Joshua,
Thank you so much for your reply.  My son is maintaining grade level performance because he is very bright.  His full scale IQ was considered inaccurate because of the difference between his verbal and performance skills (his initial testing 3 years ago had a 42 point difference with verbal at 138.)  Recent testing did not even assign him IQ numbers.  These results aren't just the result of the ED but also due to the visual spatial LD.  
My major concern is his inability to read and process what he is reading.  He has no problem decoding; he can read as well as I can (almost.)  But he has no idea what he's read about.  His IEP does not address this as a goal, and there's only one or two accommodations which address this problem.  Aren't public schools required to teach a child to read?  Or is it OK that he's bright enough to absorb what he hears to make passing grades?
I've already requested an additional meeting.  I'm ready to partially reject his IEP after the fourth draft by the school's sped. teacher; they will not add reading as a second goal.  The only goal listed involves the organizational problems.
I think I will be in touch with taalliance.  Thanks so much for the info.  
By the way, I live in Mass.  My son is due to attend a very large regional high school (5 towns, over 2,000 students) next year, and I'm trying to do whatever I can this year to help him transition (if indeed that's where he ends up.)
Maureen
Thanks to all of you who have responded.  I feel much less alone with this!!!  I met with an advocate yesterday at the tune of $175 who wants a deposit of $1,200 with an approximate total of $2,500.  She wanted to review all records, observe my son without his knowing, and "tighten up" his IEP.  Seems like a lot of money for what she's offering (realizing this is following an over $2,000 neuropsych. testing battery completed last June.)  What does anyone think of that?  Is it exorbitant or not?  What does one expect from an advocate?
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Joshua Hayes 
  To: The Learning Disabilities Discussion List 
  Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2006 9:41 AM
  Subject: [LearningDisabilities 742] Re: new member


  Maureen,

  Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon problem.  Perhaps you could describe what measures are being taken in his IEP.  Remember too that you are a member of the committee and you must consent to the plans presented in the IEP.  That is a fundamental difference between IDEA and Sec 504.  When seeking an advocate, I recommend a three step process.

    1.. Give you concerns in writing to the members of the entire committee and request an additional meeting.  Ask for copies of everything and request minutes of the meeting.  Bring along other friends or family members involved with the child's life. 
    2.. If that doesn't get what you need, then notify Technical Assistance Alliance for Parent Centers at http://www.taalliance.org/.  They have resource offices in every state that do help with your problem specifically. 
    3.. If you still can't get traction, notify OCR of the Dept of Ed. 
   

  I doubt seriously that you would need a private attorney.  By the time TAAPC gets involved, the wheels should start moving.

  And a final concern, remember that all these things are negotiations.  The law requires that a student be educated in the least restricted environment with appropriate and reasonable accommodations.  This is not the same thing as being educated to their full potential.  If the student is making acceptable progress in the regular curriculum, most of the schools obligations are met.  Your only resource beyond that would be to investigate whether your son might qualify for gifted and talented programs.  Twice exceptional children (GT & LD) are guaranteed access to those enrichment programs if they otherwise qualify.  This usually requires an IQ of 140 or above.

  Good luck and please let us know if you have any other questions we might be able to assist you with.

   

  Josh

   


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  From: learningdisabilities-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:learningdisabilities-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of maureen
  Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:18 PM
  To: Learning Disabilities
  Subject: [LearningDisabilities 736] new member

   

  Hi,

  This is my first time posting a message here.  I'm not sure I'm in the right place.  I have a 13 yo boy who has executive dysfunction and a reading comprehension/processing problem.  He also has a visual spatial learning disability.  Expressive language is way above average both speaking and writing.  His school IEP is not addressing his reading difficulties.  Please if anyone knows how to access help for him, leave me a message.  I'm also looking into getting an advocate.

  ttttttttthanks,

  Maureen



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