IEP 2020

To say that I dread the IEP meeting every year is a significant understatement. 

I have been attending these with my Colton ever since he was finally diagnosed as Legally Disabled, in the fifth grade.

Colton was abused by his sixth grade teacher.

The junior high, although kind, was NOT helpful.

They did everything in their power to avoid giving any accommodations to any kids with disabilities. 

The meetings were always a fight.

They were long, and I'd always end up having Colton leave the room because I'd feel the need to raise my voice and threaten in order to get him the resources he needed, AND is legally required to have.

Awful.

I always left these meetings feeling so defeated.

Feeling as if my child was really on his own every day at school.

Yesterday was his first high school IEP.

This has been a different year for him.

All of his classes, besides one, are main-stream classes.

Including Math.

We decided to give that a shot this year.

He is still in the "Special Education" program.

His case manager is the Director of Special Education.

He still has two classes on his schedule which are considered "labs."
These are applied labs.

They give him a break during the day, but they also allow him to do school work, to make up tests, to re-take quizzes and tests and to be with other kiddos just like him - totally awesome!

I knew that it was challenge him this year to be in a main-stream Math class.

However, I wanted him to try.

When we (Colton and I) walked into the IEP meeting yesterday, I was astounded at the adults in that room.

They KNOW my son.

Well, they know all of my sons!

They talked TO him, not about him.

They included him in everything.

His case manager said to me, "Mom, he is getting C's and D's in his Math class."

I said, "Yup."
He said, "You haven't contacted me."
I said, "I have no need to. Letter grades mean nothing to me. He is trying. He is doing his best. He is putting forth every effort. I want my son challenged. I also want him to have the resources available to him to succeed."

Mr. B said, "I wish all parents were like you."

Big smile!

Colton was asked if he wants to go back to Applied Math, or stay in his main-stream class.

Colton said, "I never want to go back to Applied Math. That's too easy."

That's my boy!

We then went over the IEP.

By law, every three years - kids have to be re-tested to see if they still qualify for accommodations. Mr. B said that he had never seen so much paperwork in a packet.

He said there was no need to re-test.
All of the data needed had been accumulated over the last few years, through neuro-psych testing, outside testing, and doctors.

That was great news!!

All of the accommodations that my son requires were already written.

Plus some I hadn't thought about.

And, for the first time ever... 

I was told that Colton will graduate from high school with a diploma!!!!!!

We have many activities to attend to prepare him for after high school, but this kid blows my mind.

(And, a note. For those who have considered me to not be a great parent - this. I have done this by myself. I may not be YOUR kind of great parent, but my children will succeed and I am not the worst parent)

Wednesday, Kaydon and Colton went sledding with the youth. They had the best time! We have had so much snow and it was perfect to go to death-defying acts in the snow!!

Also, baking!

I have a snack and shop at our home tomorrow.

I started baking for it yesterday.

These are almond Hershey Kisses-wrapped cookies!!!