing only what you've posted here, is to ask for an IEP and go with the smaller school. JMO. Having BTDT.
Joan
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
DISCUSSION: Calais School - Whippany, NJ 2008-03-30 13:08:43 2008-03-30 13:08:43
We are looking at different summer programs for my 11-year dd with bp. One of the programs is the Calais School summer program. Does anyone have information regarding Calais' summer program or any other information about the school? Calais also runs the typical September through June school session. Thanks.
http://www.thecalaisschool.org/
RESPONSES:
----------------------------------------------
DISCUSSION: Up date on our situation 2008-04-04 22:05:55 2008-03-30 12:42:09
Last Friday, Aryn's case manager from the Dept. of Health and Human Services came by the house to interview Aryn. I had talked to him a few days before. When he was finished, he said he and Aryn decided to try in home counseling before considering RTC placement, which didn't surprise me. Later that day, and in a rage, Aryn tossed a large piece of granite counter top that was in front of her room, from the upstairs landing. Fortunately, my daughter and grandson were on the opposite side of the front room when it hit one of my new chairs damaging the arm. I sent an account of what happened to the school VP and DMH case manager. Maybe if I send them daily accounts of her behavior, they will understand the extreme environment we live in and provide her the help she needs.
RESPONSES:
Response (1.)... by joanfisher - 2008-04-04 22:05:55
Dear Aryn's mom --
I wish I could do more than empathize, but at least I can do that.
My dd used to put holes in the wall on a weekly basis.
She's doing better now, but there were years when I could expect an outburst on a weekly if not daily basis.
Hang in there and best wishes getting the support you need.
Joan :chagrin:
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
DISCUSSION: Fast ForWord 2008-04-12 15:13:52 2008-03-30 07:42:21
Is anyone familiar with the program Fast ForWord? Has or Is anyone's child using it?
RESPONSES:
Response (1.)... by kotocat - 2008-04-11 11:02:21
Let us know if you find out anything about this.
----------------------------------------------
Response (2.)... by joanfisher - 2008-04-12 15:13:52
The Wikipedia entry is fairly helpful and informative:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_ForWord
My impression is that this sort of program is best for children who have dyslexia, although it may help other children too. FWIW.
Joan
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
DISCUSSION: Addressing self advocacy skills 2008-03-28 11:21:27 2008-03-25 14:10:46
Does any one have any suggestions on how to teach your child or teen to advocate for themselves? Also can you please share what social skills training they are recieving, which methods are used in the school setting, and what has been your experiences with this .
Appreciate your time
RESPONSES:
Response (1.)... by joanfisher - 2008-03-27 11:30:21
There are social skills classes, although I personally don't have experience with them. They are especially good for children who have Asperger's-like symptoms, I think.
At our schools, there were groups put together by the social workers. Such support groups have an up side and a down side. The down side is that the children can share their self-destructive behaviors. The up side is that they do not feel so alone and can sometimes connect with someone who can really help in terms of support and empathy.
As far as advocacy goes, I think it is critical to teach bp children to understand and accept their special quirks. On the proper mix of meds, many bpers do quite well. The key is to stress the importance of health and stability in the home and school environment. If that means a reduced work load, or tutoring, or taking tests in a quiet room, then so be it.
Kids should learn to recognize when they're stressed out. Mood charts can help with that. Social workers at school should check in at least weekly and help the child appraise where they're at.
My own dd became involved with teaching children with special needs at her school for school credit. She found that work very satisfying and helped with her self-esteem. The other special needs teachers loved her, the kids loved her, and she found new courage not to be embarrassed by her own disorder.
Just some ideas.
Joan
----------------------------------------------
Response (1.1.)... by kotocat - 2008-03-27 13:15:47
Thanks so much Joan. I have a IEP meeting coming up soon and plan to address this. I have spent countless hours researching this on various websites. Found some great information but remain confused. I havn't found a way to apply it to my daughters IEP. Resources are limited at her high school and to complicate things,she's in honor classes. I dislike the faster pace ,although we have accommodations for that, but her peers have been kinder. Our school doesn't have a social worker or psychologist , so even though they want to help, their understanding is limited.
Once again thanks for takins time to reply. We all are so busy.
----------------------------------------------
Response (1.1.1.)... by joanfisher - 2008-03-28 11:21:27
The only other thing I can recommend, since the school doesn't have mechanisms in place, is to find an after-school activity where the faculty advisor can be enlisted for help. Best wishes,
Joan
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
DISCUSSION: In search of the best ed setting 2008-04-12 15:01:56 2008-03-09 00:52:46
I am a newbie online, still feeling a little intimidated by the support group idea - but desperately in need to be nestled by other parents "in the know" about BP and it's effects. My eight year old has a dual diagnosis at the moment - Aspergers and BP-NOS. Neither of these labels truly fits but the professionals have come to this together. Personally I believe that she has inherited BP from her father but it hasn't completely "hit" yet. My question is...I'm confused as to what educational setting will be best for my daughter. I have FINALLY conceded to medication trials (Abilify) only because I've exhausted all other means in the past three years and have finally come to accept that this isn't a problem with my parenting. Sigh, it's been quite a journey!! She was initially (K) in an ED setting which was horrendous and made things much, much worse. Later she was placed into a Special Day Class for kids with learning disabilities (she is super super bright and has no learning difficulties) which is better. She has occasional trouble with irritability, rigidness, social interactions, language pragmatics, executive functioning, but mainly struggles with behavior. She often times seems like a typically developing child yet she has depression. When times get tough at school she mainly lashes out at me - last year in an attempt to keep her safe, I ended up with a broken wrist! There have been a series of times where the school has had to restrain her - in response to major changes in schedule, etc. Half of the IEP team is recommending a day treatment program while the other half is saying mainstreaming with support or a therapeutic program that isn't for ED kids. I'm concerned about my very innocent, kind, and confused little girl getting placed into a violent setting...
Can anyone tell me more about such...pros and cons??
SFMeisje - 39, single mom
Frances - 8 year old, Aspergers/BP-NOS, 2mg Abilify, SDC California
RESPONSES:
Response (1.)... by joanfisher - 2008-03-14 14:30:14
Generally, schools are obligated to start with the least restrictive environment, which would mean mainstreaming with support. Many of our bp children are smart with similar difficulties as you describe, and pulling them out of the regular classroom is the last thing you would do. Although both of my girls are now in alternative schools, their coursework is very watered down, which is a shame for such smart girls. On the other hand, they both have ADD also, and simply can't concentrate in the traditional classroom. If there is good support - through social workers, guidance counselors, and even group therapy set up at the school, then it is probably safe to start with that. If the support doesn't exist at your school, then a small alternative setting might be better. You'll have to look around to see what your options are and what you're most comfortable with. My personal experience is that ED kids aren't nearly as problematic as kids with drug problems (which starts as early as 6th grade in our area). In fact, my girls have learned to be sympathetic listeners and caring friends to other ED kids without that becoming a problem in itself.
----------------------------------------------
Response (2.)... by boomom - 2008-03-16 07:53:04
Hi. If they've had to restrain her at school they are concerned with the safety of her and other students. The meds may help immensely with that. When we considered where to place our daughter at that age it was where we knew she'd be safe first and foremost - that included her behavior and others. If I thought they could control her behaviors and keep her safe then I had faith they could ensure her safety while around other kids who might have to be restrained. If she's broken your wrist she has the capacity to lose control and harm others too and that needs to be considered.
I agree to start with the least restrictive and go up from there.
Peace,
Alyson
----------------------------------------------
Response (3.)... by mronayne - 2008-03-20 16:12:24
Hi. I to have an 8 year old daughter that was initially diagnosed with Aspergers...that was ruled out some time ago now. We are still working on getting her a formal diagnosis, but we know now that it is early on-set bipolar. I can't imagine going through all this as a single parent, but the stress it brings to a marriage is at times unbearable and I understand why couples split up. I am going through this now and pray for some good to start happening in my family. We are all stressed to the max. If you ever want to email me directly, since we have girls the same age, please feel free to do so. I am new at this support group myself. Email is: mronayne@charter.net. Hope to hear from you and God Bless!
----------------------------------------------
Response (4.)... by karabrent@verizon.net - 2008-04-07 15:38:47
Hi. Any thoughts on best ed environment for BP / Asperger 10 daughter...montesorri vs public :confused: :confused:
----------------------------------------------
Response (4.1.)... by joanfisher - 2008-04-12 15:01:56
My feeling is that a small school where the teachers really know the kids is the best environment for our children with bp issues. Public schools rarely have that, although they have sponsored my girls at alternative schools that have been fairly good (although perhaps not as good as a Montessori school). So if I were to have to choose knowing nothing else, I'd go with the Montessori school. JMO.
Joan
----------------------------------------------
Response (5.)... by michasmom - 2008-04-07 21:16:22
Is this a Montessori private, public or charter school? I work for a Montessori charter school and love the individual attention the students get.
Chandra
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
DISCUSSION: Memory glitch during test? 2008-03-27 09:41:04 2008-03-13 20:14:34
My son recently took a portion of an English test on which he totally blanked out. His teacher said he knew this material backward and forward, and was mystified at what happened. Any ideas?
RESPONSES:
Response (1.)... by joanfisher - 2008-03-14 14:54:43
Could have been an attention issue. Has your son been tested for attention deficits? Many kids with bp also have attention deficits.
----------------------------------------------
Response (2.)... by nlyles77 - 2008-03-27 09:41:04
Does he have anxiety?
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
DISCUSSION: what is the big diffence in OHI and ED? 2008-04-14 11:26:24 2008-03-07 20:45:27
is there really alot of difference in services or is it just the ED label that parens dont like?
I wanted OHI but when we went over the two forms they think he met all the criteria for ED which negated the OHI... should i just go with it or is it worth fighting?
Lori
RESPONSES:
Response (1.)... by atiredparent - 2008-03-07 20:46:42
I wonder if it varies from state to state. Have you looked at wrightslaw.org to see if you can find any info?
----------------------------------------------
Response (2.)... by kotocat - 2008-03-07 23:06:50
In reply to :
todboat@aol.com - 08:45pm Mar 7, 2008 EST
This site will address your concerns http://www.bridges4kids.org
Article of interest / Disability classification
----------------------------------------------
Response (3.)... by boomom - 2008-03-17 16:47:36
Services are based on need not classification. If accomodations are needed he can get them regardless of the classification.
Peace,
Alyson
----------------------------------------------
Response (3.1.)... by joanfisher - 2008-03-18 09:15:51
One question is what services are available. In our school, we have an extensive program for the deaf and hard of hearing, for students with multiple needs (mostly physical), and for students with a psychiatric diagnosis.
The students with a psychiatric diagnosis (ie. an ED classification) were allowed to opt into a program that allowed them to work individually with a sped teacher in a quiet room away from all the hustle and bustle. Both of my dds took advantage of that room and those teachers when they felt overwhelmed in the regular classes. They did the same work, but they did it individually. The sped teachers were very supportive and encouraging and were in good communication with the regular teachers.
The only downside was that students with dual diagnosis (including substance abuse) were in the same room, and that was not always a good influence.
Joan in IL
----------------------------------------------
Response (4.)... by lorie - 2008-03-22 14:15:46
I have been told that in FL students must have a behavioral px in the classroom to qualify for ED. My son does not. I have also been told that in FL BP must be classified as ED. So since my son is BP without a behavior px in the classroom he does not qualify for any supports. Of course I have been told many things that are not true. Our last meeting went much better and DS is now being evaluated for services.
----------------------------------------------
Response (4.1.)... by kotocat - 2008-03-23 20:36:54
I glad to hear the meeting went better than the last.
From my past experiences you have to let your child fail or show some problem behaviors in the classroom before the school took our concerns seriously.
It's great the school is doing further testing. Do you know what it will consist off? If you are able, outside testing will help you greatly if there are any discrepancies. It is a very good investment towards your child's education.
Please keep us informed . Keep up with the great advocating!
----------------------------------------------
Response (4.2.)... by joanfisher - 2008-03-27 11:17:06
I would not believe what you have heard. Go with the federal laws on this one. Regardless of classification, the child is allowed to have services that accommodate the special needs that that child has. Many bp kids have attention deficits, and there are allowances for that. Many have social concerns related to being afraid that they will have a meltdown where there peers will see it. The IEP itemizes goals for each concern that needs to be addressed, and that is very child specific.
Joan
----------------------------------------------
Response (5.)... by jennyohio22@aol.com - 2008-03-25 13:33:29
http://www.thebalancedmind.org/site/DocServer/edbrochure.pdf?docID=166
Page twelve of this brochure explains why OHI is the classification of choice.
Below is the OH definition of ED classification. Note that it says "can not be explained by health factors" BP is a biologically based brain disorder....clearly explained by a health factor.
e) “Emotional disturbance” means a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child’s educational performance;
(i) An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors;
(ii) An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers;
(iii) Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances;
(iv) A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression;
(v) A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems.
The term includes schizophrenia. The term does not apply to children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that they have an emotional disturbance.
----------------------------------------------
Response (6.)... by jsheppard@shepdec.com - 2008-04-13 21:23:48
Thanks to all who contributed to this thread. I found it very helpful.
Our daughter has had the OHI designation in her IEP for a year now, which helped qualify her for benefits under California AB3632 and paid for outpatient therapy and non-public school.
Now it has been determined that she needs a higher level of care, and her therapist recommended a program called Wraparound.
We applied and were rejected last week because Casey does not have the "ED" designation. So, we have requested an emergency IEP to change the designation from OHI to ED, and also to request a recommendation for residential placement.
Much of this is red tape. Apparently, Wraparound is seen here in L.A. as a last resort program for kids at risk for being put in a residential treatment center. So, the IEP has to reflect that before they will admit the child into the program.
I'm still not sure if fixing this one thing won't break something else. I do agree that we need more help than we are getting, and if something doesn't happen soon, something is going to have to change.
----------------------------------------------
Response (7.)... by kotocat - 2008-04-14 11:26:24
Jsheppard,
Thanks for the update. I'm going to see if I can find anything on wraparound services. It seems to me that every state is so different on how they interpret the laws and how they apply them within the services offered.
Thanks
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
DISCUSSION: IEP 2008-04-17 14:12:23 2008-02-28 14:52:42
I tried to get an IEP for my grandson as he is to make the transition from small nurturing elem. school to the huge middle school. It is a large building with stairs and many windows. He is terrified of heights. Also his mother had many problems at this school after doing well at the elem. She eventually quit school at age 16 and got her GED. She admits to having an anxiety problem, but has never been diagnosed. My grandson has BP1mixed. The school he is in now said since he makes good grades and passed the state mandated tests, he is not elegible. I put my request in writing for a full evaluation and on the 60th(!) day got a letter denying the evaluation for the reason above. So I am supposed to just wait for him to fall apart?
lb-mom and grandma to 11 yr old
RESPONSES:
Response (1.)... by arynsmom - 2008-02-29 10:06:18
I'm sorry your grandson is having trouble in school. I know that all too well. In order for him to get better services through the school, he will have to be assessed by a pediatric psychiatrist (pdoc). Once you have a diagnosis (dx), you can get him in special ed, or at the very least, better accommodations. They most likely will not accommodate him without the dx. I'm sorry but that is the way it is done.
Good luck.
----------------------------------------------
Response (2.)... by nlyles77 - 2008-02-29 16:53:40
If I am reading your message correctly your grandson already has a dx? If so you are entitled to a 504 plan, it is not the same as an IEP but if there are no other issues other than the anxiety this may be the best route to take. You will need to ask the school for the needed forms to take to your physician to put accommodations in place. He can still get things such as guidance fast pass, etc.
----------------------------------------------
Response (3.)... by joanfisher - 2008-03-04 17:45:50
I'm curious what sort of accommodations you would like to see put into place for your grandson? If you think he'll be fine if he has all his classes on one floor, that might not be realistic given the curriculum. Are you thinking that an alternative placement might be better? Or counseling services? I think it would matter what you think would help him most. Just wondering.
Joan
----------------------------------------------
Response (4.)... by 2green - 2008-03-08 16:10:46
My grandson has a 504 that is pretty much ignored. For example, he is terribly disorganized. He has an agenda that he is supposed to write his assignments in and me sign it (the whole class does it). Every day I sign a blank agenda because he can't remember to fill it out. His teacher said she has too many kids in class to check. He has 3 teachers this year next year is either 6 or 7. He eats lunch with the counselor once a week. They think this is normal. Next year he will have a small caotic lunch room. I feel at this point that most of the symptoms he displays at school are for anxiety which for him means constant complaing of illness or pain. I have applied to a charter school, but I will have to wait as they use a lottery system for admission. Thank you for your comments.
lb-mom and grandma
----------------------------------------------
Response (4.1.)... by joanfisher - 2008-03-14 14:12:51
My gut feeling is that your grandson would do better in a smaller school. Both of my girls have ended in alternative schools for similar reasons. A small private school would probably also be fine, but I would worry too about the middle school in particular as kids can be awful at that age.
Joan
----------------------------------------------
Response (5.)... by kassietx1 - 2008-03-31 15:12:59
I know it's hard to understand and may sound harsh, but having a medical diagnosis or letter from a doctor does not automatically guarantee eligibility for Special Education services.
There has to be *educational need*.
Does the child's disability interfere with the learning process to the point of needing special education and related services?
20 U. S. C. § 1401. Definitions
20 U. S. C. § 1401(3)(a)
(3) Child With A Disability.
(A) In General. The term ‘child with a disability’ means a child–
(i) with mental retardation, hearing impairments (including deafness), speech or language impairments, visual impairments (including blindness), serious emotional disturbance (referred to in this title as ‘emotional disturbance’), orthopedic impairments, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairments, or specific learning disabilities; and
(ii) who, by reason thereof needs special education and related services.
=============================
Wrightslaw footnote:
A child with a disability is not automatically eligible for special education and related services under IDEA. The key phrase is
“who, by reason thereof, needs special education and related services.” A child can advance steadily from grade to grade, without
failing grades, and still be classified as a child with a disability. (See Regulation 300.101(c)) If the child only needs related services, the child is not eligible under IDEA 2004 per Regulation 300.8(a)(2). See also Commentary in the Federal Register, page 46549. If a child has a disability but does not need special education services, the child may be eligible for protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
===============================
The following may be of help. It is a diagram that Pete Wright used at the Wrightslaw Boot Camp I attended a couple years ago.
The 504 Plan pertains to ADA (Civil Rights) protection against
discrimination of students with disabilities. The 504 Plan ONLY provides for *access and opportunity*, it does not have the same protections as an IEP under IDEA.
504 Plan vs IDEA
504 Plan = Civil Rights Law = Access & Opportunity ONLY
IDEA = Access & Opportunity + Appropriate Education & Educational
Benefit
Good luck. I hope this helped.
Kassie in Texas
----------------------------------------------
Response (6.)... by baldwin_rebecca@yahoo.com - 2008-04-16 06:42:22
My child is in 5th grade has a 504 but is still Failing and hardly making it thrw a whole day. we have met with the school since aug. fighting for an IEP. Have docts letters etc. any info would be helpful.
----------------------------------------------
Response (6.1.)... by kotocat - 2008-04-17 14:12:23
I went through the same challenges with my daughter in sixth grade. The 504 was put in place while we tried for a IEP. The school didn't abide by the 504 and I started to see her fail, not to mention a decline in her self esteem. From being on the honor role to struggling and having frequent meltdowns. Make sure you document every time you talk to the school or when there is something out of the ordinary. Include time, date, who you spoke to, what was said, and what they plan to do. I kept a handbook to keep it organized. Send all request for testing via certifed mail so they stay within the legal time limits. Document everything, so when the time arises you can back up your allegations. Since the end of the year is soon, request testing right away and if finances allow, obtain outside testing.
We learned our legal rights and obtained a lawyer. We got lucky and didn't have to pay anything. To this day I can't help but think our documentation made his job a "no lose" proposition and enabled him to readily take our case.
I wish you luck and a speedy IEP
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------