IEPs

The New York State Department of Education (NYCDOE) has developed a new IEP form, Meeting Notices for preschool and school-aged students, and Prior Written Notice, which will be used in all NY school districts by the start of the 2011 school year.

The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) has just released a "Q&A" document to provide information regarding the IDEA requirements relating to individualized education programs (IEPs), evaluations, and reevaluations.

In January, a NYSED Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) subcommittee submitted a proposal to the New York State Regents to pursue an alternative high school credential.  Click here to see to the memo discussing the alternative credential. 

The New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) Chancellor Joel Klein and Laura Rodriguez, Chief Achievement Officer for Special Education and English Language Learners sponsored a breakfeast meeting at Tweed Courthouse on Tuesday 2/2/10 to introduce the DOE's special education reform plan - A Two-Year Phase-in Process Focusing on the Advancement of Student Learning and Achievement. Jean and I were there from RCSN, along with advocates and colleagues from city and state agencies and organizations.

Too many parents and students mistakenly believe that the IEP Diploma is the same as a regular high school diploma. But this is not the case!

The IEP diploma says nothing about the competence of the student to go on to post-secondary education or employment. It is not recognized for the most part for college admission, for admission to trade schools, for Civil Service jobs or for the military. Students and parents are often shocked to learn how difficult it is to further their education or get a job.

Our goal is to get you comfortable in the driver's seat. Afterall, when it comes to your child, that's where you belong. How do you get there?  For starters, get reacquainted with your child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP). All drivers need maps, and your child's IEP is exactly that - his or her educational roadmap.