Using the Three R’s… to advocate for your child with special needs

Posted by Susan Epstein on December 7th, 2009 at 01:24pm

The school year is in full swing now and first quarter report cards have been distributed. This is often the time I start receiving parent’s calls describing their frustration or anger or both. They are reading teacher comments on their child’s report card that state:
• Jimmy is capable of better work
• Jimmy needs to try harder
• Jimmy doesn’t focus or pay attention
Did the teacher forget that Jimmy’s disability affects his ability to focus? Or without the supports and accommodations (that are specified in his IEP or 504) he will not be successful?
Parents describe numerous phone calls and letters requesting better adherence to their child’s IEP or 504 plan. I can’t count how many times they have told me that they don’t want to push the teachers too hard when they are not in compliance in fear of teacher retaliation towards their child.
This is when I advise them to use the three R’s. I recommend that they not RESTRAIN from advocating for all the services their child is entitled to by law. I suggest that they can only deal with what is in front of them and if there is RETALIATION, we will deal with that too. And most importantly never be intimidated, it’s in their job description to take RESPONSIBILITY to insure that their child is successful and happy at school.
Have you had similar feelings about school or teacher retaliation? Please write in and let me know what your thoughts and experiences have been.
Your Special ED Parent Coach,
Mindy