The IEP is a written plan that guides your child’s special education services. The team makes decisions about every part of the IEP, including placement by what the law calls consensus, which means that a strong majority of the team members must agree. DREDF’s Guide to Due Process in California. The purpose of special education is to “level the playing field” by providing specialized services to students with disabilities so that they can succeed academically. You can use this guide to help you complete the application form. (This is explained in The Importance of the Assessment Process.) • The parents have affirmatively rejected participation in the special education decision making process; • The parents cannot participate in the special education decision making process due to prolonged hospitalization, institutionalization, or serious illness or infirmity of one or both Does the child need specially designed instruction (which is the IDEA definition of special education). Is Special Education Teaching Right for You? This is referred to as a “widening gap”: the gap between what a child with a disability knows and what his or her peers know only widens as he or she advances to higher grades. Having a disability is the first question when determining if a student qualifies. If the majority of a team agrees to something and the parents disagree, their options are to change their minds or work through conflict resolution solutions. Parents and educators know that children with special needs have gifts and talents—it’s just a matter of unleashing their full potential, and making sure that their parents and teachers have the right information, tools and support to help them. A parent's responsibility extends beyond giving consent and accepting explanations. If you are ever uncomfortable with a placement recommendation, try to work with the IEP team to come up with a better alternative. Assessments might show that your child does not have a learning disability or other impairment that qualifies him or her for these services; however, that does not mean that your child is lazy, stupid or not trying. Gather and attach all required documents. For instance, your child may have been a B student in reading throughout first and second grade, earning an average of 80 percent on reading and spelling tests. The PDFs can be downloaded and printed. A mediator helps participants communicate with each other, so that everyone has an Home › Infographics › A Visual Guide to the Special Education Process. Individuals using this document will be guided through particular contexts in the special education process. If a student does not master a skill the first time around, the teacher will then give the student more intensive support (known as an intervention) until the student can demonstrate mastery. IEP meetings and other school meetings are crucial parts of a child's educational program. The law requires that five positions are represented at each IEP team meeting. This is especially true if your child was not able to master some of the foundational skills. When the IEP is The frequently asked question will be in bold. This means that he or she must be able to demonstrate the use of a skill with mastery, and be able to do so consistently. ... Steps in Maryland’s Special Education Process Step 1: Referral The first step in the special education process is referral. Education (DESE) Special Education and Related Services Procedural Requirements and Program Standards and DESE Special Education Eligibility Criteria and Program Guidelines for Children with Disabilities Ages 3-21. If your child is struggling but does not qualify for special education, it is imperative that you keep looking for solutions. 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