Hi Michelle, So sorry to hear about the disheartening IEP meeting. As a school psychologist, I have some thoughts (and please know you are in good company in your tears at these meetings - they are soooo hard BECAUSE they are about your child - I have nearly been in tears myself with parents when they cry because I know how protective and emotional we feel as parents!) First of all, I am wondering if you have seen the class they are talking about for Luke. Once you see it, you may see why they think its a good idea for him, or you may see that the other students in there would not make it a good fit for him and can go back to the school to explain why. Perhaps they could work out something for him to remain where he is with an aide that could support him in the areas of need. If they were making this recommendation in their planning last spring or summer, before having even worked with Luke , I would wonder if they were assigning him to a "one size fits all" program based on his diagnosis. Since they are recommending it now, are they seeing that the classroom he is in can not adequately meet his needs? I know this latter scene would be so very sad for you to acknowledge, but I can tell you as a practitioner who works at the high school level (but have worked many years at the elementary level), it is so worth it to bit the bullet, if you will, and address concerns now rather than just go with an inclusion model because it seems like it will help him socially without taking into account all his needs. I have seen too many students come to the high school with a history of inclusion for inclusion's sake who are so far from having the skills they will need to be happy, productive adults. Really give this some thought, think about what Luke's needs are from his education, and go from there. Not everything has to be addressed this year. If he has some needs that should be addressed intensively now, make those the priority for this year,and once they are at a better place, more and more inclusion could occur when he is more ready for it. I realize I know little to nothing about your son and could be really out of line here. Know that this was offered from a caring place. I will pray for your wise discernment on this really important decision. You sound like a smart, "faith"-ful person and very loving mom. I know you'll do what's right. God be with you in getting there!
Andie
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Re: The IEP meeting
