IEP big situation accomodations?

Question

I have a big situation on my hads right now. Apperently on my IEP I just found out today that all is says is extra time on tests! I do not feel that this is adequite knowing that I have a vierety of differences. I was recently diagnosed with high functioning autism otherwise PDD-NOS and the school does not know about this. Along with this I also have APD, ADHD, LD NS (not specified)

situation:

I was assigned a goup project in my geometry class and no one likes me so they oviously would not want to be my partner and the class makes that clear both verbal and nonverbally. I tried to work as a group but could not handle it due to soooo much pressure from feeling so left out, hated, stupid, picked on which has been happening for years and years. I made it clear to the teacher that I could not work in a group. Class started arguing against me hating on me for no reason. I am always nice I dont understand why no one likes me. I went to the office after class and spoke with the

Answer 1

I would usually write something into the IEP for students who had similar issues with working in a group, that group projects would be modified in a manner that was agreeable between myself (teacher of record) and the classroom teacher.  This worked in most cases, of course you always have a few teachers who are disagreeable to everything, and in those cases we'd go to conference to get the student what they needed.  Is it written into your IEP that you may go to the resource room to work on assignments and projects?  We have that in nearly all of our kids' IEPs, that way you would be able to go to geometry and get the instruction and then come to the res. room to work.  At the high school level you need to be present at ALL of your IEP conferences, so that  you can advocate for yourself.  Make a list of your concerns prior to the meeting.  Go talk to your teacher of record and request a case conference to discuss/amend your IEP!

EDIT:  Jdeekdee...the reasons for all the thumbs down is probably because your answer is not really the best approach.  You seem to be assuming that the school is the enemy in this situation, which you do not know is the case and is probably not the case.  There is no reason to create a fight with the school when this is probably a situation that can be resolved peacefully.  Sure you can go in with an advocate and be aggressive about your legal rights, but that should not be the first card that you play, it should be your last line of defense.  Yes, that will get you what you want, but setting up a hostile relationship between yourself, your child and the school is not in anyone's best interest.  It will create a situation where teachers will do what they have to for your child and nothing more.  It will casue teachers to not want to have much to do with your child, even though they may like them, because they don't want to deal with you and your over the top reactions.  I am not saying that in many cases it isn't warranted bringing in an advocate and asserting your legal rights, because that is sometimes necessary, but it should not be the way you deal with everyday situations!

Answer 2

Firstly take the stuff about your new diagnosis to the meeting. This will probably mean that you will get reassessed as you have a new/additional diagnosis.

Also talk to them about how your group working skills are.

You might be able to work as an individual on the project in class. This would mean that your teacher doesn't get in trouble for going against school policy or for attendace records.

You could also ask if you can be put in a smaller group (like a pair) and see how that works out.

You may be able to change classes but this is a pretty big move and you'd probably have to go through a few more things. You may not be able to do this until next year though.

Answer 3

First, a question:  Do your parents know about this situation?  

Second, the school does have laws to follow, including accomodations for SpEd students.  Your parents are supposed to have access to your IEP.  If the school did not allow certain accomodations that your parents requested, then the school can be held liable under the Americans With Disabilities Act.  

Tomorrow you need your parents to bring copies of your evaluation that states your diagnosis.  On that eval, there should be some suggestions for accomodations.  Your parents need to ensure that your school knows the diagnosis, and that they take the suggestions.  

I hope this all works out well for you.  I am an assistant in a SpEd classroom, and it breaks my heart to see one struggling.

Answer 4

Your IEP needs to be changed to include the new diagnosis.  Have your parents call the school and request an IEP meeting- they have the right to request an IEP meeting at any time to review/revise your IEP.  You should bring documentation of your diagnosis and any recommendations from your doctors/therapists that they feel will help you in school.  Have a list of suggestions you and your parents feel should be added to the IEP to better accomodate your needs/diagnosis.  IEP meetings are supposed to "team" based, where you and your parents work together with your teachers and principal to write your IEP to best work for you.  So you should present your information and requests and duscuss it with everyone and how you can best accomodate all of your needs.  If there is something you feel you need and they refuse- get documentation from your doctor that you need it (if you don't already)- the school cannot deny you access to accomodations to meet your educational needs.  If they deny you or say they cannot provide something they must either pay for someone else to provide it or find an alternative- they can't just say no. Good luck.

Answer 5

First, if you were diagnosed with PDD-NOS have the paperwork with you at the IEP meeting - special accomodations are available if the school finds you educationally on the autism scale.  SPECIFICALLY request what accomodations you would like - a word bank on tests, shortened assignments, more time to complete assignments, etc... the more you request the more they will have to consider.  Also remember that if you do not agree with the decision of the IEP committee you can check DISAGREE on the form at the end of the meeting and request an advocate from the school district.

Answer 6

I'd give them official documentation of your PDD-NOS or at least tell them about the current situation.   You can be excused from participating in group projects.  PDD is a communication disorder.  If you are being forced to work in a group then you can be expected to fully focus on the assignment.  I'd ask for a social skills training to help you overcome this problem.  I'd also look into some private therapy options, if you are not already in counseling at this point.  

Outside of school, contact the local autism society.  They often have some sort of activity group for teens who are on the autism spectrum and in the regular classroom, as you are.

I hope things get better.

Answer 7

I am SO sorry this is happening to you. My daughter is 18 now and this ALWAYS happened to her. The EXACT same things.

They act this way just becuase you are the way you are. Stupid, I know. But that's how stupid kids are.

Believe me, once you get out of school it will be a lot better.

Anyway,  I bet you a million dollars that your parents asked for more things written on the IEP to help you, the school said 'ok' and tricked them by not writing the things on the IEP plan.

Happens all the time.

Why doesn't the school know your problems? Your parents didn't tell them?

Of course they can't help you if they don't know what your problems are.

Parents need to learn the specail ed laws and follow them.

Here's the best site for that   www.wrightslaw.com

What needs to happen now is that your parents and you need to decide what you need the school to do to help you. You need MORE than more time on tests, just like you said.

You need HELP to KNOW how to do what you DON"T KNOW, and not just things to help you COPE wiht what you DON"T know !

For example, are you having any problems understanding your work in any of your classes? If so, the school is suppose to help you with ALL this.

YOu and your parents get together and make a list of what you need. Then parents write and request an IEP meeting to tell them these are the things you need. Also they need to bring any papers that show your official diagnosis (problems you have)

Request this meeting as soon as possible because the school will have 10 or 15 days to have the meeting from the date of the request, and school is almost over.

If the school refuses any thing that your parents suggest that you need, there are more things they can do and yall can email me for help if you need to

[e-mail]

Oh yea, your parents need to make sure that all your diagnosis and problems you have are written into your IEP plan so the school can't come back and say they were never informed of your problems.