Schools had failed my son..need to find advocates in Clearwater ,fl?

Question

My son was dianogse with ADHD in kindergarden. Being a young Mom I did everything the school ask me do. I put him on meds of all kinds and doses and the schools still complain that he isn't better I was really frustrated with ph calls and notes of how my son's behavior wasn't good. I've been accuse of not giving his medicine. When he got to 5th grade I said thats it no meds because it was only making him worse and the complain so much anyway. I notice he seemed alot happy and himself. He was still hyper and inattentive. I found out about IEP plan which I ask school about it and they said that he was on it but I later found I out that they lied to me. When I changed him schools. He's now in 7th grade he's more calmer but still have attention problems. The school hasn't put him in any special program. What can I do??

Answer 1

You have to have documentation of his dx, most likely he will have a 504 not an IEP, but it may be possible that he qualifys for an IEP (under OHI classification)..

The school its self can not test for ADHD itself, being that it is a legal dx and a school psychogist normally isnt allowed to make a dx...

I would highly suggest getting him into therapy for ADHD..

If you truely want to do everything possible for your child you will do this..

Answer 2

Another typical school corrupt with special education.

*sigh*

The only way schools are LEGALLY obligated to help a child with special problems is for the child to be in special ed (IEP plan)

they told you he already had this to get you off their back and hoping you would not find out.

THis is a new trick I've never heard before, and believe me I"ve heard them all!!

First you need to learn about the laws that mandate special ed. They are called IDEA and here's the best website for this

www.wrightslaw.com

The way to get started in getting help is to write a letter to the district special ed director requesting 'an initial full educational evaluation testing in all areas of disabilities to determine if my child qualifies for special education services as specified by IDEA law'

Now, this school is about one of the looniest I've heard of. SO, you will get a lot of fighting from them.

If you need help please email me [e-mail] and I'll be glad to help you!!

Answer 3

Courtesy of the latest laws, all a parent has to do is request that her child be evaluated for special education.  You may be required to complete questionnaire, attend meetings and obtain physician statements.  

There's no need for advocates at this point.  Just go by the school with an informal letter and ask to see the principal.  If the principal is not available, ask the secretary to deliver it to him.  Note who you gave it to.  

Make sure your phone number and your son's name are on the note.  All you have to say is "I want my son ____ ____ tested to see if he needs an IEP.  Please call me to let me know you have received the letter. "   They have 90 days to test him from that point!

Email me if you have any questions.

Answer 4

you are the child's  best advocate.  continue to keep in contact with the pediatrician and other medical specialists.  make copies of all of his records and keep them with his together.  keep lines of communication open between you, your son, and his school -try setting up appointments annually.  recognize that he is growing up and include him in your decisions.  does he really want to be singled out at this point?

if public school isn't successful for him, look at other alternatives like home school, charters, and private schools.  most importantly, respect his privacy and treat him like he's capable.

Answer 5

I'm confused, they said he was on an IEP, but he wasn't?  Was he on a 504 plan?  Look in his previous records to see if he has an eval done.  How did he get diagnosed- even if you decide not to get meds, you should have him evaled by his doctor every so often so you can have current (within 1 year) info to share with teachers.

You didn't mention how his grades are nowadays- is he performing similar to his peers, or below?  If he's not failing they won't put him in any special program, because that may not be best for him.  You can meet with his current teachers if you haven't already, and see how he's doing compared to peers.  I have one teacher who graphs all of her student's performances, so it's easy to see how an individual child compares!  If he's having trouble, you can ask for a new eval to see if your child qualifies as having an 'other health impairment' due to his ADHD.  I hope this helps!

Answer 6

If you are interested in learning about a non-medication program for ADD/ADHD visit http://www.dyslexia.com .  (Please do not let the dyslexia keep you away.  Here you will find programs for ADD/ADHD)

Your son obviously doesn't want to be on medication.  The program I am suggesting will allow your son to be in control of his learning!  He will also learn how to change his behavior if he is motivated to change!  He will discover his learning ability and gain self confidence.

Answer 7

You can ask for a complete evaluation.  The school District must respond to your request.  for ADD/ADHD - there must be a medical (by a physician) diagnosis and to determine if there is educational impact of his ADD.  Not just acting hyper but failing grades or being behind grade level in an academic subject.

You want the evaluation to be complete and look at Autism and EBD both of which are known to have some hyperactivity as a componant.  These are all neurobiological conditions and different issues can present at different times.

So what is he like at school and at home?  At home does he have rules to follow like bed time homework time etc?  Does he learn better if it is quiet, does he struggle with writing but can tell someone else a story that they can write down.  All those things need to be looked at.

If he does not have any academic needs - he would not get an IEP.

Answer 8

First I'd like to say way to go on standing your grounds about the medicine. Everyone is so quick to drug up these kids instead of truly dealing with the issue.

I would request an evaluation by the school, provide any documentation of his diagnosis that you can. It's  not required that the request be in writing but it is a good idea so you can keep a copy for yourself documenting the request.  By federal law (IDEA) they have 60 days to conduct the evaluation ( school districts can have different time lines but must be within federal law). They cannot conduct an evaluation without your written consent.  The evaluation must assess the child in all areas related to the child's suspected disability. The evaluation results will be used to decide the child's eligibility for special education and related services and to make decisions about an appropriate educational program for the child. If the parents disagree with the evaluation, they have the right to take their child for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). They can ask that the school system pay for this IEE. A group of qualified professionals and the parents look at the child's evaluation results. Together, they decide if the child is a "child with a disability," as defined by IDEA. Parents may ask for a hearing to challenge the eligibility decision. If the child is found to be a "child with a disability," as defined by IDEA, he or she is eligible for special education and related services. Within 30 calendar days after a child is determined eligible, the IEP team (you are part of the IEP team) must meet to write an IEP for the child.

Before the school system may provide special education and related services to the child for the first time, the parents must give consent. The child begins to receive services as soon as possible after the meeting.

If the parents do not agree with the IEP and placement, they may discuss their concerns with other members of the IEP team and try to work out an agreement. If they still disagree, parents can ask for mediation, or the school may offer mediation. Parents may file a complaint with the state education agency and may request a due process hearing, at which time mediation must be available.

If the IEP team decides that a child needs a particular device or service (including an intervention, accommodation, or other program modification), the IEP team must write this information in the IEP. As an example, consider a child whose behavior interferes with learning. The IEP team would need to consider positive and effective ways to address that behavior. The team would discuss the positive behavioral interventions, strategies, and supports that the child needs in order to learn how to control or manage his or her behavior.

This is some accommodations you can receive for the characteristics of  "Easily Distracted; Short Attention Span" :

(if it is decided that he needs to use any of these accommodations, it must be included on the IEP)

Presentation accommodations:

*Use books on tape or recorded books to help focus on text

*Give short and simple directions with examples

Response accommodations:

*Write in test booklet instead of on answer sheet

*Monitor placement of student responses on answer sheet

*Use materials or devices used to solve or organize responses

*Use visual organizers

*Use graphic organizers

*Highlight key words in directions

*Have student repeat and explain directions to check for understanding

*Use template

*Use graph paper to keep numbers in proper columns

Setting accommodations:

*Sit in front of room

*Change location to reduce distractions

Timing and Scheduling accommodations:

*Use short segment test booklets (when available)

*Allow for multiple or frequent breaks

*Schedule tests in the morning

*Cue student to begin working and stay on task

*Change testing schedule or order of subtests

*Limit reading periods

*Schedule activities requiring more seat time in the morning and more hands on and physical activities in the afternoon

*Divide long-term assignments

Left a few links below for you that may be useful to you