FAQ Friday

A parent asks, "Some of my child's IEP goals are no longer relevant to his current performance levels. Over the summer, he was in social groups three times a week, met with his speech therapist two times a week, and OT one time a week. He worked on a few of his IEP goals and has mastered two out of five. I told the teacher, but she wants to give it time and see how he is doing for herself. What can I do?"

Over the summer, many of us experience the "summer slide," and this is expected by the IEP team and teachers. It is their focus to get your child up to par and learning! However, IEP changes may also be necessary should your child experience growth or development over the summer.  Perhaps he or she learned a new skill? Mastered an IEP goal? Many children have more hours to see a therapist or attend social groups/camps. This should be addressed with your team so you are attaining proper, measurable goals! You don't want to be working on goals you have already achieved! 

Review the IEP, and send a written letter to the school (special education chair, IEP Team facilitator, etc.) regarding your new information and request to convene the IEP Team. It is helpful to be as specific as possible and include all current data from outside therapists. You can't deny data! By law, the school must meet with you annually to review your child's IEP, but the team can convene and alter the IEP at any point throughout the year. And, as with every IEP, you do not have to sign the IEP at the meeting. Review the IEP to ensure that the document is complete. Do you need help writing a letter to your IEP TEAM? Please contact me and I can help you! Have a question you want answered? Email me at jen@maseradvocacy.com!