Archive for the ‘IEPs’ Category

The Basics — IEP v 504 Plans

Posted in IEPs, special education advocacy, tagged , , on February 20, 2013|

We had a nice turnout at the PEGS parent support group for Tehiyah Day School.  Tehiyah is an independent Jewish school of about 300 students, from pre-K to 8th grade. Of course Tehiyah includes students with learning differences  — the school stresses community and acceptance — but because it is a private school, these students rarely have current IEPs.

We talked about the importance of special education eligibility whether the student was attending an independent school or graduating. Under the “child find” provision of IDEA, public school districts must assess all students — even those in independent religious schools — with a suspected disability to determine whether the students qualify for special education. This is important because an eligibility assessment provides parents with information about how their child learns. It also is important in planning for high school.

After 8th grade, Tehiyah students typically enroll in their public high schools. Depending on where they live, this puts students with disabilities into the special education process at West Contra Costa, Albany, Berkeley, or Oakland Unified school districts. Contrary to what some school officials are telling parents, a student does not have to be enrolled in public school before the District can assess. We talked about how the process works, and the differences between an Individual Education Plan and a Section 504 plan.  If the District ignores an assessment request, then parents can call the State.  Margaret Benavides at California’s Office of Procedural Safeguards is waiting for your call. (800) 926-0648.

PS If you want a copy of our presentation, send an email to brazylaw@gmail.com.

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Look Ahead

Posted in IEPs on October 11, 2012|

Sure, it’s only October, but if your student will switch schools next year, start the IEP process now. Otherwise, the District might not start its testing until the end of the school year, leaving your child with an incomplete education plan.

The District cannot start assessments until the student’s parent or guardian signs an assessment plan. But the District probably won’t create a testing plan until you ask for an IEP evaluation “in all areas of suspected disability.” This means the disabilities that you suspect, not just the District. It’s important to make your request in writing to the Special Education Director. You can mail a letter or send an email.

You can help by describing which disability you suspect, and why. For example, “Tupac is an avid reader but does not complete his Language Arts tests on time. He has trouble with remembering all the characters, unless he turns them into a rap. His teachers say that he is bright but lazy. However, I believe that he has a learning disability and perhaps needs extra time.”   The District cannot diagnose your child — only a medical professional can — but with your help, the District can figure out how to help your child learn.

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