Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Taking a little break...
There is a lot of stuff going on here right now... and I can't talk about it yet for a lot of reasons. Just know that we're all OK, but I am going to take a little bloggy break... it may be for a few days or a few weeks until I get this all figured out. Some prayers for our family and for discernment for me as I make some heavy decisions would be appreciated. Thanks!
Monday, April 26, 2010
When "They" Say...
My last post on IEPs, I promise. Sorry to those I've offended, thanks to those who have hung in there with me, especially those who have NO interest in IEPs AT ALL! This may be the most helpful, important piece on IEPs that I post... I saved the best for last... or something like that. LOL
This article was passed on to me by Sheila Moore, the Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee. It originally appeared in the recent National Down Syndrome Congress newsletter. This was written by a veteran of IEPs as a mother and a teacher and I thought it was extremely well written and very informative. I hope many of you will find it useful as well.
When "They" Say...
By, Kathy Everett
Alpharetta, GA
I.E.P.
Those three little letters instill fear in the hearts of many parents who have a child with a disability. Others have no clue what they mean.
In the past 22 years, I have attended hundreds of IEP (Individual Education Program) meetings. Some of them were for my own daughter, Jennifer. Sometimes, I provided a hand to hold or a friendly face in the crowd for other parents who needed it. The process of creating an IEP can be long and confrontational, short and cooperative - or anything in between. The key is for parents to know what to say when "they" say (fill in the blank).
In my journey, I have learned many things that I share with other parents to help them on their journey. When a school member says something you disagree with for your child, your response is key. Here are some of the most common comments said at IEP meetings and what you can say to counter them.
We've never done that before.
Well, let's see how we can figure out how to do it.
She will get more attention in a small group setting.
The average self-contained class has eight students, all with significant special needs, while the general education classroom has an average of 20 students but statistically only one will have significant special needs.
Your child requires more attention than I can give in my class. I have 20 other students that need my attention.
I understand and it sounds like you do not have enough support in the class to help with all of your students. Then maybe a paraprofessional is necessary.
Or...
All students need to be challenged and you should not feel like you are the only one who can teach my child. I am sure there are several other children who would love to help out my child. We all know that helping someone else learn reinforces what is being taught. Peer tutoring is a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the class to learn.
He needs to be with other kids that are like him. He will always feel left out and unable to really compete with his peers.
My child needs to be around age appropriate peers in real life situations to learn how to get along with others in the real world. Research shows that all children benefit from inclusive classrooms.
It isn't fair to have a child in the class who is learning have to teach someone else. It isn't their responsibility.
We all know that kids learn from kids. Kids build competence by teaching someone else because it reinforces the skills they are learning themselves.
She really needs adaptive PE (or art or music).
I understand my child has limitations; but she will benefit from access to the general curriculum, just like all of the other students do. And in a class like PE (or art or music) just learning to follow directions or changing clothes is a skill my daughter needs for life.
They need to be in adaptive PE so they don't get hurt.
Don't you have any other children that ever get hurt? My child needs to learn how to play in social environments. What can I do to help you have the supports so that he can safely participate? Let's work together to plan what supports will help him participate safely.
She is so far below grade level she cannot even...
I understand that my child can't... That is why we have differentiated instruction. The curriculum needs to be modified so that she can continue to progress and learn.
He is not at the level of other children.
I know he isn't at the level of other children. That is why he has an IEP. I don't expect him to be at the same level as his peers, but I do expect us to use a modified curriculum where we can identify the supports that are necessary and helpful for him to learn.
We are concerned about her life and/or job skills. That is why she needs to be in this class.
I really appreciate your concern. There are many things I can replicate at home and I can teach my child. But I cannot recreate a high/middle/elementary school environment. My child needs to experience that just like any other child. I will teach my child life skills. I can take my child to the grocery store. I need her to learn how to be around other people.
In communication, one of the most important things to remember is to keep the conversation focused on your child and his needs. It's what he needs, not what you want for him. It sounds simple, but the key is semantics. Always think about how you phrase a question or statement to encourage the response you want. I never ask if something can be done. I ask how it is going to happen. It is important to be knowledgeable and realistic about what your child can and cannot do. Know the law - but use it sparingly. Honestly, you and the educators want the same thing: for your child to learn in a healthy, caring environment. Sometimes we just have different philosophies of how to accomplish that. Good luck and remember an IEP is not carved in stone. It can be changed.
Editor's note: Kathy Everett is a certified teacher in both general education and special education who directs her own consulting business, Kathy Everett Consulting, to assist parents in navigating school systems. She also has a daughter with Down syndrome.
This article was passed on to me by Sheila Moore, the Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee. It originally appeared in the recent National Down Syndrome Congress newsletter. This was written by a veteran of IEPs as a mother and a teacher and I thought it was extremely well written and very informative. I hope many of you will find it useful as well.
When "They" Say...
By, Kathy Everett
Alpharetta, GA
I.E.P.
Those three little letters instill fear in the hearts of many parents who have a child with a disability. Others have no clue what they mean.
In the past 22 years, I have attended hundreds of IEP (Individual Education Program) meetings. Some of them were for my own daughter, Jennifer. Sometimes, I provided a hand to hold or a friendly face in the crowd for other parents who needed it. The process of creating an IEP can be long and confrontational, short and cooperative - or anything in between. The key is for parents to know what to say when "they" say (fill in the blank).
In my journey, I have learned many things that I share with other parents to help them on their journey. When a school member says something you disagree with for your child, your response is key. Here are some of the most common comments said at IEP meetings and what you can say to counter them.
We've never done that before.
Well, let's see how we can figure out how to do it.
She will get more attention in a small group setting.
The average self-contained class has eight students, all with significant special needs, while the general education classroom has an average of 20 students but statistically only one will have significant special needs.
Your child requires more attention than I can give in my class. I have 20 other students that need my attention.
I understand and it sounds like you do not have enough support in the class to help with all of your students. Then maybe a paraprofessional is necessary.
All students need to be challenged and you should not feel like you are the only one who can teach my child. I am sure there are several other children who would love to help out my child. We all know that helping someone else learn reinforces what is being taught. Peer tutoring is a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the class to learn.
He needs to be with other kids that are like him. He will always feel left out and unable to really compete with his peers.
My child needs to be around age appropriate peers in real life situations to learn how to get along with others in the real world. Research shows that all children benefit from inclusive classrooms.
It isn't fair to have a child in the class who is learning have to teach someone else. It isn't their responsibility.
We all know that kids learn from kids. Kids build competence by teaching someone else because it reinforces the skills they are learning themselves.
She really needs adaptive PE (or art or music).
I understand my child has limitations; but she will benefit from access to the general curriculum, just like all of the other students do. And in a class like PE (or art or music) just learning to follow directions or changing clothes is a skill my daughter needs for life.
They need to be in adaptive PE so they don't get hurt.
Don't you have any other children that ever get hurt? My child needs to learn how to play in social environments. What can I do to help you have the supports so that he can safely participate? Let's work together to plan what supports will help him participate safely.
She is so far below grade level she cannot even...
I understand that my child can't... That is why we have differentiated instruction. The curriculum needs to be modified so that she can continue to progress and learn.
He is not at the level of other children.
I know he isn't at the level of other children. That is why he has an IEP. I don't expect him to be at the same level as his peers, but I do expect us to use a modified curriculum where we can identify the supports that are necessary and helpful for him to learn.
We are concerned about her life and/or job skills. That is why she needs to be in this class.
I really appreciate your concern. There are many things I can replicate at home and I can teach my child. But I cannot recreate a high/middle/elementary school environment. My child needs to experience that just like any other child. I will teach my child life skills. I can take my child to the grocery store. I need her to learn how to be around other people.
In communication, one of the most important things to remember is to keep the conversation focused on your child and his needs. It's what he needs, not what you want for him. It sounds simple, but the key is semantics. Always think about how you phrase a question or statement to encourage the response you want. I never ask if something can be done. I ask how it is going to happen. It is important to be knowledgeable and realistic about what your child can and cannot do. Know the law - but use it sparingly. Honestly, you and the educators want the same thing: for your child to learn in a healthy, caring environment. Sometimes we just have different philosophies of how to accomplish that. Good luck and remember an IEP is not carved in stone. It can be changed.
Editor's note: Kathy Everett is a certified teacher in both general education and special education who directs her own consulting business, Kathy Everett Consulting, to assist parents in navigating school systems. She also has a daughter with Down syndrome.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
We're trying to reach 1,000 people...
who have $10.00. Do YOU have $10.00? Yes?? Good! Because then you can help this awesome kid, Freddie, come home to Middle Tennessee!
Freddie is in Eastern Europe right now waiting for my friend Lyndi and her husband Bill to come get him! Their paperwork is done and on its way but now they need to finish raising the funds! SO they figure if 1,000 people donate $10.00, that's it. They're done. And with Internet networking, that doesn't seem TOO hard... of course if everyone donated $20.00, that would only be 500 people! Hmmm...
ANYWAY, go check out Lyndi's blog and pray about donating to help complete their family... they're waiting for Freddie to come home!
Freddie is in Eastern Europe right now waiting for my friend Lyndi and her husband Bill to come get him! Their paperwork is done and on its way but now they need to finish raising the funds! SO they figure if 1,000 people donate $10.00, that's it. They're done. And with Internet networking, that doesn't seem TOO hard... of course if everyone donated $20.00, that would only be 500 people! Hmmm...
ANYWAY, go check out Lyndi's blog and pray about donating to help complete their family... they're waiting for Freddie to come home!
IEPs Explained... (sort of)
So, I've been talking A LOT about IEPs for the last few days, and I know that not ALL of you who read my blog deal with IEPs... and after this week, you're probably thinking, "Thank the LORD!"
First, let me say, those posts were intended as stress relief for those stressed out... and not ALL parents stress out over IEP meetings (ok, most parents DO, but not all) and some parents stress out and then walk out after the meeting and think, "That wasn't so bad!" I always pray that I will be that parent! (I actually think Kennedy's special ed teacher said that exact phrase - "That wasn't so bad!" - after our last meeting... so see, it's not just parents that stress! LOL!) Though usually the general consensus of a mom would be this...
SO for those of you not in the IEP world (or not in the IEP world yet) I thought I would give you a very laymen breakdown of IEPs. This is just for fun and would probably do you NO good in an actual IEP meeting... unless you want to think back on it and smile. :)
IEP: Individualized Education Plan
Any child who falls under the Special Education umbrella in the school system has an IEP which means that their education in school should be tailored just to them and to them only. (Hence the word "Individualized".) This requires an IEP meeting which consists of a team. This team can be made up of any number of people. It usually includes a school administrator, the school psychologist (who will evaluate your child and determine eligibility), a special ed teacher (or coordinator), a general ed teacher, an aide (if you're lucky enough to get one), any therapists involved in your child's care and anyone else working with your child... then of course, you, the parent. If appropriate, the child may attend the meeting as well. The parent may also choose to bring a friend, family member or advocate who knows IEP law because well... it can be a little overwhelming...
The first part of the IEP meeting consists of a bunch of paperwork... you get to fill out a bunch of forms with information that everyone already knows about your child. Some schools will have this done for you, which makes things SO much easier... others won't... either way, first comes the child's name, address, etc. Then it goes on to name all the members of the "IEP Team". Next it states the services and the frequency of said services that will be provided to your child, and states their eligibility in the Special Education program. Sometimes the fighting starts right here.
"It is not good enough for Sally Mae to only have 30 minutes of Speech Therapy once a week! She needs it twice a week and it better be individual Speech Therapy too!" And then someone on the team then has to justify why Sally Mae only needs 30 minutes of group therapy once a week. And they battle until everyone is happy... or someone gives in... or threatens to sue. And mom looks like this...
Or maybe that's the teacher... Could go either way...
Next they present the level of academic and functional performance of your child... to once again prove that your child does indeed fall under that special education umbrella... just in case you, you know, forgot. (Insert sarcasm here.)
Then your team sits down and writes "measurable annual goals" for your child: "By the end of the year, Billy Bob will write his name backwards in 3 languages." OK... not really. But you get the idea.
Next comes my personal favorite: The Instructional Setting. (dun dun dun!) AKA: Placement. This is where that LRE comes in. I could talk about LRE all day. LRE means Least Restrictive Environment. Least. And seems to be the downfall of 90% of IEP meetings across the country. I have heard parents in California screaming all the way in Tennessee. OK, not really... but have you seen the school system in California lately?! It's possible!!
LEAST Restrictive Environment says: By law, schools are required to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment for students who have disabilities.
"Least restrictive environment" means that a student who has a disability should have the opportunity to be educated with non-disabled peers, to the greatest extent possible. They should have access to the general education curriculum, extracurricular activities, or any other program that non-disabled peers would be able to access. The student should be provided with supplementary aids and services necessary to achieve educational goals if placed in a setting with non-disabled peers. Academically a resource room may be available within the school for specialized instruction, with typically no more than two hours per day of services for a student with learning disabilities.
In Nashville in 2008, reports revealed that almost one-third of all students with disabilities spent less than half of their time in a general education setting, and 75 percent of students with mental retardation and 70 percent of kids with autism were in self-contained classrooms for at least half of each school day. Ridiculous.
Moving on.
The rest is what I call the details... these will either be breezed through or could take hours depending on the student...
They talk about if the regular class curriculum is ok or if it needs to be modified... if they modified the typical classroom in any way, then could the child be in his/her LRE?! (This is called thinking outside the box. Some teams do it well... others, not so much.)
How Special Education will help the student reach their annual goals. (Because you know, that's what they're supposed to do!)
IF the student is not in a typical classroom, then when and where WILL he be included? Specials? Lunch? Recess? Field trips? (Uhhh yes please!)
Program modifications or supports needed to help the child succeed (in their LRE)... like maybe an AID! Now there's a noble thought... and this is where they come in and say (if they're not smart), "We just don't have the funding for that" or "We just don't have the staff available for that." *ding ding ding* Congratulations! They've just broken the LAW!
Then the parent says, "It is not Janie Sue's problem that you don't have the money or the staff. She needs an aid. YOU get to figure out how to make that happen." The school is getting a lot of extra money for your child, your child in special education, being in their school. Maybe they can use THAT to pay for Janie Sue's aid! Hmmm! If they are smart, they will throw other (legal) excuses at you as to why Janie Sue does not need an aid... then the burden of proving to them that Janie Sue does need an aid to completely thrive in her LRE, falls back on you. Fun. It's a game of loopholes. Bring that advocate. Seriously.
Procedures to inform the parent or guardian of progress toward IEP goals (so you know, you're not blindsided at the end of the year when you think your kid is doing great when he's really only learned to write his name backwards in one language!)... You should get an IEP report card stating how your child is doing with his IEP goals throughout the year. This should be in addition to his regular report card from his classroom.
Participation in district and state assessment and accommodations or modifications needed (IQ tests for 3 year olds! YEAH! Those will be OH so accurate!) {insert more sarcasm here.}
How assistive technology needs will be met if necessary. (PECS systems and all kinds of other cool stuff I've heard about but never seen...)
Behavioral interventions that address the needs of students with needs in that area. (As one of my friends calls it: The BAT team!)
And I'm sure there are a bunch of things I've forgotten here or don't know about or whatever... but really, haven't I bored you enough with the details? So THEN once everything is written down in ink, everyone is asked if they agree with the IEP. Oh yes, this team of 10 (or so) people have to agree. If they DO, then hallelujah!! The IEP is signed, copies are made, everyone shakes hands and walks out as friends. But if they don't... and let me tell you, it's usually the parents who don't... then nothing is signed. And guess what? They either stay there and hash it out, or they agree to meet again at a later date to talk about that unsigned IEP. And the parent brings an advocate (if there wasn't one already there), OR if he/she is really angry, they bring a lawyer. And then if they still can't settle it, they go to mediation and possibly even court (though I've never personally seen this happen... I did hear about one mom who tied herself to the school's flagpole and all that made me do is wonder, "What did she do when she had to PEE?!").
And all of this is over ONE YEAR of your child's education. You get to do it again NEXT year... or maybe even sooner... IEP meetings can be called by any team member at any time for any reason throughout the year. You just never know what the day will bring!
Now doesn't that make you just want to run out to an IEP meeting RIGHT now?! :o)
Recently some parents have come up with their own fun acronyms for the IEP:
IEP - Incredibly Excruciating Pain!!!
IEP - I Exited Pissed-off!
IEP - Irritating Exclusion Program
IEP - Intellectuals Expelling Poop
IEP - Informed and Educated Parent!
*ahem* Moving on.
All joking aside, if you're one of those parents struggling right now, there are two books out there you might be interested in...
From Emotions to Advocacy - The Special Education Survival Guide, 2nd Edition
by Pam Wright and Pete Wright was published in January 2006 (ISBN: 978-1-892320-09-4, 338 pages, perfect bound, $19.95).
"If I were asked to choose just one book to help me learn advocacy skills, this is it!" - Support for Families of Children with Disabilities
"A superb reference, From Emotions To Advocacy is highly recommended reading for parents of children in need of special education services ... it's filled with tips, techniques and a wealth of resources, from web sites to worksheets, forms, and sample letters …" Midwest Book Review
All About IEPs - Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About IEPs
(ISBN: 978-1-892320-20-9) by Pete Wright, Pam Wright, and Sue O'Connor, 192 pages, $12.95.
In this comprehensive, easy-to-read book, you will find clear, concise answers to frequently asked questions about IEPs. Learn what the law says about:
IEP Teams and IEP Meetings
Parental Rights & Consent
Steps in Developing the IEP
Placement, Transition, Assistive Technology
Strategies to Resolve Disagreements
And if YOU have any other acronyms for IEPs... well, you know we'd like to hear them! ;)
First, let me say, those posts were intended as stress relief for those stressed out... and not ALL parents stress out over IEP meetings (ok, most parents DO, but not all) and some parents stress out and then walk out after the meeting and think, "That wasn't so bad!" I always pray that I will be that parent! (I actually think Kennedy's special ed teacher said that exact phrase - "That wasn't so bad!" - after our last meeting... so see, it's not just parents that stress! LOL!) Though usually the general consensus of a mom would be this...
SO for those of you not in the IEP world (or not in the IEP world yet) I thought I would give you a very laymen breakdown of IEPs. This is just for fun and would probably do you NO good in an actual IEP meeting... unless you want to think back on it and smile. :)
IEP: Individualized Education Plan
Any child who falls under the Special Education umbrella in the school system has an IEP which means that their education in school should be tailored just to them and to them only. (Hence the word "Individualized".) This requires an IEP meeting which consists of a team. This team can be made up of any number of people. It usually includes a school administrator, the school psychologist (who will evaluate your child and determine eligibility), a special ed teacher (or coordinator), a general ed teacher, an aide (if you're lucky enough to get one), any therapists involved in your child's care and anyone else working with your child... then of course, you, the parent. If appropriate, the child may attend the meeting as well. The parent may also choose to bring a friend, family member or advocate who knows IEP law because well... it can be a little overwhelming...
The first part of the IEP meeting consists of a bunch of paperwork... you get to fill out a bunch of forms with information that everyone already knows about your child. Some schools will have this done for you, which makes things SO much easier... others won't... either way, first comes the child's name, address, etc. Then it goes on to name all the members of the "IEP Team". Next it states the services and the frequency of said services that will be provided to your child, and states their eligibility in the Special Education program. Sometimes the fighting starts right here.
"It is not good enough for Sally Mae to only have 30 minutes of Speech Therapy once a week! She needs it twice a week and it better be individual Speech Therapy too!" And then someone on the team then has to justify why Sally Mae only needs 30 minutes of group therapy once a week. And they battle until everyone is happy... or someone gives in... or threatens to sue. And mom looks like this...
Or maybe that's the teacher... Could go either way... Next they present the level of academic and functional performance of your child... to once again prove that your child does indeed fall under that special education umbrella... just in case you, you know, forgot. (Insert sarcasm here.)
Then your team sits down and writes "measurable annual goals" for your child: "By the end of the year, Billy Bob will write his name backwards in 3 languages." OK... not really. But you get the idea.
Next comes my personal favorite: The Instructional Setting. (dun dun dun!) AKA: Placement. This is where that LRE comes in. I could talk about LRE all day. LRE means Least Restrictive Environment. Least. And seems to be the downfall of 90% of IEP meetings across the country. I have heard parents in California screaming all the way in Tennessee. OK, not really... but have you seen the school system in California lately?! It's possible!!
LEAST Restrictive Environment says: By law, schools are required to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment for students who have disabilities.
"Least restrictive environment" means that a student who has a disability should have the opportunity to be educated with non-disabled peers, to the greatest extent possible. They should have access to the general education curriculum, extracurricular activities, or any other program that non-disabled peers would be able to access. The student should be provided with supplementary aids and services necessary to achieve educational goals if placed in a setting with non-disabled peers. Academically a resource room may be available within the school for specialized instruction, with typically no more than two hours per day of services for a student with learning disabilities.
In Nashville in 2008, reports revealed that almost one-third of all students with disabilities spent less than half of their time in a general education setting, and 75 percent of students with mental retardation and 70 percent of kids with autism were in self-contained classrooms for at least half of each school day. Ridiculous.
Moving on.
The rest is what I call the details... these will either be breezed through or could take hours depending on the student...
They talk about if the regular class curriculum is ok or if it needs to be modified... if they modified the typical classroom in any way, then could the child be in his/her LRE?! (This is called thinking outside the box. Some teams do it well... others, not so much.)
How Special Education will help the student reach their annual goals. (Because you know, that's what they're supposed to do!)
IF the student is not in a typical classroom, then when and where WILL he be included? Specials? Lunch? Recess? Field trips? (Uhhh yes please!)
Program modifications or supports needed to help the child succeed (in their LRE)... like maybe an AID! Now there's a noble thought... and this is where they come in and say (if they're not smart), "We just don't have the funding for that" or "We just don't have the staff available for that." *ding ding ding* Congratulations! They've just broken the LAW!
Then the parent says, "It is not Janie Sue's problem that you don't have the money or the staff. She needs an aid. YOU get to figure out how to make that happen." The school is getting a lot of extra money for your child, your child in special education, being in their school. Maybe they can use THAT to pay for Janie Sue's aid! Hmmm! If they are smart, they will throw other (legal) excuses at you as to why Janie Sue does not need an aid... then the burden of proving to them that Janie Sue does need an aid to completely thrive in her LRE, falls back on you. Fun. It's a game of loopholes. Bring that advocate. Seriously.
Procedures to inform the parent or guardian of progress toward IEP goals (so you know, you're not blindsided at the end of the year when you think your kid is doing great when he's really only learned to write his name backwards in one language!)... You should get an IEP report card stating how your child is doing with his IEP goals throughout the year. This should be in addition to his regular report card from his classroom.
Participation in district and state assessment and accommodations or modifications needed (IQ tests for 3 year olds! YEAH! Those will be OH so accurate!) {insert more sarcasm here.}
How assistive technology needs will be met if necessary. (PECS systems and all kinds of other cool stuff I've heard about but never seen...)
Behavioral interventions that address the needs of students with needs in that area. (As one of my friends calls it: The BAT team!)
And I'm sure there are a bunch of things I've forgotten here or don't know about or whatever... but really, haven't I bored you enough with the details? So THEN once everything is written down in ink, everyone is asked if they agree with the IEP. Oh yes, this team of 10 (or so) people have to agree. If they DO, then hallelujah!! The IEP is signed, copies are made, everyone shakes hands and walks out as friends. But if they don't... and let me tell you, it's usually the parents who don't... then nothing is signed. And guess what? They either stay there and hash it out, or they agree to meet again at a later date to talk about that unsigned IEP. And the parent brings an advocate (if there wasn't one already there), OR if he/she is really angry, they bring a lawyer. And then if they still can't settle it, they go to mediation and possibly even court (though I've never personally seen this happen... I did hear about one mom who tied herself to the school's flagpole and all that made me do is wonder, "What did she do when she had to PEE?!").
And all of this is over ONE YEAR of your child's education. You get to do it again NEXT year... or maybe even sooner... IEP meetings can be called by any team member at any time for any reason throughout the year. You just never know what the day will bring!
Now doesn't that make you just want to run out to an IEP meeting RIGHT now?! :o)
Recently some parents have come up with their own fun acronyms for the IEP:
IEP - Incredibly Excruciating Pain!!!
IEP - I Exited Pissed-off!
IEP - Irritating Exclusion Program
IEP - Intellectuals Expelling Poop
IEP - Informed and Educated Parent!
*ahem* Moving on.
All joking aside, if you're one of those parents struggling right now, there are two books out there you might be interested in...
From Emotions to Advocacy - The Special Education Survival Guide, 2nd Editionby Pam Wright and Pete Wright was published in January 2006 (ISBN: 978-1-892320-09-4, 338 pages, perfect bound, $19.95).
"If I were asked to choose just one book to help me learn advocacy skills, this is it!" - Support for Families of Children with Disabilities
"A superb reference, From Emotions To Advocacy is highly recommended reading for parents of children in need of special education services ... it's filled with tips, techniques and a wealth of resources, from web sites to worksheets, forms, and sample letters …" Midwest Book Review
All About IEPs - Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About IEPs (ISBN: 978-1-892320-20-9) by Pete Wright, Pam Wright, and Sue O'Connor, 192 pages, $12.95.
In this comprehensive, easy-to-read book, you will find clear, concise answers to frequently asked questions about IEPs. Learn what the law says about:
IEP Teams and IEP Meetings
Parental Rights & Consent
Steps in Developing the IEP
Placement, Transition, Assistive Technology
Strategies to Resolve Disagreements
And if YOU have any other acronyms for IEPs... well, you know we'd like to hear them! ;)
Saturday, April 24, 2010
"Your Child Might Have An IEP If..."
More on IEPs... though I just have to say, thankfully none of these have applied to us so far, (though I'm pretty sure I've been called a hysterical parent with all my kids)... I think there were quite a FEW people wearing jeans at our last meeting, especially because we met on a Friday! ;) For those of you who have gone through some of these things, and I know there are a lot of you, this is for you.
"Your Child Might Have An IEP If..."
Author Unknown
In talking with families many seemed confused about whether their child had an IEP through the school. To assist families in determining whether their child has an IEP, we felt it would be helpful to apply the Foxworthy test.
If you have ever attended a meeting at school with 25 professionals... your child might have an IEP.
If you are the only one wearing jeans.... your child might have an IEP.
If these professionals speak a different language.... your child might have an IEP.
If the meeting room was the size of a closet... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been asked, "do you think your child is the only one in the district?"... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever heard, "we do not have money for that!"... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been called an "overprotective, hysterical parent" or an "uninvolved parent"... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been told your child "will just grow out of it", "is lazy", "slow", irresponsible", "immature and/or sensitive" etc...etc... your child might have an IEP.
If you feel you have walked into "Assertiveness Training 101" by accident... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been screamed at by a school official... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been told your child will be lucky to grow up and dig ditches... your child might have an IEP.
If it has ever been suggested to move to another District... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been invited to home school your child... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever called the school and asked for your child and were told "we do not have anyone here by that name... " your child might have an IEP.
If your family is ever discussed in the teachers lounge... your child might have an IEP.
If every time you call the school board office, the person you need to talk to is in a meeting... your child might have an IEP.
If a meeting with the school has ever been rescheduled more than twice to the time you definitely can not come... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been patted on the shoulder and called "honey" by the principal... your child might have an IEP.
If it has ever been suggested all your child needs is a "good spanking to straighten him/her up..." your child might have an IEP.
If you have been asked by a teacher to "just sign it!"... your child definitely has an IEP...
If you have ever been called Ms. White something... your child might have an IEP.
If you know your advocate's phone and fax number by heart... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been forced into due process, state court, the district court of appeals, federal court, or the federal circuit court on a fast track to the US Supreme Court... your child might have an IEP.
If you are known as a due process queen... your child might have an IEP.
If you can quote federal statutes in your sleep... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever requested your child's records and it took two years to receive them... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been told, the district doesn't care if you sign the IEP or not, services have ceased... your child might have an IEP.
If you have crossed out the words "Procedural Safeguards" on your copy and written in "Procedural Land Mines" (I know I have)... then your child definitely has an IEP (for what it's worth).
If a new teacher went to pull your child's cumulative records and had to make two trips to get them... your child might have an IEP/ You've been through a Due Process.
Your child might have an IEP/ you've been through a Due Process if... [enter state DOE legal head here] knows you.
Your child might have an IEP/you've been through a Due Process if... you sign all your letters, "I look forward to your written response on or before ten (10) business days."
"Your Child Might Have An IEP If..."
Author Unknown
In talking with families many seemed confused about whether their child had an IEP through the school. To assist families in determining whether their child has an IEP, we felt it would be helpful to apply the Foxworthy test.
If you have ever attended a meeting at school with 25 professionals... your child might have an IEP.
If you are the only one wearing jeans.... your child might have an IEP.
If these professionals speak a different language.... your child might have an IEP.
If the meeting room was the size of a closet... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been asked, "do you think your child is the only one in the district?"... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever heard, "we do not have money for that!"... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been called an "overprotective, hysterical parent" or an "uninvolved parent"... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been told your child "will just grow out of it", "is lazy", "slow", irresponsible", "immature and/or sensitive" etc...etc... your child might have an IEP.
If you feel you have walked into "Assertiveness Training 101" by accident... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been screamed at by a school official... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been told your child will be lucky to grow up and dig ditches... your child might have an IEP.
If it has ever been suggested to move to another District... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been invited to home school your child... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever called the school and asked for your child and were told "we do not have anyone here by that name... " your child might have an IEP.
If your family is ever discussed in the teachers lounge... your child might have an IEP.
If every time you call the school board office, the person you need to talk to is in a meeting... your child might have an IEP.
If a meeting with the school has ever been rescheduled more than twice to the time you definitely can not come... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been patted on the shoulder and called "honey" by the principal... your child might have an IEP.
If it has ever been suggested all your child needs is a "good spanking to straighten him/her up..." your child might have an IEP.
If you have been asked by a teacher to "just sign it!"... your child definitely has an IEP...
If you have ever been called Ms. White something... your child might have an IEP.
If you know your advocate's phone and fax number by heart... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been forced into due process, state court, the district court of appeals, federal court, or the federal circuit court on a fast track to the US Supreme Court... your child might have an IEP.
If you are known as a due process queen... your child might have an IEP.
If you can quote federal statutes in your sleep... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever requested your child's records and it took two years to receive them... your child might have an IEP.
If you have ever been told, the district doesn't care if you sign the IEP or not, services have ceased... your child might have an IEP.
If you have crossed out the words "Procedural Safeguards" on your copy and written in "Procedural Land Mines" (I know I have)... then your child definitely has an IEP (for what it's worth).
If a new teacher went to pull your child's cumulative records and had to make two trips to get them... your child might have an IEP/ You've been through a Due Process.
Your child might have an IEP/ you've been through a Due Process if... [enter state DOE legal head here] knows you.
Your child might have an IEP/you've been through a Due Process if... you sign all your letters, "I look forward to your written response on or before ten (10) business days."
Friday, April 23, 2010
A Sweet Angel
My friend Joany lost her daughter Carly today. I don't know what happened as her blog isn't updated yet, but her facebook status rocked the Down syndrome community a couple hours ago... another friend just emailed me a few minutes ago making sure I knew. My heart is broken. Besides having Down syndrome, Carly also battled Leukemia not long before Kennedy. Today, I am just in shock. Carly, I'm going to miss reading about you and your school time antics so much! Joany, I wish I could give you a huge hug! Please be praying for the George family. Hug your babies tight tonight parents... I know I will be.
App of the Week #6
In keeping with IEP week, for those of you who don't know it yet, there is an IEP app! This app alone may be worth buying an iPhone or iPod Touch. Seriously. I can't wait to use it at Kennedy's next meeting. For someone like me who lacks organizational skills *ahem* this has note taking capabilities at your fingertips! Furthermore, you have about 100 different parts of the IEP law right there in front of you, broken down into sections, ready for you to say, "Well, according to Section 300.321(a)(1), that Sir is against the law!" And, let's face it, who wouldn't want to say that?! (I mean, hopefully you don't have to say that, but you know... should the opportunity present itself... you want to be prepared, right?! Right!) LOL
So, the IEP Checklist... what it is and why you want it (and you can click the pictures to enlarge, of course).
What: IEP Checklist
By: Nurvee
Price: FREE!!!
OK so start the app, and you're going to get a blank page. Click on "new" at the top and it will ask you to name your file. I named mine Kennedy... because, well... yeah, that should be obvious. LOL Someday Kellsey can have one named after her, too! :) Choose your language, and then your checklist is ready to go! It's that simple!
Your list is automatically broken down into lots of different user friendly sections... The first spot there shows your main page. In there you'll find lots of sub-sections. Each sub-section is filled with IEP laws and room for note taking.
There are lots of different things talking about performance, goals, placement... how those goals should be written, reviewed, etc.
Placement, placement placement! LRE, FAPE and so much more... with the laws to back them up!
More areas to be touched on, it covers literally EVERY area of education... including, what to do if the parent disagrees... which hopefully won't be needed! Read it through a bit before your meeting! There's so much more here that I haven't even touched on... This is one FREE download you'll be happy to have!
So, the IEP Checklist... what it is and why you want it (and you can click the pictures to enlarge, of course).
What: IEP Checklist
By: Nurvee
Price: FREE!!!
OK so start the app, and you're going to get a blank page. Click on "new" at the top and it will ask you to name your file. I named mine Kennedy... because, well... yeah, that should be obvious. LOL Someday Kellsey can have one named after her, too! :) Choose your language, and then your checklist is ready to go! It's that simple! 
Your list is automatically broken down into lots of different user friendly sections... The first spot there shows your main page. In there you'll find lots of sub-sections. Each sub-section is filled with IEP laws and room for note taking. 
There are lots of different things talking about performance, goals, placement... how those goals should be written, reviewed, etc. 
Placement, placement placement! LRE, FAPE and so much more... with the laws to back them up! 
More areas to be touched on, it covers literally EVERY area of education... including, what to do if the parent disagrees... which hopefully won't be needed! Read it through a bit before your meeting! There's so much more here that I haven't even touched on... This is one FREE download you'll be happy to have!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
"10 Ways To Have More Fun At Your IEP"
Continuing IEP Week... So really, as much as this seriously made me laugh out loud, I can't imagine actually doing them. While there are some members on our IEP team who may get a kick out of some of them, there are others who most definitely would not... and well, I'm just NOT that bold in real life! LOL These are such fun thoughts though, aren't they?! If anyone actually does any of these, please let me know... and take pictures to share. Please?! :o)
"10 Ways To Have More Fun At Your IEP"
1. Wear costumes. On the meeting invitation, say, "Festive Dress Required."
2. As an equalizer, require all attendees to wear Groucho glasses.
3. Require all attendees to bring a musical instrument.
4. Provide refreshments: Jalapeno Cheetos, and red Kool-Aid.
5. Invite Hillary Rodham Clinton. List her name on the cover sheet.
6. Try this introductory exercise: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
7. Play background music-anything by Frank Zappa.
8. Give everyone a set of five flash cards to be used as the mood strikes: * Who invited him?* *I love your hair! Where did you get it done?* *I’m sure we can trust that this will get worked out.* *Does the law have any bearing on this?* *Excuse me for 10 minutes while I call my lawyer.*
9. Have the TV in the room tuned to the Court Channel.
10. Keep score. Give a really nice door prize to the IEP team member (parents excluded) who makes the most positive comments about your child. Award grand prize to the IEP team member who makes the most negative comments about your child - the winner gets to provide 36 hours of respite care, in their home, to your child.
"10 Ways To Have More Fun At Your IEP"
1. Wear costumes. On the meeting invitation, say, "Festive Dress Required."
2. As an equalizer, require all attendees to wear Groucho glasses.
3. Require all attendees to bring a musical instrument.
4. Provide refreshments: Jalapeno Cheetos, and red Kool-Aid.
5. Invite Hillary Rodham Clinton. List her name on the cover sheet.
6. Try this introductory exercise: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
7. Play background music-anything by Frank Zappa.
8. Give everyone a set of five flash cards to be used as the mood strikes: * Who invited him?* *I love your hair! Where did you get it done?* *I’m sure we can trust that this will get worked out.* *Does the law have any bearing on this?* *Excuse me for 10 minutes while I call my lawyer.*
9. Have the TV in the room tuned to the Court Channel.
10. Keep score. Give a really nice door prize to the IEP team member (parents excluded) who makes the most positive comments about your child. Award grand prize to the IEP team member who makes the most negative comments about your child - the winner gets to provide 36 hours of respite care, in their home, to your child.
Update on Chrissie
I posted a link to Chrissie's blog with a short update on my facebook page a little while ago, but I thought I should post an update here too. Chrissie is in great need of prayer right now. This morning her heart stopped. The doctors worked diligently on her for 45 minutes and finally brought her back to life... but not without consequence. She is now on the ECMO machine. At first the machine was "just" doing the job of her lungs, as her heart was beating on its own, but her mother recently updated that Chrissie's heart is tired and the doctors decided that it was best that the ECMO machine do the job of her heart too, for one full day, to give her heart a rest.
The next few days are crucial... If Chrissie's heart does not decide to beat on its own again, there is nothing that any doctor or machine can do to teach it to do so. Also, with her heart being stopped for 45 minutes this morning, only time will tell what effects Chrissie's brain and organs will sustain from that. There are some VERY specific prayer requests from Chrissie's mom, Lorraine, on this post. Please go read them and be praying.
I'll update as I know more.
Q&A #148
When I first saw the adoption story about the Russian boy I thought... it sure sounds awful but I don't know all the details... at least she DIDN'T kill him I was thinking... sad. Can't believe she would adopt again?! I mean be allowed to?
I don't think she will be allowed to... there are tons of clearances etc that you have to get through and I just can't see anyone approving her to adopt again... we'll see!
Now, as for the adoption situation that is just soooo sad for all of those families. For all of those children. Why would a person go through the financial and emotional journey only to up and decide nope I don't want to do it anymore? I seriously don't get it. I mean all the hoops you had to jump through to get Kellsey. How did she even get cleared to adopt a child? I guess you just never know what a person is going to do. The stress of it all, but really. This woman and those who have killed children have truly ruined things for so many lives.
Charges should be brought against this woman. She virtually abandoned that child. There had to have been other options for her. I hope someone can get that freeze lifted.
Since you adopted Kellsey in the Ukraine and not actually Russia would this freeze have effected you any?
Well, there are several reasons that people disrupt adoptions... and there are many different correct ways she could have gone about doing that if she truly felt she and the rest of her family were being threatened by this boy. Putting a 7 year old on a plane by himself, was obviously not the right way to go about it. The freeze on Russian adoptions does not affect Ukraine, thankfully. We are praying hard for all the families in process of adopting from Russia though!
Renee, did you have a link to the Hook family? I would like to read about them, but didn't see a link.
There should be a video embedded right in the post... if you don't see it, you can try viewing it here. If THAT doesn't work, you can follow their blog here. :)
Renee - maybe you understand this better than I do, but once you adopt a child, isn't it as if they are your own? And if I had a 7 year old I couldn't deal with (whatever that would mean) wouldn't I put them in the US foster program? Why on earth would she put the child on a plane and send him back vs. working the channels here?
Yes... that little boy was an American citizen... just as Kellsey is. There are several venues she could have gone through and many families who foster/adopt children who come from disrupted adoptions. He should have never been sent back to Russia, no matter what. I DO hope she'll take People magazine or someone else up on their interview requests someday. I'd love to know what the heck she was thinking! I'm truly curious.
and i do not understand why or how the airline would let a child fly that long by themselves. i get flying a couple of states but this is crazy
Airline policy... any child over age 5 can take a direct flight unaccompanied. I'm hoping someone will change that policy now.
what is up with moms and cleaning the fridge?? mine does that too!! haha
gotta love em!!!
glad you are all on the mend!!
I don't know but I'm glad she did! It was beyond gross! LOL
Your kids are so funny!! Were they shocked when they saw your neighbor?
No, they remembered! LOL
Anyway, I was wondering, since you always post about kids with cancer if you could maybe put a link to this post. It's for kids fighting cancer.
Sure thing! Everyone go check out this great project for kids fighting cancer, especially if you know how to sew, knit or crochet!
So let me get this straight? They have helicopters there, lol?
No... what makes you think that?! ;)
What camera does Frank use when he's deployed?
He has a Canon Rebel digital... we're a Canon family! :)
Thanks for posting about Lera! I just wanted to correct one thing from your post so that it doesn't discourage people from coming forward for her.
There is a delegation from the US heading to Russia next week to discuss Russia/US adoptions but THERE IS NOT A FREEZE and the news agencies were incorrect in their reporting of it last week.
Adoptions are running smoothly there now and the families we have there have all had their appointments and things as scheduled. Andrea has been in contact with Russia regarding this since it was misreported in the news and can assure anyone that they are going smoothly.
Anyway, thank you for posting for Lera! :)
OK I corrected my post... I'm glad to hear that as the freeze was all over our news here! SO glad there is NOT a freeze... MORE of a reason for a family to come forward for Lera NOW! :)
Oh my goodness...my heart is so sad for her. Just a thought since you seem to have fallen in love with this little girl (and who couldn't?) But could YOU possibly be her family?? :)
Ahhh, as much as we would LOVE to, we are not in the position to adopt right now. We're still bonding with Kellsey and getting to know her (and she's still getting to know us) and our house is literally filled to the brim. I don't think we would be approved for another child. I do so hope to meet this precious girl when she does come home though!
My heart is seriously hurting for this beautiful child. I don't understand the whole home study thing, but I'm assuming it's a pretty ardous process. I'll have to look into that. With as many people as there are looking into foreign adoptions of children w/Ds, surely there's someone who can step in last-minute...?
The home study was actually one of the easiest parts of our process! It's a lot of paperwork and some interviews, but I know that many agencies will expedite the process if necessary. Definitely check into it!
I don't think she will be allowed to... there are tons of clearances etc that you have to get through and I just can't see anyone approving her to adopt again... we'll see!
Now, as for the adoption situation that is just soooo sad for all of those families. For all of those children. Why would a person go through the financial and emotional journey only to up and decide nope I don't want to do it anymore? I seriously don't get it. I mean all the hoops you had to jump through to get Kellsey. How did she even get cleared to adopt a child? I guess you just never know what a person is going to do. The stress of it all, but really. This woman and those who have killed children have truly ruined things for so many lives.
Charges should be brought against this woman. She virtually abandoned that child. There had to have been other options for her. I hope someone can get that freeze lifted.
Since you adopted Kellsey in the Ukraine and not actually Russia would this freeze have effected you any?
Well, there are several reasons that people disrupt adoptions... and there are many different correct ways she could have gone about doing that if she truly felt she and the rest of her family were being threatened by this boy. Putting a 7 year old on a plane by himself, was obviously not the right way to go about it. The freeze on Russian adoptions does not affect Ukraine, thankfully. We are praying hard for all the families in process of adopting from Russia though!
Renee, did you have a link to the Hook family? I would like to read about them, but didn't see a link.
There should be a video embedded right in the post... if you don't see it, you can try viewing it here. If THAT doesn't work, you can follow their blog here. :)
Renee - maybe you understand this better than I do, but once you adopt a child, isn't it as if they are your own? And if I had a 7 year old I couldn't deal with (whatever that would mean) wouldn't I put them in the US foster program? Why on earth would she put the child on a plane and send him back vs. working the channels here?
Yes... that little boy was an American citizen... just as Kellsey is. There are several venues she could have gone through and many families who foster/adopt children who come from disrupted adoptions. He should have never been sent back to Russia, no matter what. I DO hope she'll take People magazine or someone else up on their interview requests someday. I'd love to know what the heck she was thinking! I'm truly curious.
and i do not understand why or how the airline would let a child fly that long by themselves. i get flying a couple of states but this is crazy
Airline policy... any child over age 5 can take a direct flight unaccompanied. I'm hoping someone will change that policy now.
what is up with moms and cleaning the fridge?? mine does that too!! haha
gotta love em!!!
glad you are all on the mend!!
I don't know but I'm glad she did! It was beyond gross! LOL
Your kids are so funny!! Were they shocked when they saw your neighbor?
No, they remembered! LOL
Anyway, I was wondering, since you always post about kids with cancer if you could maybe put a link to this post. It's for kids fighting cancer.
Sure thing! Everyone go check out this great project for kids fighting cancer, especially if you know how to sew, knit or crochet!
So let me get this straight? They have helicopters there, lol?
No... what makes you think that?! ;)
What camera does Frank use when he's deployed?
He has a Canon Rebel digital... we're a Canon family! :)
Thanks for posting about Lera! I just wanted to correct one thing from your post so that it doesn't discourage people from coming forward for her.
There is a delegation from the US heading to Russia next week to discuss Russia/US adoptions but THERE IS NOT A FREEZE and the news agencies were incorrect in their reporting of it last week.
Adoptions are running smoothly there now and the families we have there have all had their appointments and things as scheduled. Andrea has been in contact with Russia regarding this since it was misreported in the news and can assure anyone that they are going smoothly.
Anyway, thank you for posting for Lera! :)
OK I corrected my post... I'm glad to hear that as the freeze was all over our news here! SO glad there is NOT a freeze... MORE of a reason for a family to come forward for Lera NOW! :)
Oh my goodness...my heart is so sad for her. Just a thought since you seem to have fallen in love with this little girl (and who couldn't?) But could YOU possibly be her family?? :)
Ahhh, as much as we would LOVE to, we are not in the position to adopt right now. We're still bonding with Kellsey and getting to know her (and she's still getting to know us) and our house is literally filled to the brim. I don't think we would be approved for another child. I do so hope to meet this precious girl when she does come home though!
My heart is seriously hurting for this beautiful child. I don't understand the whole home study thing, but I'm assuming it's a pretty ardous process. I'll have to look into that. With as many people as there are looking into foreign adoptions of children w/Ds, surely there's someone who can step in last-minute...?
The home study was actually one of the easiest parts of our process! It's a lot of paperwork and some interviews, but I know that many agencies will expedite the process if necessary. Definitely check into it!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
I can't believe I'm about to say this...
but Lera has lost her family. Again. And no, I don't know the specifics.
So. Once again she needs a family. At this point, she WILL be transferred to an institution, BUT fortunately it's one that allows adoptions. However you must understand, right now, Lera is living in a baby home... she is being treated like every other child there... whatever that may mean for her particular home. Hopefully that means she is being cuddled a bit, fed well, played with on occasion. At the very least, her basic needs are being met. She has food, probably a few toys, and she probably gets to go outside a couple times a day.
Very soon though, Lera's world will change. She will be transferred to an institution. She will leave behind her friends and be left tied to a bed. She will get very little food and water. The chances of her ever going outside are slim to none. She will get no medical treatment. Something as simple as the stomach flu could kill her. The smiling girl you see in the picture below will essentially be no more...
Lera - Born: August 7, 2005
Unless someone steps up. Again. I know God has the right family out there for her. I don't understand WHY this keeps happening, but someone has to get her home. Someone has to go to that institution and hug her and kiss her and love her and let her know that she doesn't need to be scared of all the weird sights and sounds and smells that she will endure there. Someone needs to be her mommy and daddy.
Is it you?
Because of the urgency of Lera's situation, any applying families must be home study ready. Couples in Canada MAY apply. She has a $10,000 grant which will go a LONG way toward your adoption cost! Please don't make Lera wait any longer than necessary. Bring this little girl home today! Contact Andrea at bamaroberts@comcast.net for more information.
So. Once again she needs a family. At this point, she WILL be transferred to an institution, BUT fortunately it's one that allows adoptions. However you must understand, right now, Lera is living in a baby home... she is being treated like every other child there... whatever that may mean for her particular home. Hopefully that means she is being cuddled a bit, fed well, played with on occasion. At the very least, her basic needs are being met. She has food, probably a few toys, and she probably gets to go outside a couple times a day. Very soon though, Lera's world will change. She will be transferred to an institution. She will leave behind her friends and be left tied to a bed. She will get very little food and water. The chances of her ever going outside are slim to none. She will get no medical treatment. Something as simple as the stomach flu could kill her. The smiling girl you see in the picture below will essentially be no more...
Lera - Born: August 7, 2005
Unless someone steps up. Again. I know God has the right family out there for her. I don't understand WHY this keeps happening, but someone has to get her home. Someone has to go to that institution and hug her and kiss her and love her and let her know that she doesn't need to be scared of all the weird sights and sounds and smells that she will endure there. Someone needs to be her mommy and daddy.
Is it you?
Because of the urgency of Lera's situation, any applying families must be home study ready. Couples in Canada MAY apply. She has a $10,000 grant which will go a LONG way toward your adoption cost! Please don't make Lera wait any longer than necessary. Bring this little girl home today! Contact Andrea at bamaroberts@comcast.net for more information.
Dr. Suess on IEPs
So, the majority of my google reader and facebook friends have kids with special needs, mostly Down syndrome. Many of those kids are of the age to be in the school system... some are still in preschool, others are in elementary school, a few are even in middle and high school. And so, lately, blog posts and status updates have been filled with IEP stuff. I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. Because, you see, in most schools Spring means IEP meetings which makes many parents (and teachers) want to cry and run screaming through the halls.
SO I've decided to declare this IEP week... let's NOT stress out. Let's laugh, let's smile, let's... breathe. All together now... (teachers too, come on!) deep breath in... deep breath out. Whew! Doesn't that feel better? I hope you enjoy these fun tidbits I've collected from here, there and everywhere! Some will be fun, some will be more serious... hopefully they'll ALL be helpful, even if they just make you laugh a bit. :)
This first one is something that parents and teachers should get a kick out of! I know one parent who printed out copies and handed it out to everyone at the meeting before it started. Our school loves Dr. Suess so it definitely made me laugh. Enjoy!
IEPs by Dr. Seuss
Author: Unknown
Do you like these IEPs?
I do not like these IEPs
I do not like them, Jeeze Louise
We test, we check
We plan, we meet
But nothing ever seems complete.
Would you, could you
Like the form?
I do not like the form I see
Not page 1, not 2, or 3
Another change
A brand new box
I think we all
Have lost our rocks.
Could you all meet here or there?
We could not all meet here or there.
We cannot all fit anywhere.
Not in a room
Not in the hall
There seems to be no space at all.
Would you, could you meet again?
I cannot meet again next week
No lunch, no prep
Please hear me speak.
No, not at dusk. No, not at dawn
at 5 pm I should be gone.
Could you hear while all speak out?
Would you write the words they spout?
I could not hear, I would not write
This does not need to be a fight.
Sign here, date there,
Mark this, check that
Beware the students ad-vo-cat(e).
You do not like them
So you say
Try again! Try again!
And you may.
If you will let me be,
I will try again
You will see.
Say!
I almost like these IEPs
I think I'll write 6003.
And I will practice day and night
Until they say
"You've got it right!"
SO I've decided to declare this IEP week... let's NOT stress out. Let's laugh, let's smile, let's... breathe. All together now... (teachers too, come on!) deep breath in... deep breath out. Whew! Doesn't that feel better? I hope you enjoy these fun tidbits I've collected from here, there and everywhere! Some will be fun, some will be more serious... hopefully they'll ALL be helpful, even if they just make you laugh a bit. :)
This first one is something that parents and teachers should get a kick out of! I know one parent who printed out copies and handed it out to everyone at the meeting before it started. Our school loves Dr. Suess so it definitely made me laugh. Enjoy!
Author: Unknown
Do you like these IEPs?
I do not like these IEPs
I do not like them, Jeeze Louise
We test, we check
We plan, we meet
But nothing ever seems complete.
Would you, could you
Like the form?
I do not like the form I see
Not page 1, not 2, or 3
Another change
A brand new box
I think we all
Have lost our rocks.
Could you all meet here or there?
We could not all meet here or there.
We cannot all fit anywhere.
Not in a room
Not in the hall
There seems to be no space at all.
Would you, could you meet again?
I cannot meet again next week
No lunch, no prep
Please hear me speak.
No, not at dusk. No, not at dawn
at 5 pm I should be gone.
Could you hear while all speak out?
Would you write the words they spout?
I could not hear, I would not write
This does not need to be a fight.
Sign here, date there,
Mark this, check that
Beware the students ad-vo-cat(e).
You do not like them
So you say
Try again! Try again!
And you may.
If you will let me be,
I will try again
You will see.
Say!
I almost like these IEPs
I think I'll write 6003.
And I will practice day and night
Until they say
"You've got it right!"
Pictures from Afghanistan
During Frank's free time, he has been taking pictures of different things in Afghanistan... proof that you can find beauty in any situation! Enjoy!!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Seriously?!
Last night...
Me: (to Kassidy and Kameron) Kennedy will not be going to school tomorrow. She has a doctor appointment. You will be going to school with Karla next door. She will be picking you up after school as well.
Kass and Kam: OK...
This morning...
Kameron: So, is Karla taking us to school?
Me: Um... YES! We talked about this last night.
Kam: Right...
A little while later...
Kameron: So does Karla KNOW she's taking us to school?
Me:No. I just decided to send you over there and hope she has room. Seriously?! Of course she knows!
A little while later...
Kassidy: Shouldn't you be waking Kennedy up for school?
Me: (Trying REALLY hard not to lose it.) Kennedy. Doctor appointment. You. School. Karla.
Kassidy: Riiiiight.
Me: *sigh* You DO remember she's picking you up, right?
Kassidy: Of course Mom, why wouldn't I?!
Me: HA!
How much you want to bet they'll be shocked when Karla picks them up, even though we talked about it again??? KIDS!!!
Me: (to Kassidy and Kameron) Kennedy will not be going to school tomorrow. She has a doctor appointment. You will be going to school with Karla next door. She will be picking you up after school as well.
Kass and Kam: OK...
This morning...
Kameron: So, is Karla taking us to school?
Me: Um... YES! We talked about this last night.
Kam: Right...
A little while later...
Kameron: So does Karla KNOW she's taking us to school?
Me:
A little while later...
Kassidy: Shouldn't you be waking Kennedy up for school?
Me: (Trying REALLY hard not to lose it.) Kennedy. Doctor appointment. You. School. Karla.
Kassidy: Riiiiight.
Me: *sigh* You DO remember she's picking you up, right?
Kassidy: Of course Mom, why wouldn't I?!
Me: HA!
How much you want to bet they'll be shocked when Karla picks them up, even though we talked about it again??? KIDS!!!
Pray for Chrissie!
This sweet little girl is Chrissie... she was adopted from Serbia and brought home to her forever family knowing that she would need immediate heart surgery. Yesterday was that day...
Chrissie after surgery...Things didn't go exactly as planned. They ended up having to open Chrissie's chest 3 times. She actually died on the table for 20 minutes. Fortunately they did chest compressions and were able to bring her back. Chrissie is intubated and there's a machine doing her breathing and another keeping her heart working. They do believe that Chrissie's heart has the ability to work on its own, but her left lung (which is her only "good" lung) is completely filled with fluid, which won't allow any blood to enter to be oxygenated or remove carbon dioxide. Her CO2 levels were 3 times what they should have been, which is toxic.
She is one very, very sick little girl and needs A LOT of prayer. Can you pray for her? You can click on her button at the top of her page to get to her blog and get updates. In the meantime, please just pray pray pray! Thanks!
Monday, April 19, 2010
I know, I know!
Lame blogger of the year award! To make up for it, I present you with red cheeked cuteness... brought to you by the makers of aloe vera. I'll be back with a real update tomorrow! :)
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Rivers & Spires Festival!
Yesterday my friend Lyndi drove up from Murfreesboro with her 4 youngest kiddos and we went to the Rivers & Spires Festival here in Clarksville. The kids look forward to this every year. I took my camera, but actually didn't take a whole lot of pictures... maybe the fact that there were two adults and nine kids has something to do with that! haha
The kids actually did pretty well overall! Keeghan had a few "two year old moments", but the kids had a lot of fun seeing all the characters walking around, making crafts, going on the inflatables, and eating. Kass, Kam and Kenn got to experience their first deep fried Snickers bar. Something everyone should try at leastonce twice in their life. ;) We got to listen to the kids art teacher, Lauren Weakly play on stage with her band, then we walked around some more and finally when everyone was exhausted, we left and went out to dinner! It was a great day!
Last night Kennedy got really sick, but she seems fine today, thank goodness! I think it was just too much sun... or maybe that snickers bar... hmmm.... Anyway, here are a few pictures that I DID get!
The kids before we left... Keeghan and Kellsey were looking at Lyndi's kids lol
Kameron going down the slide...
Kass and Kenn sliding down...
And having a blast!
Lyndi's daughter Kamryn...
and Kylie...
Keeghan in the bounce house...
Keeghan and Kennedy playing with a beach ball someone handed them. We left with so much JUNK!
Patrick Bungee Jumping...
Are you ready mom???
I'm stuck to the WALL!!!
We waited in a 45 minute line for this...
Hopefully she loved it...
Crazy girl! :o)
OK that's it! Kellsey went on one little inflatable slide but she wasn't very excited about the whole thing... and she HATES mascots! LOL She liked the people watching though and loved her giant corn dog... I should have taken a picture of that, it was huge and she polished off the whole thing! Can't wait to do it again next year!
The kids actually did pretty well overall! Keeghan had a few "two year old moments", but the kids had a lot of fun seeing all the characters walking around, making crafts, going on the inflatables, and eating. Kass, Kam and Kenn got to experience their first deep fried Snickers bar. Something everyone should try at least
Last night Kennedy got really sick, but she seems fine today, thank goodness! I think it was just too much sun... or maybe that snickers bar... hmmm.... Anyway, here are a few pictures that I DID get!
Kameron going down the slide... 
Kass and Kenn sliding down... 
And having a blast!
Lyndi's daughter Kamryn... 
and Kylie... 
Keeghan in the bounce house... 
Keeghan and Kennedy playing with a beach ball someone handed them. We left with so much JUNK!
Patrick Bungee Jumping... 
Are you ready mom???
I'm stuck to the WALL!!!
We waited in a 45 minute line for this... 
Hopefully she loved it... 
Crazy girl! :o)OK that's it! Kellsey went on one little inflatable slide but she wasn't very excited about the whole thing... and she HATES mascots! LOL She liked the people watching though and loved her giant corn dog... I should have taken a picture of that, it was huge and she polished off the whole thing! Can't wait to do it again next year!
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