Wrightslaw

As the new school year begins, questions from parents and teachers are pouring in. In this issue of The Special Ed Advocate, we answer questions about testing, IEPs, IEP meetings, long-term planning, and the concept of FAPE.

Highlights: 9 myths about testing; Pete & Pam answer questions about FAPE, rules of adverse assumptions, how to disagree with the IEP team, how to tape-record meetings, how to write letters that document concerns, how to get an IEP changed; maximum number of IEP goals; how to plan for the future; Wrightslaw Advocacy Training Programs; Free Shipping on Wrightslaw books.

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https://www.wrightslaw.com/info/advo.feta.groups.htm

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1. 9 Myths About Testing

How many of these statements are true?

* Testing interferes with teaching and learning.
* Testing promotes "teaching to the test."
* Testing does not measure what a student knows.
* Testing discriminates against different styles of test-takers.
* Testing hurts the poor and people of color.
* Testing increases dropout rates
* Testing creates physical and emotional illness in children.

Parents and teachers must learn why tests are essential to measuring progress and learning. Read “9 Myths about Testing - and the Realities!”

https://www.wrightslaw.com/info/test.myths.reality.htm

Learn more about tests, evaluations, assessments, and high-stakes tests:

https://www.wrightslaw.com/info/test.index.htm

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2. Pete & Pam Answer Questions About FAPE, Rules of Adverse Assumptions, How to Document Concerns, How to Tape Record Meetings, More

"My daughter has made little or no progress after years of special education. Her IEPs contain vague subjective goals and objectives."

"If our case goes to due process, is the school liable for not providing an appropriate education? Or, is this the responsibility of the parent who signed the IEP?"

Who is responsible for providing FAPE? How can parents document their concerns?

Pete & Pam answer these questions and discuss tactics and strategies parents can use when they disagree with the IEP team.

Learn about the rules of adverse assumptions, how to tape-record meetings, how to write thank you letters that document your concerns.

Read "Who is Responsible for Providing an Appropriate Special Ed Program"

https://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/ltrs/sped.failed.htm

Learn more about FAPE: https://www.wrightslaw.com/info/fape.index.htm

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3. How Can I Get My Child's IEP Changed?

"My child is not making progress under the IEP. I asked that we convene an IEP meeting to revise the IEP. I was told that I cannot ask that the IEP be changed because I signed the IEP earlier. Is this true?"

What do you think?

Can a parent ask that the child's IEP be changed? Does the parent have to wait until the annual IEP meeting that is usually held at the end of the school year?

For answers to these questions, read "How Can I Get My Child's IEP Changed"

https://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/ltrs/iep_revise.htm

Learn more about IEPs: https://www.wrightslaw.com/info/iep.index.htm

Take our IEP Quiz: https://www.wrightslaw.com/info/iep.iq.quiz.htm

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4. Free Shipping - Save $$

Our publisher is offering FREE SHIPPING on all books - you save at least $4.95 per order.

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5. What is the Limit on IEP Goals? What Does Law Say About Vision Statements?

Joey writes, "When we met with the IEP team, we were told that our son can have only four goals in his IEP (he has 10 goals in his current IEP). Is this true? Are there a maximum number of IEP goals?

"Also, they wanted us to write a 5 year vision statement during the meeting. Is this a new part of the law? How do you write a vision statement? We don't know where to begin!"

Are there limits on IEP goals?

How should parents approach the issue of long-term planning?

For answers to these questions and advice about planning for the future, read IEP Goals and Long-Term Plans

https://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/ltrs/masterplan.htm

Learn more about Advocacy: https://www.wrightslaw.com/info/advo.index.htm

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6. Put Wrightslaw Advocacy Training on Your To-do List

Wrightslaw training programs focus on four areas: special education laws, rights & responsibilities; how to use the bell curve to measure progress & regression; SMART IEPs; and tactics & strategies for effective advocacy.

August 25-26: Wichita KS (Boot Camp)
https://www.wrightslaw.com/speak/03.08.ks.htm

September 20: Pittsburgh PA
https://www.wrightslaw.com/speak/03.09.pa.htm

September 23: Annandale VA (Northern Virginia/DC area)
https://www.wrightslaw.com/speak/03.09.va.htm

September 26: Charlotte NC
https://www.wrightslaw.com/speak/03.09.nc.htm

November 7-8: Jackson MS (Boot Camp)
https://www.wrightslaw.com/speak/03.11.ms.htm

November 15: Syracuse NY
https://www.wrightslaw.com/speak/03.11.ny.htm

To learn about other Wrightslaw training programs scheduled for the 2003-2004 year, please check our Seminars & Training page: https://www.wrightslaw.com/speak/index.htm

About ten percent of attendees at our conferences come from other states, often traveling hundreds of miles to learn. Just a thought.

If you want to learn how to bring Pete & Pam to your community, please read our FAQs about Seminars: https://www.wrightslaw.com/speak/faqs.htm