Quick "Leveling" Tutorial + IEP / Special Ed - Moving into the District

Hi  -

We are strongly considering moving to Maplewood / South Orange - subsequently moving into the school district. I've been doing some research and have some questions that I'm hoping someone can help me to understand. 

1 - "Leveling" 

I'd like some background on leveling (I understand it in concept) - love to understand how it "works" / when it happens / are there shifts based on performance / etc. 

2 - IEP / Special Ed

I have one child 2nd Grade who has an IEP (Sensory Processing/OT/PT). Reading over some of the  threads - I did have to pause a bit because I got worried - it seems like there are some very bad experiences. It's always more likely for someone to talk about a bad experience than a good one, so I am taking it with a grain of salt. I also believe it's important to discuss what needs to be changed - so I'm glad there are forums to talk about that. I'm just looking for the "reality" here and if the schools (in general) are communicative / partners / facilitators of individual success. Looking for frank feedback...

Thank you! 

Leveling starts in high school except for math which starts in 6th grade.  Math in middle school has honors and college prep tracks as well as accelerated math. These tracks are based on grades, recommendations and testing at the end of 5th grade. There is an accelerated English class in 8th grade, but I hear that this will be the last year this class will be offered. 

The district has a new access and equity policy that allows students with parental consent to sign up for a level that they may not have been recommended for by teachers.  In high school, some subjects have 5 levels including AP, while others have 4. These are just the basics.  Can't answer your about IEP/special ed.  

As far as the IEP, you will hear bad stories from any town you are in..sure some are worse than others, but compared to others, I would say SOMA is about average with complaints.

In most districts, as a parent, you must keep checking to make sure the IEP is being  properly implemented by each teacher involved.

This may not be current but in the past our district did not recognize "sensory processing disorder" as a diagnosis requiring an IEP. IMHO this district's philosophy is to provide "only" what is required by law. I do believe there are districts with more resources who are guided by providing the help that enables each child to succeed even if it is not technically "required." 

Under special ed law (IDEA) sensory processing disorder would fall under Other Health Impaired.  It wouldn't always make a student eligible for an IEP, but might only qualify for a 504 plan.  It is true the the law only requires an APPROPRIATE education...not the MOST APPROPRIATE...it can be minimally appropriate and meet the requirements of the law.

Thank you so much for the insight / information. All very helpful and much appreciated. 

My daughter came up through the system here. It isn't the worst. My impression is that Millburn and Livingston may be better. Personally, I could not have lived in those communities. The law about appropriate education is a federal law. Of course, that is subject to interpretation.

When she was going throughthis, at the age of your daughter (around 15 years ago), there were no programs for Sensory Integration. There were no OT's for this. We did this privately. Obviously my information is not up to date. 

My impression is that NJ laws on special education supports and services is not great compared to NY, but that it is not terrible. (States have considerable latitude in how they implement the federal IDEA.) I have a SPD-er heading to K next year, and was essentially told by the child study team not to hold my breath unless and until I can demonstrate that it's preventing her from learning. We are lucky to have ot covered by insurance, so it's ok there, but I was pretty disappointed that they essentially told me to write a letter to the principal and cross my fingers.  I know that a 504 plan is the fallback way to be sure my kid gets necessary accommodations (movement breaks, access to chewables, etc.), but the district certainly didn't tell me. 

With all that said, I know other parents of kids with sensory issues have had a different experience and felt much more confident that their kids were getting appropriate services. I don't know enough to know whether I am just not advocating effectively, but it is important to know that the system is apparently working at least some of the time. 

Editing to add - in general, I have been impressed by my oldest's teachers, school staff, etc., and my family loves living here. I wouldn't raise my kids anywhere else.

Without speaking to your specific IEP needs - as a parent of a child with special needs - Do NOT move to Maplewood knowing that you have special needs.  The district is hostile toward providing them.

We never experienced hostility. Sometimes a lack of follow through. It can become a full time job to make sure the different staff does what it is suppose to do.