Skip to main content

School wants to dismiss from IEP

Submitted by an LD OnLine user on

My daughter’s school wants to dismiss her from having an IEP, and I’m not sure what to do at this point.

She was originally diagnosed with a learning disability in 2nd grade, along the lines of what the average person thinks as “dyslexia”. Comments were made that she may need books on tape by high school.

She is currently in 11th grade, taking AP classes and doing very well. Her IQ is very close to the the gifted cut-off, but not quite there.

She has chosen to spend huge amounts of her time studying and doing homework - giving up other activities - because she loves the challenge of thinking.

The only accomodation used at school is extended time, and she uses that mostly for standardized tests and for some tests given by her AP teachers. Most other teachers give everyone extra test time. She has also been approved for extended time on both the SAT and ACT.

At home, she puts in long hours, and uses many of the tools she’s learned over the last 9 years.

Now they want to eliminate her IEP, saying yes she has a disability, but she doesn’t need special ed, since “special ed services” are only those provided by people - and extra time for reading doesn’t count. If she needs more time, I should personally petition each teacher. Also, that “general education” means regular class level, not honors or higher. Someone at the meeting suggesed a 504, but was told that they don’t do that.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.

Submitted by linziep on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 6:24 PM

Permalink

The school can dismiss the student from special educational services as long as there is no academic impact. Since your child is on grade level BECAUSE of the supports that are put in place, then she needs to continue getting those supports. She qualifies for a 504 plan because she has a disability and she should be able to receive accommodations.

Submitted by DRHD on Wed, 11/26/2008 - 7:37 PM

Permalink

A local school division may determine a child “ineligible” for special educataion and related services. However, this must be done with “parental consent”. My advice to the parent is to not submit consent.

Again, the test for a 504 disability is more rigorous than that of an IDEA disability. To the extent the school is describing this child as needing services but not special education is not compliant with state and federal requirements. They are speaking “out of both sides of their mouth”. This is an 11th grade child and to remove this child for the reasons provided by the school division is ludicrous. I suggest the mom contact the Director of Special Education and get some intervention into this issue. If no satisfactory resolution is forthcoming, i suggest the mom proceed to take the matter up with the Division Superintendent of Schools.

The position of this school system is absurd.

DRHD

Back to Top