School has begun, and hopefully students are acclimating to their new classroom, teachers, and friends. But, you still have a nagging feeling about last year and your IEP. One misconception about special education is that its purpose is to help students (with a disability) who are only "failing." This is untrue! Your child qualifies and services are provided when his or her disability adversely affects his or her education performance, and this is not purely academics! Emotional...social...behavioral issues all play a part of the student's preparation for post-secondary education, employment and independent living. (See MA: 603 CMR §28.02(17); (See Federal: 34 CFR §300.320).

(17) Progress effectively in the general education program shall mean to make documented growth in the acquisition of knowledge and skills, including social/emotional development, within the general education program, with or without accommodations, according to chronological age and developmental expectations, the individual educational potential of the student, and the learning standards set forth in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the curriculum of the district. The general education program includes preschool and early childhood programs offered by the district, academic and non-academic offerings of the district, and vocational programs and activities.

Also important to note: the last sentence! Your child's "life of the school" also includes, "programs offered by the district, academic and non-academic offerings of the district, and vocational programs and activities." More on this subject in a later blog post! DM me with any questions and I am happy to assist you!