IDEA 12-3-04 and the IEP

[Jodi]

I read up on this at the NDSC site. Does anyone know how/if this will effect us in California?

My 6 yr old son is fully included in kindergarten (2nd year), and his annual IEP is comming up in May. The district is pretty good about Ryan, but they lack an inclusion specialist who really knows the true meaning of inclusion and how it should work. Thankfully they let me make suggestions and most of the time we collaborate very well (they should pay me the big "inclusion" salary haha).

Anyway, I know the new laws don't go into effect until July, but I'm just curious if there is anyone out there who is really up on this stuff, and can, in lay-mans terms, explain the major consequences/changes to me. I've joined the district special education task force committe, and we meet next month. I'm one of the parent representatives, and want to be clear as possible on this matter.

Thanks for any comments!

Jodi

[Jessie]

Hi Jodi,

Can't give any input on your question - but I did want to welcome you to UnoMas!!

Look forward to hearing more from you.


Jessie

[Jodi]

For those of you who want to read want I say, you can go to www.ndsccenter.org/events.asp and scroll down to IDEA 2004 SUMMARY.

I think it does away with benchmarks (short-term goals), if progress made is sufficient to attain the goal at the end of the year, team members being excused from the meeting if the issue discussed is not their area of expertise, pilot programs (multi-year IEP not to exceed 3 years; and paperwork reduction) for 15 states), and some due process rights (resolution session, attorney fee's).

I guess what I am mainly concerned about is does it effect FAPE LRE standards. For instance, in terms of benchmarks no longer being a requirement, what if I suggest that benchmarks are "appropriate" because in my son's specific case it helps him by helping the team effectively educate him? I know I'm just trying to get around the new law, but if it is truly an individualilzed plan, then it can work, right?

[Debi]

Jodi I don't think you have to worry too much about the IDEA changes in your situation.
I can'' t remember now which states are the pilot states ( I know Iowa is NOT one) but one of the reasons for the changes is to bring IDEA into closer compliance with No Child Left Behind (which is a topic for another day) and that also requires benchmarks altho they use alternative assesment.
Also I think it's a rather simple matter to specifiy in the IEP just what kinds of things you wanted reported and how often. So if you want progress toward goals measured than put it in the IEP.
You can check www.reedmartin.com for a more complete analysis of this issue.

[momofrussell]

I can't pull up the stuff on NDSS..it's taking to long when I clicked the link...anywhere else I can see it?

I do agree with Debi though, I would think that things like benchmarks COULD be written into the IEP if needed.

A.