Friday I met with an attorney that specializes in special education. My son's school has been a nightmare. So...I was advised that if I do not get what is requested at next week's IEP, to ask for a Due Process Hearing. I had also done some research and found that you can ask for an Administrative Review. Basically, a non-biased party goes through the school files and makes recommendations. Have any of you had experience with either?? Thanks.
sorry, no experience with that specific step - yet. I spend alot of time keeping excellent records, just in case we end up there. I would suggest, though I am sure you know this, that you make sure that you do not act emotionally at the meeting. (you know that it would lend credence to their defense, if any, that (parents in general) are not thinking rationally... hope you know what I mean.
Friday I met with an attorney that specializes in special education. My son's school has been a nightmare. So...I was advised that if I do not get what is requested at next week's IEP, to ask for a Due Process Hearing. I had also done some research and found that you can ask for an Administrative Review. Basically, a non-biased party goes through the school files and makes recommendations. Have any of you had experience with either?? Thanks.
I have not. I have read a lot about it, but we have not had to go that far. I am glad you met with an attorney. Any luck with finding an advocate or on the facilitated IEP meeting?
sorry, no experience with that specific step - yet. I spend alot of time keeping excellent records, just in case we end up there. I would suggest, though I am sure you know this, that you make sure that you do not act emotionally at the meeting. (you know that it would lend credence to their defense, if any, that (parents in general) are not thinking rationally... hope you know what I mean.
Oh yes..I have a whole notebook filled with documentation, testing we had done, as well as recommendations from medical professionals. thank you for the advice. it's going to be so hard for me to stay calm, but i do know what you "mean."
Friday I met with an attorney that specializes in special education. My son's school has been a nightmare. So...I was advised that if I do not get what is requested at next week's IEP, to ask for a Due Process Hearing. I had also done some research and found that you can ask for an Administrative Review. Basically, a non-biased party goes through the school files and makes recommendations. Have any of you had experience with either?? Thanks.
I have not. I have read a lot about it, but we have not had to go that far. I am glad you met with an attorney. Any luck with finding an advocate or on the facilitated IEP meeting?
hello,
it was too short of notice to have a facilitator be present. i also think our case is past the point of an advocate, which is why i went straight to an attorney. i'll let you all know how it goes.
Friday I met with an attorney that specializes in special education. My son's school has been a nightmare. So...I was advised that if I do not get what is requested at next week's IEP, to ask for a Due Process Hearing. I had also done some research and found that you can ask for an Administrative Review. Basically, a non-biased party goes through the school files and makes recommendations. Have any of you had experience with either?? Thanks.
I have also had difficulties with IEPs the past few years or so. I was advised to seek an "Independent Educational Evaluation", where an independent evaluator basically does what the (Re-)determination Committee at school is supposed to do. Best of all, the school system pays for it. I was advised that the Due Process Hearing Officer is more kindly disposed to parents who have had these done, as it is much easier to refute the school's position on their refusal to do what they are supposed to be doing. I was also advised that Administrative Reviews and Due Process hearings have significant differences; there are pros and cons to each.
Anyway, food for thought. I don't know what state you're in, or what your particular issues are, so none of what I related may apply.
Best of luck to you.
I have also had difficulties with IEPs the past few years or so. I was advised to seek an "Independent Educational Evaluation", where an independent evaluator basically does what the (Re-)determination Committee at school is supposed to do. Best of all, the school system pays for it.
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HMM....is that sort of like a psycho-educational evaluation that the school does?? my only problem is i don't want to lose anymore time. i have already gone out of my way getting all the testing done for my son. i've made it easy for the school. tnx for the info. and the good luck wish 
OutsidelookingIn mentioned the IEE, a couple weeks ago. That is our next step (maybe). Our sons school is acting very amenable now so on paper they look like they are doing everything that an indepensent IEE would do. But being who we are, the concept of having someone "not employed by the public system/independent" would actually shine the light on the fact that the Iep says a whole bunch and in spirit they are trying to comply - but the details , the process and inconsistencies are damaging to a human being - 11 year old child.