In California, if you sign to refuse spec ed services is that an exit?

Question

My friend's son was receiving services through 8th grade. The son wanted to see if he could make it in High School. The Jr. High said not to exit him, had them sign a refusal of services. He has been struggling since Nov. and the parents were told in Nov he had no rights to services, was exited and only began the process in Jan. Is there more to an exit than a refussal of services on a new iep?

Answer 1

Once the parents sign the form refusing services, then their child no longer receives them.

If they change their minds and decide that they would like him  to get services again, then the school district is obligated to review eligibility, the need for additional testing, etc. It should not be a long drawn out process to get him back into services, especially since they recommended against discontinuing them.

There is no reason the district should hold a grudge against this boy or his family. He wanted to attempt to do his work without assistance and simply discovered that he still would like some help.

Your friend should put their request to reinstate services in writing. The school district then has a set number of days (varies from state to state) in which to respond back. Your state's website for the department of education will have a copy of the law, contact information should your friend need to request a free advocate to help them with the district, and other info.