Don't get me wrong. This is not about teachers or other school staff and placing blame on them. Most teachers are worth their weight in gold. But, ultimately most teachers are not experts on the IDEA (Individual with Disabilities Education Act) and your rights under this federal law.
Here's an example. I had a parent insist that he couldn't refer his child to special education because his child's teacher said that only teachers could make the referral. After I took a couple of deep breaths, I explained that the teacher's explanation was not entirely true. Teachers can make referrals to special education, and so can you! Please know that you, as a parent or guardian can refer your child to special education. The referral can trigger initial evaluations in all suspected areas of disability by your school team or other professionals.
In another example, a parent explained to me that the school speech and language pathologist reported to him that his son was going to be exited from special education at the next IEP team meeting because he was doing so well. O.K., I would consider that predetermining an outcome at it's best. So hold on right there, this type of decision can only be made in an IEP team meeting where many things are taken into consideration when exiting a child from special education.
So whether your child is not currently in special education or already receiving special education services, you would be well-served to request an IEP (Individualized Education Program) team meeting to discuss all of your questions and concerns.
So while it's tempting to put all your stock in what you've discussed casually in the hallway, don't
