Here is what you need to know…
This school year has not started the way teachers or parents had hoped. The escalating Work to Rule dictates what teachers can and cannot do. The latest phase says that teachers do NOT have to update the IEP’s by the 30th day of school, as they usually do. Does this mean that teacher’s are ignoring their students’ needs. Absolutely not.
In a year not affected by a work to rule, parents of students on IEP’s would have already received the Consultation Form, requesting their input. If your child’s teacher has not yet sent this, you should ensure that teachers have the most up to date information as it pertains to your child. For example, is there a new assessment or report that the teacher should know about? Is there a new medication that the teacher needs to be aware of? Are there any social/emotional issues that might impact your child’s learning?
Until a new IEP is written, the last IEP is still being used. Be sure that your child’s teacher has a copy of it. It is not too soon to have a conversation with your child’s teacher to discuss his/her strengths and needs. The more informed a teacher is, the easier it is for the teacher to provide programming and instruction to match the strengths, needs and learning style of your child.
Don’t wait. It’s not too early to talk about your child. Be an advocate. Begin the year with open communication in order to provide the teacher with relevant information to be included on the IEP and to drive the instruction in a path that will result in a successful year.
Until our next lesson….