Did you know that March is National Reading Month? Reading is such a huge aspect in our lives. It’s one of the areas in which my Bug struggles. That’s why his IEP (Individualized Education Program) is so important to me. IEP’s are intended to help children reach educational goals, including success in reading. In fact, all children should be reading on grade level by the end of third grade.

But sadly schools don’t really do a very good job at explaining the whole IEP process. I know I was at a total loss when I had my first one and I admit it’s taken a lot to get me to be strong like I know I need to be for my son. No more being wishy washy intimidated. IEPs are a federal right of every student so I wanted to share a little bit of information from the National Center for Learning Disabilities with you on how to start the IEP process:

• Make a Request In Writing: A comment or request made verbally in passing to a teacher or school administrator technically didn’t happen. Remember always to place requests for an IEP evaluation or changes to your child’s current IEP in writing to the school administrator in charge of the Committee on Special Education (CSE) in the school district – email or a hand-delivered letter is fine.

•  Know Your Rights: After you’ve submitted an IEP evaluation letter of request, every school district nationwide is required by law under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to respond to you within 10 days (school days, not including weekends). The school must provide you with written documentation explaining (1) the parents’ need for consent to conduct an educational evaluation, (2) how the a determination of eligibility will be made, (3) the documentation needed to identify the existence of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) (if applicable), and (4) confirmation that parents are invited to participate in the IEP process.

•  Be Patient: Your child’s school has 60 school (or business) days to complete the evaluation, which includes an interview with parents, a conference with the student, observations of the student, and analysis of the student’s performance (attention, behavior, work completion, tests, class work, homework, etc.). Legally the CSE (or IEP team) must include “you” the parent, plus at least one general educator teacher (if your child is in even one general education class) and one special education teacher in the meeting.

•  Speak Up: The IEP team is charged with developing, reviewing, and revising your child’s IEP at least once a year by law – and more often if you are dissatisfied with your child’s lack of progress. If you’re not satisfied, speak up (and write letters or emails) as often as you feel you need to in order to get results! Remember that you are an equal partner with the school in the IEP process, and the IEP document is intended as a flexible, but binding, agreement that guides everyone involved in the child’s school career to ensure the highest quality instruction and free and appropriate educational services and supports in the least restrictive environment.

Some parent friends of mine and I were discussing this very issue today. IEPs and how they are handled. You have rights and so do your children. The 4th tip is one I underlined not just so you’d take notice but as a constant reminder to myself.

For more information on the IEP process I suggest you take a look at LD.org and if there is anything you’d like to share please do so in the comments. You are not alone even though sometimes it may feel like it, I’ve been there too.

© 2013, Nanette Gomez. All rights reserved.