It had been almost six years since a teen had been evaluated by the public school district. During this time, the teen was passed though from grade to grade with passing marks; however the grades were not representative of progress toward the student’s goals…they were progress toward participation in class.
This student was a victim of Congress allowing the removal of a required three-year evalution (that used to be in place). Congress removed this requirement during the last reauthorization of the IDEA law partly to save school district’s money (yes, testing is expensive). But at what cost? Imagine the dismay when a parent learns that for almost six years nobody at the school is sure where the student is performing in relation to the goals on the IEP. And, when the goals are not written to be measureable, how can progress really be made?
This is an example of the importance of a parent to review the IEP goals of their child on a regular basis. In Missouri, about half of this school year is over. Is your child making progress? How can you be sure? Check to see how much increase in grade level they have made since August on academics…ask the OT for work samples…ask questions. You don’t have to wait for the “annual” IEP meeting to learn these things. Ask for a “parent-teacher” conference.
Special Education in Missouri is about your child making progress…with your monitoring.
Tags: student rights
