How is the School Year Going?

How is the school year going?  Are you feeling overwhelmed? 

We continue to talk about this “new normal” while many of us are still grieving the “old normal.”  Stories on social media continue to show families who are struggling.  The most consistent themes center around children falling behind in their learning.  These are valid concerns!  

Last spring, parents understood the need to offer grace to schools and districts.  We were all in uncharted waters!  However, we have to ask ourselves; were you concerned about your child’s learning prior to the pandemic?  If yes, then you should be highly concerned now, especially if your child has an IEP or was receiving some form of intervention services through the school.  We continue to hear school leaders telling parents we are all in this together and your student will not fall behind.  This is tough to believe given the number of students that were already falling behind.

Let’s talk about what we know.  The Federal government hasn’t lessened district guidelines and requirements.  Districts are still responsible to provide services for your child.  If they don’t provide the services and your child isn’t making progress on their goals then the district must provide compensatory services.  

If your child’s IEP states under programs and services that they should have a service, then they are entitled to it.  If the student was not provided the service and are not making progress on their IEP goal, the student is owed compensatory services.  The Committee on Special Education would need to reconvene and determine if the student has made adequate progress or would be entitled to compensatory services.  (Supplemental Guidance_Covid-19)

What does that mean?  

Here is an example of services and what it means for your student.

#standreadytosupport

#standreadytosupport