Do you ever feel there is a veil between school and parents when it comes to the Special Education process? So often the experience feels like the scene in Wizard of Oz when Toto pulls back the curtain and reveals the truth behind the great Oz. Surprisingly, some folks still continue to hold back information or try to use smoke and mirrors when it comes to placing all options on the table. Nevertheless, there are times when I see staff and administrators play their hands with absolute transparency and it truly makes a difference in creating genuine partnership between the parties. There’s nothing like old school honesty and trust when it comes to the collaborative process.
Most recently, I participated in an IEP meeting when there were a number of hold-backs left out of the draft documents. Highlights included: 5 sessions of specially designed instruction were cut back to 3 per week and OT services from “once a week consultation” was left off the IEP altogether because the new OT therapist had a heavier caseload then the previous year and didn’t see the need for the services. Unilateral changes like this are common and often go unnoticed. And this may be illegal in many cases for changes in services, may require a re-evaluation and at the least, needs to be presented to the IEP team. But what was really cool was that the district representative caught these hiccups and made clear that the adjustments would not be placed within the new IEP. Her tone was directive and laser clear. There was little room for interpretation when she stated, “We cannot do this” and stated, “Last year’s services will continue in the new IEP”. Sure the room felt a bit uncomfortable for a moment but the honest to goodness truth prevailed; transparency is always the best policy.
As Dorothy stated adamantly to the Wizard, “If you were really great and powerful, you would keep your promises”. Something for us all to consider as we work together through some very challenging moments.