Fundamental Components of Special Education by Alison Hager https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml EDU 250 | Alison Hager en-us 2023-04-22 12:38:30 UTC 2023-04-22 14:53:33 UTC hello@padlet.com ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564190505 This resource is aimed to help you, as a parent and caregiver of your student with special needs, navigate the world of special education. Links are provided to help you with further resources.]]> 2023-04-22 12:42:47 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564190505 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564206502 As the parent and caregiver of your student with special needs, you know them better than anyone. Your active participation with the special education process is crucial to the success of the process. You are the leader of how your students learns and the advocate for their needs.]]> 2023-04-22 12:59:33 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564206502 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564206932 As your child gets older, they are asked to be part of the meetings involving their education. At 14, your child is encouraged to attend the meetings about their education plan. At 17, your child is involved in the decision making process for their education. (A parent’s Guide to Special Education - FCSN)]]> 2023-04-22 13:01:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564206932 Download the brochure below for more information on MassPAC. ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564209077 (MassPAC)

]]> 2023-04-22 13:06:42 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564209077 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564209471 Massachusetts requires each district to have a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) to help families navigate the world of special education. ]]> 2023-04-22 13:07:46 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564209471 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564213586 To start the special education evaluation process, you must make a written referral to the principal or special education administrator. A teacher or other school professional can also make the referral.

The administration must contact you within 5 days of your request. Your written permission to start the evaluation process is mandatory.

You may request a pre-evaluation conference to discuss your concerns prior to given written permission to start evaluations.]]> 2023-04-22 13:19:12 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564213586 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564213952 The evaluation must be done within 30 days of your written consent. At the 45 day mark, a meeting must be held to discuss the findings and eligibility for an IEP.

If eligible for an IEP, your child is required to have a 3-year re-evaluation to determine further eligibity.]]> 2023-04-22 13:20:18 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564213952 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564220615 If the district believes your child no longer needs special education services, they must send a written letter for your consent to re-evaluate for services.

If you disagree with the district's decisions, you can seek an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) from an outside provider. ]]> 2023-04-22 13:39:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564220615 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564220861 2023-04-22 13:39:44 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564220861 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564222026 2023-04-22 13:42:47 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564222026 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564228355 There are five major points of an IEP meeting. At the meeting to discuss the findings of the evaluations and eligibility for the IEP, all service providers will be present (see image to left).

1. The IEP team and you will discuss the concerns that were brought up to start the process. ]]> 2023-04-22 13:57:30 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564228355 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564228542 2. During the meeting, you will discuss where you see your child in 1-5 years. This is academically and socially. Make sure you are thinking about realistic hopes and dreams for your child.

During this meeting, it will also be discussed if your child is able to participate in the general educational curriculum. If other educational needs are identified, these will be discussed as well. For any other needs, accommodations and/or modifications will be made. ]]> 2023-04-22 13:58:01 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564228542 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564233362 3. The meeting will start to conclude with the discussion of annual goals. These often align with the goals you set out for your child at the beginning. 

Goals are set to be able to track the student's progress. Objectives and benchmarks are provided. Objectives break the goals down into smaller sections with milestones for the student to meet. Benchmarks provide a regular check in on the student's progress. ]]> 2023-04-22 14:09:32 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564233362 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564233969 4. After discussing your child's goals, the services that are necessary to meet these goals will be discussed. Some service examples are Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), speech services, and pull-out interventions such as math support or reading support.]]> 2023-04-22 14:10:45 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564233969 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564234361 5. A yearly review of the IEP is conducted to review progress toward the student's goals. This review must be signed by you .]]> 2023-04-22 14:11:54 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564234361 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564235246 For all students who meet the criteria for special education services, they are legally provided a free and appropriate education (FAPE) at no cost to the parents or caregivers. FAPE ensures that your child will participate in school activities as much as possible and be able to be in a socially appropriate environment. ]]> 2023-04-22 14:14:12 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564235246 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564236798 Legally, students with disabilities are required to be educated in the same setting as non-disabled peers. This means that your child will be in a setting that is considered the least restrictive environment (LRE). ]]> 2023-04-22 14:18:04 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564236798 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564236846 If aids like a paraprofessional are needed, they are evaluated to provide support to your child in the general education classroom if appropriate. If your child is required to be in a separate classroom for special education students, the time allotted in the room and classes taken there will be determined by their IEP.]]> 2023-04-22 14:18:12 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564236846 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564242161 In order to ensure parents, caregivers, and students retain all their rights to FAPE, there are procedural safeguards put in place. ]]> 2023-04-22 14:31:01 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564242161 Timeline ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564243048 There is a strict timeline in place to ensure everything is completed in a timely manner.
- 5 days from referral, an administrator must contact you for a meeting
- 30 days from written consent, all evaluations must be completed
- 45 days from written consent, a meeting must be held to discuss findings]]> 2023-04-22 14:33:13 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564243048 Consent ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564243147 All consent must be in writing. ]]> 2023-04-22 14:33:27 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564243147 IEP ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564245117 The IEP has mandated steps and goals to maintain the appropriate services for each student. Services are highly individualized and unique to each student receiving special education services.]]> 2023-04-22 14:38:28 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564245117 Parents Rights Brochure ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564245986 Each parent is given a brochure of their rights. The MA brochure is available to download above.

Other languages found here

(Parent's notice of procedural safeguards)
]]> 2023-04-22 14:40:32 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564245986 Age of Majority ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564246452 Federally age 18 is considered the age of majority, regardless of disability. At 18, a student will legally sign their IEP.]]> 2023-04-22 14:41:47 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564246452 504 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564246706 If a student isn't deemed eligible for an IEP, a 504 plan might be appropriate. 

"To receive services under Section 504 a student must have a mental or physical impairment, that substantially impairs a major life activity, and requires special accommodations. Major life activities include functions such as breathing, walking, learning, caring for one’s self, seeing, speaking, performing manual tasks, hearing, and working." (A parent’s Guide to Special Education - FCSN)
]]> 2023-04-22 14:42:31 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564246706 Appeals ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564248683 If you disagree with any part of the process, the Program Quality Assurance (PAQ) is available for guidance at the state level.

The MA PAQ can be contacted at 781-338-3700 or emailed at compliance@doe.mass.edu]]> 2023-04-22 14:47:58 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564248683 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564248886 (A parent’s Guide to Special Education - FCSN)]]> 2023-04-22 14:48:32 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564248886 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564249001 (Guía para los padres de familia sobre los servicios de ... - FCSN)]]> 2023-04-22 14:48:53 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564249001 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564249302 Federation for Children with Special Needs]]> 2023-04-22 14:49:44 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564249302 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564249773 Center for Parent Information and Resources]]> 2023-04-22 14:50:51 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564249773 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564250391 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Parent information]]> 2023-04-22 14:52:27 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564250391 ahager2201 https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564250800 For more information regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)]]> 2023-04-22 14:53:33 UTC https://padlet.com/ahager2201/d56ityz9webpqwml/wish/2564250800