Confuzzled, on my way home, I think I figured out the missing link you and I are having... I think (emphasis on think) that if the school can say wee's behavior is not his disability, and they say the suspensions are not a pattern, then they can choose the placement without my involvement. That is why I MUST prove its his disability and a pattern.
:-D
oh no, i got it. that most certainly is a necessity for monday. your whole situation bothers me so much i actually read up on manifestation determination. i cant comprehend how things have gotten to this point with one seven year old boy. and unless there is something really wrong with your personnel, i'd bet they feel exactly the same way.
our missing link is that *i'm* playing the school district (maybe i should have said that, ROFL!). to help *you* think...because i'm saying some of what you are going to be up against, and you better have a handy dandy answer to wear me (the school district) down, with
lots of proof to back it up.
and a plan. again, maybe i'm not familiar with the nuances of your state, but this whole thing is so beyond comprehension...starting with the fact that YOU are actually (unpaid, undocumented) personnel (ridiculously unreal).
i get that you want the best for wee. i
think that you want what every kid deserves, and maybe have a hard time admitting to yourself that wee needs
more. me too--but a time comes when you have to change whats not working
and from where i sit, this SO ISNT. sometimes its really, really hard to see the big picture....we get so focused on what our kids need we lose sight of it.
first and foremost you DO need to prove that this is all a direct result of disability...and thats the main focus right now. but keep in mind, even if you win, what exactly did you win if it results in a stay put (which seems to BE the outcome if it IS a manifestation)? finishing out the year exactly as it stands now?? doesnt sound like much of a win to me. obviously, win or lose, this should end in a date for a new iep meeting....but these people cant meet the
current one, so i wouldnt expect they will meet a new one (you said you had stuff to add)
i'm now confused that he was "contracted out" to another district for EI, yet thats not an option
now...does the contracting district only offer EI, or do they have an elementary ed component? if you've set precedence once before, what the hail is the problem NOW--you have history of documentable success, they paid for it before, and so on...obviously they have no problem "contracting out" when necessary, so they can do so again, to meet his needs. period. but
you cant be wishy washy--its got to be more, "based on his current iep, these goals are not being met in the current placement, and unless you can offer a workable solution, i suggest these goals would better be accomplished at Y program (or a program that looks like THIS, since you havent identified one yet, really), for these reasons: self contained, small group placement with consistent routine and personnel and less transition to minimize frustrations (etc, whatever). i've respectfully tried to work within your current programs structure, and its clear that my childs education needs canNOT be met within the constraints of your program. we now need to explore alternatives to get his needs met in the least restrictive setting in which they can be accomplished"
and then i'd whip out my calendar and ask what dates might be good for them to view these alternative options to make sure they are appropriate for wee.
but i'm trying to illustrate where this will be going on monday....(based on my vibe from what you've said re these school people). its not so simple as "of COURSE this is all part of a disability"...their agenda will
always be different than yours, dont ever think anything different.
for whatever reason, i'm really invested in you guys...i'm SO waiting to open the "wee's most awesome day" thread....