Expert: Tim Runner - 5/15/2010

Question
I have an IEP meeting for my son (7 years) old, on May 18th. My problem is that every time we have these meetings, I address my concerns, they assure they will be met, and sometimes they do so. but very minimally. I have been requesting a one-on-one aid for my son for 2 years now so he could go to a regular classroom and be included in activities that peers his on age were involved in but have had no results. Now they have pink-slipped his teacher this year, who happens to be the only one I have on my side. What can I do to get the services for my son that he needs? And how can I help keep his teacher for him since there is no reason they are releasing her except economics?

Answer
Your only option about your son's placement is to file for Due Process. This is a challenge unless you are legally represented by an advocate or attorney because you will be fighting the school's lawyer. You can request assessments addressing your son's needs to try to show what he needs.

There is nothing you can legally do to keep the current teacher. You can contact other parents of students in this class and take your combined request to the administration and even the school board, but again you are fighting an uphill battle. Often the identification of teachers to be laid off is determined by the teachers' union contract with the district.

Tim Runner, Advocate
Advocates for Kids
Email: timrunner@cox.net
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com
www.education-advocates.com (for DSL and phone)