We had our first IEP meeting at the new school. It was a good meeting. SO MUCH BETTER than any meeting I have been to thus far. There is a reason that there are non-public schools!
The first major and welcome difference between this meeting and other IEP meetings I have attended is that I got a paper copy of everything before I even showed up! For every single IEP I have had and I have been to a dozen at least, I have asked for a copy to read before the meeting. I got all kinds of crazy responses to this question such as, "well, it won't be done until right before the meeting so I won't have time to get it to you" to which I replied, "Email me a copy when you are done. Even if it is just a few hours before." This never happened. I showed up to every meeting previous to this date having no idea what goals would be proposed and what current levels would be. It was ridiculous. Enough ranting, back to the meeting....
We went over Calvin's current levels. For the most part he is at grade level. This in and of itself is kind of a miracle considering he hasn't had consistent schooling since mid-2nd grade. His behavior is difficult to say the least. Most of his trouble behavior comes when he is asked to do non-preferred tasks or something else he doesn't want to do. It is obvious to all that Calvin seeks to be in control of his environment and when he isn't in control he tries his best to regain control by causing enough trouble that those who are in control will give up and let him have his way. They are doing their best to set up a program for Calvin where he can have some control and yet be enticed to get some work done during the school day. The amount of individual attenion he is getting is amazing. At his school, there is a unique "program" for each student there so that it is suited to their needs.
Goals were proposed for the next year addressing Calvin's areas of academic weakness and of course, social skills which he is lacking. The goals are lofty, yet hopefully they are also attainable.
Another welcome difference between this and other IEP meetings is that there was some real conversation! This may sound kind of weird and I'm not sure best how to describe it except to say that at most IEP meetings there is the usual greeting and small talk before the meeting starts. Once the meeting begins the IEP is read over. If I ask any questions, they are always answered in a very business-like way and always using the IEP language which affords no room for practical inferences and common sense. Everything is always formal and careful since school districts are #1. careful not to give any services except those required by law and #2. do not want to put themselves in danger of giving any information which cannot be addressed within the limits of the IEP and therefore expose themselves to a lawsuit if something is discussed and not followed up within the IEP. The formality of the conversation within the IEP document makes it difficult to brainstorm ideas and discuss openly the real problems that are happening.
At our most recent IEP after reviewing the IEP I had several questions. These were addressed in a more normal flow of conversation with a good discussion ensuing. It was so refreshing to talk about concerns and to be able to ask "what do you think?" without receiving fake, guarded answers in return.
Dave's first and only question was "Do you think you can handle Calvin now that you have seen what he is really like? " To his relief the answer was and enthusiastic "YES!"
In attendance at the IEP meeting were 2 of Calvin's teachers, one administrative person and one Poway Unified School District representative. A PUSD representative comes to all meetings since they want to be sure goals are being met and parents are happy since the district pays for all expenses related to schooling.
I asked the district representative how students usually move out of the non public setting and back into public school, wondering if it usually takes place at the beginning of the school year. She said they don't have many kids move back to public school. Calvin is a unique case since he has no learning disabilities and is so capable academically. It will be interesting to see how he progresses over the next couple of years. I assume he will attend this school for at least the next 2 years. At that point we have a lot of unknown since Dave finishes residency at that point and we may be moving. The school he is currently in has a sister program for middle school with some special needs kids and some main stream kids which serves as a good transition for kids who are getting ready for public school. . I hope that he would be ready for something like that in two years.
We have a long way to go with Calvin but hope that with continued progress in school he will continue to progress academically and will eventually be more healthy and appropriate socially as well.
And it is so nice to think that I probably won't have another IEP meeting for another year!!! :)
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