Post by laurasmom on Sept 3, 2008 21:58:12 GMT -5
Well, we had Laura's IEP today. After all my worries, and upset about the conversations, it went well.
We moved here in 2001. This is the FIRST IEP we have had since moving here that no one at the table said "we can't do that". The absolute FIRST! This is the FIRST IEP where the teachers and administration were actually in agreement with Laura's potential, and wanting to help find ways to help and to improve. Bringing ideas to the table. Willingness to modify curriculum. The Business Apps teacher that I spoke of in my earlier post - she was great! She talked about what Laura has been doing in class. She volunteered to modify the rest of the curriculum for Laura, and volunteered to help the sped teacher with something. She also said "it really is a joy having a student who is glad to be in my class". The Curriculum Specialist was a great help, giving advice on clubs and after school activities. The School Psychologist did a great job. The sped teacher was so open, and wanting to do what would help Laura for the future.
You know what he asked us? "What are your visions for Laura's future"? He didn't say "I have never heard of a Downs kid doing anything like that".
I could go on and on. And of course, now we will see how everything is followed through. But I have high hopes. It was an extremely positive meeting, Mike commented that it just felt different than previous ones here.
So I am greatly relieved. I think these people get it. When I mentioned sharing some things I had learned about from other parents in my online group - they said Great! Experiences from other areas will help us. Now I feel I can relax a little. I know I feel more comfortable about her in the high school setting. I paraphrased something Jackie said in a post quite awhile ago, and it has stuck with me - that our kids deserve a normal high school experience, without a complete focus on vocational skills. And again, they agreed.
So thank you all for getting me through another one!!
Sharon
We moved here in 2001. This is the FIRST IEP we have had since moving here that no one at the table said "we can't do that". The absolute FIRST! This is the FIRST IEP where the teachers and administration were actually in agreement with Laura's potential, and wanting to help find ways to help and to improve. Bringing ideas to the table. Willingness to modify curriculum. The Business Apps teacher that I spoke of in my earlier post - she was great! She talked about what Laura has been doing in class. She volunteered to modify the rest of the curriculum for Laura, and volunteered to help the sped teacher with something. She also said "it really is a joy having a student who is glad to be in my class". The Curriculum Specialist was a great help, giving advice on clubs and after school activities. The School Psychologist did a great job. The sped teacher was so open, and wanting to do what would help Laura for the future.
You know what he asked us? "What are your visions for Laura's future"? He didn't say "I have never heard of a Downs kid doing anything like that".
I could go on and on. And of course, now we will see how everything is followed through. But I have high hopes. It was an extremely positive meeting, Mike commented that it just felt different than previous ones here.
So I am greatly relieved. I think these people get it. When I mentioned sharing some things I had learned about from other parents in my online group - they said Great! Experiences from other areas will help us. Now I feel I can relax a little. I know I feel more comfortable about her in the high school setting. I paraphrased something Jackie said in a post quite awhile ago, and it has stuck with me - that our kids deserve a normal high school experience, without a complete focus on vocational skills. And again, they agreed.
So thank you all for getting me through another one!!
Sharon
