Special Education
Special Education Links:
- SERI
- OSEP
- Awesome Library – Special Education
- EDLaw
- ERIC
Every child has the right to
a free education in the least restrictive environment. That is the law.
Unfortunately, a lot of kids are falling through the cracks on this one.
Many parents don’t know how to get their kids help, and most school
systems will not offer parents the help unless they already know what
to ask for. Quite the catch-22.
Parents have to know what to ask for before they even know what the problem is.
If you suspect your child has a learning disability, an emotional problem, or some other issue that keeps your child from learning, ask that they be evaluated by the school for whatever problems they seem to be having. This request has to be made in writing. Keep copies of all documentation. Speak to your pediatrician also if you suspect something might be wrong.
Many school systems would rather deal with your child as a behavior problem than deal with his or her special needs. First of all it's easier to see behavior, rather than the cause of it. It's also cheaper for the school to deal with behavior than it is to make major accomodations. Minor accomodations to learning are inexpensive to free, however they take time and attention on the part of the staff to implement. You know your child better than anyone. You will need to be your child's advocate in the process.
Schools do not diagnose things like ADHD, Autism, Emotional Problems, etc. If they suspect one of these things, you need to see your pediatrician to get a referral of a good therapist. Schools can be helpful in determining whether your child may have a learning disability, but again you must request evaluations in writing.
Ignoring any issue that interferes with learning is usually not helpful. Your child's self-esteem is at stake as well as his ability to succeed. Intelligent kids can have learning disabilities. Learning disabilities can and do effect behavior!
Many people think that a kid in Special Ed is labeled for life, is stupid, is stigmatized, is offered more than a Regular Ed child, and a host of other misconceptions. Special Education needn't exclude your child from a regular classroom unless that is the least restricitve environment. Keeping your child in the least restricitve environment that allows them success is the goal.
The important thing is to identify the problems as quickly as possible so that your child can learn the way he or she learns best, and to protect them from low self-esteem and other issues later on.
Don’t wait!
Special Needs students are given what is called an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan. This plan outlines all the necessary adaptations and goals for your child’s education in the least restrictive environment. They are reviewed yearly or more often if you think the goals aren’t being met, or you identify other issues that you feel should be included. There are both federal and state special education laws in place to make sure that your child is served fairly and properly under an IEP. The IEP is served by the IEP team. The team may consist of all teachers, therapists, counselors, a parent advocate of your choosing, your child if they are above the age of 14, and most importantly you!
For more information on a variety of
special education topics and to learn what your rights are, please see
the links at the top of this page.
