Notes from Wrights Law Boot Camp
eri...@gmail.com
Wrights Law Boot Camp, April 7, 2006
1. Ask if test scores are available BEFORE IEP meeting, so you are
able to look them over before meeting.
2. Use the Belle curve so you can chart testing scores
3. IEP should specify "paraprofessional" NOT aide. Basic reason
being is the "paraprofessional: has at least an associates degree. An
aide is not required to have specific training.
4. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) includes "right to know": teachers-
major, certification, degree and/or qualifications of
paraprofessional.
5. If school district is NOT following NCLB regulations contact state
NCLB representative. NOTE: Specific working of NCLB states CANNOT be
used to sue anyone. It is not meant for that purpose.
6. Ask for permission to tape IEP meetings. If you are asked why you
need to or may want to do this say: I have an auditory processing
disorder or some other excuse to justify taping. DO NOT turn OFF the
recorder until you are inside your car. Why? Often someone will tell
you something at the last minute or in the parking lot that is very
important to the child's case.
7. Use special education terms (reference reading, writing, etc) in
written text to school district.
8. IEP Checklists & Tutorials www.cesa7.k12.wi.us/sped CESA No 7,
Green Bay, WI
9. Keep in perspective that the special ed/IEP/504 adventure will
create conflict. This is just the way it works. The parent wants the
best for their child(ren) and the school needs to do what is best for
the school system.
10. Child should have a private sector professional (educational
psychologist, speech therapist, OT, etc) attend the IEP meeting.
Prior to the meeting the professional should assess prior evaluation/
testings. This professional will be able to tell the IEP team what
will be able to help the child and what may have damaged the child in
the past.
11. How to Prepare for School Meetings: organize file, read IEP's,
prepare a parent agenda, use an IEP meeting worksheet (SEE Wright's
Law FETA book), know what you want and why.
12. Post Meeting Steps: send thank you note to IEP team members;
write down/record your impressions of the meeting (IMMEDIATELY). If
any issues are unresolved request another meeting to discuss these
issues.
13. Meeting Survival: bring lots of food/treats (leave food there
for other school staff), write post meeting thank you note, tape
recording, don't go alone, and learn how to deal with difficult
people.
14. Always treat the other side with respect, listen more than you
talk and tell your story.
GOOD LUCK!