IEP

I am the parent of an out of district child just coming out of IEP review. I am told that there is a push in the district to get these kids back in district. To that end, I was told that starting next Spring they would like to start transitioning him into MMS. My son is nominally in a 5th grade class, but by most metrics is averaging a third (and worse) grade level. Can they actually pull this off??!! Where do I start? Advocate? Lawyer? For the first time he is truly happy, and making progress. If he goes back to district he will surely decompensate. What do I do?

Hi - please check your private messages

In district does not necessarily mean in a typical class. First, see what the district can offer within MMS. You should have the PRISE (Parental Rights in Special Ed) booklet. Look up mediation and due process. Have you heard of SPAN?

An argument against in district is the size of the school. Some students are overwhelmed by the number of people and normal commotion of a typical school.

Hi Erin, I sent you a message , and yes jmitw, my son would be totally overwhelmed by middle school.

If you have the financial ability to do so bringing a lawyer in as soon as possible is advantageous. I would recommend Stacy Greenwald (and insist on her, not just someone else in her firm).

Thanks ska.

lawyer up! Beth Callahan, most literally, saved my kids lives.

http://www.callahanfusco.com/beth-a-callahan/

Agree with those who say hire attorney. That was the way we went many years ago. It is amazing how little the school district understands. The case managers can be pretty unsophisticated too. If your child is happy where he is now that is invaluable.

Denise Rekem, JD in Springfield. The cost may not be as bad as you think, although you do have to make a deposit into an escrow account.

As JMIT above said, whether or not the district can provide an appropriate placement in district is key--so you need to consider that--advice from outside professionals who know your son's needs will be important to your case.

Good luck!

In addition to academic, he has behavioral issues that could pose a danger to himself and others. This is what I think was the driving force to get him placed OOD in the first place. Thanks so much for your recommendations.

I remember when I let the teachers, administrators and counselors/social workers convince me that my daughter should be mainstreamed because she was doing so well in a combo mainstream and special needs mix. I guess I was hoping they were seeing something in her that I wasn't. So, in 4th grade they moved her into mainstream. Within in 3 days they were telling me they made a mistake. It was a disasterous year. The recommendations I got from the district for OOD placement were lame. What struck me was that they talked a good number, but they don't have your perspective.