School wants to reduce 1:1 minutes

[RenVee]

The school is proposing to reduce my child's 1:1 minutes.  There is recent behavioral data to support that this is not warranted. An IEP meeting is being scheduled and I just want to make sure I am going about this correctly.  If I disagree with the change and ask for a PWN, what are the next steps?

[Carolyn Rowlett]

Is the meeting being scheduled because they want to reduce the minutes or is it an annual review?

What is the "recent behavioral data"?

When was the last school evaluation done?  Did it include an FBA?

What are the disabilities?

What grade is the child in?

How many disciplinary referrals have there been, especially OSS?

I'll try to answer your question in general terms.  Try to stop the reduction in minutes at the meeting so that it never gets to the point of doing next steps after a PWN.  That is much easier.  If you don't get what you want in an IEP meeting, the options left to you are limited and can be cumbersome.  Make sure you have the data you need to support your position.  Unfortunately, the general education teacher(s) will be the most relevant data, and you have no way to control that and whether or not it is entirely forthcoming.  But you can look at other data:  Are grades slipping?  Is the school calling you to pick them up?  Have there been many disciplinary referrals?  What are they showing at home - fatigue, hating school, etc.?  Have a quick "interview" with your child after school each day and keep a journal.  That can be data.

Depending on your state, next steps could include not signing the PWN (but most will go into effect after 10 days, anyway; you can also write directly on the PWN stating what you disagree with and why and ask that this version be included in the educational file), requesting a facilitated IEP meeting (if your state offers those), request a mediation, file for due process.  Due process will invoke "stay put" and keep your child's minutes the same until resolution of the due process.  However, this option is not for the feint of heart, an attorney is highly recommended, and it is not a "parent-friendly" venue.