IEP Services Not Provided by School

[Janice_H]

I recently learned that my son has not been receiving his special education services as outlined in his IEP. When I inquired with the special education teacher, she indicated services were not provided because my son refused to come to her special ed classroom. He is to receive both in-classroom support and push-out services in the special ed classroom. Neither have been provided.

In our last IEP meeting the special ed teacher says she does not always support him in the classroom because he is embarrassed to receive help while with his peers.

Can the school stop providing services just because the student is refusing to participate or not showing interest in receiving assistance? He is only 12 y.o.

[Onthemove1971]

No they should not stop providing service. Sounds like he might need a reward system.

Sometimes kids don't see the benefit to what they are being asked to do and so they want to stop.

I would start with a good conversation with your child and see what is up. Why he is not wanting this.

We as teachers can't force a child to do anything. It would be helpful to find out what his interests are and give him something for doing these tasks.

Once you have why he doesn't want it then it sounds like a good idea to have a meeting and make sure either the principal or someone who has power over the teacher can be there to help. Not sure what goals are written for this service but that might need to be looked at.

Hope this helps. It's hard that we have to stay on top of things.

[Janice_H in reply to Onthemove1971]

Hi, thanks for your advice. I spoke with my son about the importance of attending the pull-out sessions in the special ed classroom. I honestly feel he is lazy and just wants to fool around during the designated time which is his study hall period. We will see if he goes.

I agree that the special ed teacher cannot force a child to receive services in the classroom, but it should not be left up to the discretion of a 12 y.o. boy whether services should be ended.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to Janice_H]

I am glad you talked to him. I agree she has to do her job. I am hoping she has the skills to. When the principal ( who really is responsible to the IEP) is sitting in front of her I assume things will be different. Maybe he could coach her on setting up a reward system and following through on the service.

It is so mu h work to stay on top of things.

Hope it works out for him and he gets the instruction.

[Janice_H in reply to Onthemove1971]

The principal has not attended any of the meetings, which is unusual. I just e-mailed the school IEP chair and asked for another meeting (3rd one in 5 months...…) I insisted that the principal attend this time.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to Janice_H]

I think if you don't get a better plan from them, you will have to get someone higher in special education in there.

By plan it can be if he doesn't come to pull out, teacher will do X. If she doesn't push in teacher will do X. Maybe you could suggest a log, date time and activity...

By law you are suppose to have a person in the meeting "with power", who can make decisions that us teachers can not.

I'm sorry you are having to deal with this.

They need to take this serious..

[Dsmith05]

They are legally obligated to provide services failure to do so means they are not providing Free and Appropriate Public Education(FAPE) by not following the IEP and your child could be awarded compensatory education if you go through due process.

They need to find a way to motivate him and it is their responsibility to try different things until they find what works. I agree that a reward system could work well. It does wonders with my kid! Try to see if there is anything you can do to help them find a solution but make it clear that a solution needs to be found.

Don't IEP alone podcast and her blog A Day in Our Shoes are wonderful resources for understanding the IEP. My school started taking me seriously after I started listening to this podcast and read the IEP guide. I wrote several letters using what I learned and it made a big difference. I also recommend reading the Due process hearings in your state. I live in KY and mine were found on the KY Dept of Ed website. It opened my eyes on what is considered as not providing FAPE.

adayinourshoes.com/

Good luck!

[Janice_H in reply to Dsmith05]

This is a great response. I have asked the school for another IEP meeting. This will be my 3rd meeting in 5 months. Thank you for opening my eyes. I will catch up on the reading and viewing the podcast you suggested.