Several of our children have been involved in IEPs over the years (Individual Ecucational Plans). Kids who are receiving special services are required to have these in order to evaluate their progress and develop goals for their improvement. With Elli, the progress is extremely slow. This year, as part of the process, we have been asked to fill out a questionnaire. The questions we are being asked about Elli have had me literally laughing out loud. We are ranking her on an "Always to Never" scale for these:
-Stands up for others who are treated unfairly.
-Says nice things about herself/himself without bragging.
-Makes a compromise during a conflict.
-(This was doubly hilarious) Makes eye contact when talking.
-Stands up for herself/himself when treated unfairly.
-Does what she/he promised.
If you know Elli at all, you know that these questions are completely irrelevant to Elli's life. As her educational plan is made, other bureaucratic balderdash becomes apparent. In an effort to make things fit into their box, the legislature requires that kids have math goals, science goals, etc in their IEPs. OK, that's really great in many cases, but have any of the people who create these guidelines ever been to Kauri Sue Hamilton??? Having a goal for Elli to be able to do addition up to 10 + 10 is more outlandish than setting a goal for me to part the Great Salt Lake. It ain't gonna happen!
We are certainly grateful for Elli's FANTASTIC school and WONDERFUL teachers. We will continue to check the boxes and fill out the surveys that must be filled out in order for her to attend. I just wish those who were creating the standards and requirements would take the time to understand a little better just what these children need.
-Jer
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
