Do you  FEEL INVISIBLE AT YOUR CHILD’S PPT?

DO YOU LEAVE YOUR SCHOOL WITH MORE QUESTIONS THEN ANSWERS?  If so then this article is for you!

Write your questions down before the meeting, as these meeting move fast, and you may not have a chance to ask unless you are prepared to “jump right into a conversation”.  Preparing for the meeting is key!  First identify where you feel your child is behind. Is it in phonics (the sounds letters make)?, or reading comprehension,?, then you know what to focus on in the meeting.  Also bring those past report cards where areas where marked “needs improvement” by your child’s’ teacher. For example if the problem area seems to be in phonemic awareness, you can do a Google Search: “Tests for Phonemic Sounds” or “diagnostic assessments for phonics”, and get a list of tests used. My personal favorite is the Test of Phonemic Awareness. (TAPS). You will also see other pertinent evaluations. If the school gives your child a test that measures expressive language, and your child’s weak area is in phonics, then you are not going anywhere fast!

Do you see what I mean about narrowing down the area in question? Write down the names of tests, from your web search.  Ask someone at the PPT, if the test you found, will be helpful in assessing your child’s weaker areas.  Schools are obligated under “Child Find” 34 CFR 300.111 to assess any area where a suspected disability may exist. By writing your questions down, identifying where you feel your child may need more help, and doing just a bit of research, you will enter the room with a new feeling of confidence.  Doing your homework is key!  Your school will note your new enlightened demeanor too, and will know that you are serious!

Have you heard about Scientifically Researched Based Instruction SRBI? This ensures that the schools use high quality curriculum in the general education setting too.  It also incorporates universal common assessments used to assess students’ grade level progress.  Monitoring progress is also a key component to assess the interventions being done and if they are successful or not. Get the name of the SRBI program that your school is using, and ask what level your child is on.  Write this down, so that you can ask what level your child is on at your next PPT.  Establishing this baseline allows you to monitor your child’s progress. Monitoring progress is also a key component to assess the effectiveness. of interventions used to assist struggling learners. Once you have the level (baseline) established, in your next meeting ask for the level again, and you will see if your child is making appropriate progress!   It feels better when you are the one asking the questions about your child!  When others share at the meeting, be polite, and listen.

At the end of the meeting, ask for someone to read the minutes aloud.  I can’t tell you how many times I have received my follow-up written documentation regarding the meeting, and wondered if we were at the same meeting?  The minutes are supposed to reflect what was said at the meeting.  As the minutes are being read back, look at your list of questions you brought into the meeting, and make sure all of your concerns were addressed. You will receive this package via the mail within 5 working days.  Read this package when it comes, if there is anything in there that you feel is an inaccurate call your school immediately, and request another PPT!  If you have requested a service/test and it was denied it should be marked on page 3 of your package under “Actions Refused”. Don’t let your child fall through the cracks.  Don’t you feel better already?  EMPOWER YOURSELF WITH KNOWLEDGE!

* Every state has a Department of Education.  If you call them with a question, my experience has been that I always get a call back, along with a lot of helpful information.  I would also try to answer any questions you may have.  Feel free to call at 860-742-9149.

Amy Eisner, MA    www.help4specialeducation.com