individualized education programs special education laws made simple november 2013 – austin, texas...
TRANSCRIPT
Individualized Education Programs
Special Education Laws Made SimpleNovember 2013 – Austin, Texas
National Business Institute
Presented bySarah S. Flournoy, J.D., Ed.D.
Of Counsel, West & Associates, LLP
Team Meetings
Admission, Review, & Dismissal
Parent of child
Regular Educator of Child
Special Educator of Child
Representative of LEA/District
Individual who can interpret data
Child (where appropriate)
Others• Invited by Parents• Transition Services
• Other service providers
Parent Participation
• Critical Members of ARD Committee– Child’s interests and goals– How school skills are transferring to home
• Intimidation Factor Generally– 5 to 1 ratio at minimum– LEA/District home court– Education vernacular unfamiliar– Role unclear
Include in IEP
1. Now (PLAAFP)2. Goals going Forward3. State Assessments4. How and when progress measured5. Statement of services 6. Out of mainstream7. Accommodations necessary to measure achievement &
performance8. Projected date for beginning services and anticipated
frequency, location and duration of those services
Q: What if you forget a piece of the IEP?
A: Probably okay if student is showing positive academic and non-academic benefitsR.P. v. Alamo Heights, 60 IDELR 60 (5TH Cir. 2013)
IEP Implementation
• Responsible for successful implementation– Fully informed– Technical assistance– Training
Amending IEPs
• ARD meeting• Agreement of student’s parent(s) and district• Reviewed at least annual or upon request
Transition Requirements
• Facilitate movement beyond high school• Federal law says at 16, Texas says 14• ARD committee now include– Service providers– Child
Extended School Year (ESY)
• As necessary to ensure FAPE• Cannot be for only certain abilities• Cannot unilaterally limit• ARD committee must make certain findings
-Individualized-Team developed-Horse before cart
-Education-FAPE-Implementation
-Program-Services-Goals-Measurements of Progress
I
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Questions?
Sarah S. Flournoy, J.D., Ed.D.Of Counsel, West & Associates, LLP320 South R. L. Thornton Frwy, Suite 300Dallas, Texas [email protected]