I am looking for rules regarding progress reports involving my 6 1/2 yr old daughter who has dev. delays.?

Question

At my first IEP meeting in October I asked for progress reports for my developmentally delayed daughter. It was put into my IEP. The asst. principle even developed a form for the kindergarten and resource teacher to fill out. I only got one form. Again told the asst principle in January that no reports were being sent. Had a meeting in Feb. now they want me to come to school early every week for meetings with the teachers. This is inconvenient for me since I have 3 children who go to 3 different schools at different times. Are there any rules for progress reports for these children so the parents know their children are getting what they need? Also the speech therapist had a heart attack and my daughter missed 3 weeks of ST and noone told me. Shouldn't they tell me of these things and shouldn't she make it up? Also, I have gotten no feedback from her PT or OT. Thanks!!

Answer 1

Progress reports are reports on the goals and objectives on an IEP.  As such they are NOT typically done weekly or daily as you would see little Progress.  Progess notes are tied to any reporting that typical peers get.  For example if there are 3 report cards a year - you would have to have 3 progress reports on IEP goals.  If there are 4 - you would have 4.  If there are 2 reportcards and 2 midquarters - you would have 4 progress reports.

Sounds like what you are looking for is more of a communication tool or notebook type thing.  Again - what is provided is typically up to the IEP team to decide (and you are part of the team) however if you are looking for minute by minute progress of your child - I think you are being unrealistic.

For Severe profound students typically there is a communication notebook where you and the teacher can share information that may impact your child during the day.  

Some classrooms do a weekly newsletter to talk about what is happening in the class - themes, activities, projects etc.

I believe that your issue is one of semantics - you say you want progress - they say sure but neither of you is clear on what progress reports mean to you.  Asking questions is a good idea.

If you have a certain number of min on the IEP for speech along with goals and objectives, the district will likely develop a plan to provide compensatory services (additional time) for your student to make up what was missed.  They also have an obligation to respect the confidentiality of their employee.

RE: PT and OT - they are related services typically - what is on the IEP do they consult or provide direct service - what their role is - will govern how much info you will or will not get.

Answer 2

THE IEP should specify daily reports/weekly reports/monthly reports/quarterly reports and from who

If the IEP does not mandate the frequency of reports-than you are not entitled to them at regular intervals-if it does specify and tehy are not provided-the school is in violation

It is unprofessional for a parent not to be notified when there is a lapse in service-although this is a common occurance

Answer 3

Special education in schools is mandated by federal law IDEA.

This law states that special ed kids are to get progress reports at least the same time as the regular ed kids.

Any times more than this have to be agreed upon by the IEP team and written into the IEP plan.

Your child should be recieveing the lost time of ST, write a letter to district sped director requesting compensation for time lost, as mandated by IDEA law.

If you have not recieved progress reports at least as many times as the regular ed kids, what you should do now is write to district sped director requesting 'prior written notice' of refusing to give you the progress reports as mandated by IDEA law.

AND file formal state complaint with the state dept of education for the school not giving you progress reports as mandated by IDEA law.

Go to www.wrightslaw.com  to learn more.

Answer 4

If you gett a chance, look at Wrightslaw.com, it will be very helpful

Answer 5

School professionals (SpEd Teachers, principals, OT, PT, LSS, etc.) are human and get busy just like everyone else.  Unfortunately, just because we want something, need something, or are entitled to something does not mean that the rest of humanity will automatically provide it with perfect consistency.  Instead, we have to figure out the best ways to maximize the process.

Schools are required to give report cars or progress reports on all their students, including those in special education.  Those in special education receive reports on their IEP goals.  This usually happens at the same time period as the general education kids, such as the end of a semester or trimester.  If you do not get these within a week of the other kids, simply ask the teacher the next week.

Similarly, those providing services are human and can not be expected to be in perfect health.  They are subject to serious conditions, such as heart attacks.  Nonetheless, the district is under obligation to have that professional or a substitute make up any lost service time.  Again, just ask.  Keep asking, until delivered.

Answer 6

Special education teacher and DIS providers (Speech, OT, PT) are required by law to report progress to parents the same time that the general education population receive their report cards (either semester or trimester).  The school district that I work for sends out progress reports on a trimester basis and report in March, June and November.  

As far as the SLP having a heart attack and your daughter not receiving services, it is the schools responsibility to employ a sub-professional so that your daughter and other children do not go without their services.  If not, the district may ow you some compensatory time to make up the loss of instruction.