Contesting an IEP

[123finn]

Get an advocate. Please tape your meetings. You can tell the school that you do not accept their report and that you want an IEE at public expense. Make sure his goals are measurable. Do not sign the IEP if you do not agree with it.

We went outside the school for Lindamood Bell. It was highly successful for our child who has sever dyslexia and adp. We told the school that we were going to do this and we would bill them. We did. Keep in mind that attorneys are expensive.

After one session of LMB our child went from 1.9 reading level to 3.5. His self esteem increased as well.

Good luck, its so unfortunate that those who need help have to work so hard to get it!

[Kids n Tow]

Sounds very familiar, we also had a neuro psyc reports confirming Dyslexia, with a rule out for ADHD. The School wanted to focus the IEP on ADHD, we pressed for what we had documentation of and would not relent until the Dyslexia was listed as the primary condition.

In our experience the school will have to do much more to be in compliance with a dyslexia diagnosis, possibly have to hire qualified staff and do more costly interventions to meet the needs of a dyslexic student. Much much less to meet the needs of ADHD.

Keep on top of what you know is right, get other expert opinions if you can to back up what you already have as the diagnosis. Don't be confrontational, just be firm and continually ask how the position that the school is taking reconciles with the testing results you have,(and the additional expert opinions backing up dyslexia).

We have pressed for proper intervention for our dyslexic son, we have been successful, our son has been successful because of this. Even when the IEP is one that you can live with, keep on top of follow thru and what is actually being implemented. We had issues there too, we asked again how what was being offered to our son complied with the needs of his dyslexia. When the schools answers were not sufficient, I went to the director of Sped for the district and asked them how the offered programs complied with the services to meet the needs of dyslexia.

You have to stay focused and on target and insist that your child's needs are being met. We had such similar treatment from our school and with alot of work and firm focused pressing we have a great partnership with our school. I think the main reason is cost and staffing, but that is not you childs problem, it is his right. I also think there are many in schools that think that dyslexic children and families don't put in the effort at home, that it can be taught away with more effort on the childs part. No WAY! It is a huge undertaking to remediate this learning style and a good plan will include intense remediation along with access to accommodations that will allow your child to flourish.

Good luck!

[Morning]

I would mortgage my home to deal with this situation. Your child does not have the time for the school system's games with you.


First get an attorney or an advocate.
Ask for a copy of his special ed. records and his school records--that will alert them.

Once you understand your rights, nothing will stop you from being able to see that your child gets an educational plan. Stay on top of it and never assume that things are being properly implemented.

And, try to keep a good relationship with the school system. They will respect you regardless of your assertiveness. They may not like it but they will have to respect it. Never assume bacause you have an IEP that it is being implemented. You can call a PPT anytime. I would love to hear an update from you on this situation.

[Knulty]

My 10 year old son is dyslexic. He is 2 years behind schedule in reading at his public school. We had an assessment at LMB and I wonder if it really does work for a 10 year old with dyslexia and ADHD. Any thoughts?