IEPS OR INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLANS

IEPs are educational contracts
for special education students.
IEPS are one of the ways a
parent can guarantee a free and
appropriate education for their
special needs child. 

There are do's and don'ts for
setting up an effective IEP with
your school, with your principal and
with your special ed teacher and
mainstream teacher.

Parents should employ a paid
professional advocate to assist
them in setting up an IEP.  IEP
meetings are often intimidating
and stressful. Consider having
a non-partisan witness with you
and a tape recorder.  This way
you can hold them accountable
should the school not execute
your IEP.

Also, if you do not ask for it
you will not receive it. All school
systems are only going to offer
the minimum required by law, but
if you have a particular reading
program that works for your child
then it should be in your IEP, hands
down.
In addtion -- if you make the contract
with prevention in mind to head off
problems, you will be ahead.  All
special ed students should have
a bullying plan as part of their IEP
as well as other safety and educational
particulars to head off problems before
they occur. 

Special needs parents should hook
up with other parents in this subgroup
and learn what it takes to get what
you need from Forsyth Schools.
There are plenty of special needs
advocacy groups right here in this county.