Jan 30 2009
Playing the CSE Game
Just got back from an IEP review meeting for Gus to discuss whether or not he was approved to received physical therapy services. It was clear to all that he needs them, so that was the easy part of the meeting.
Then came the discussion about what the behavioral specialist found. A while back, I posted about our request for Gus to have a one-to-one aide. Instead the district wanted him to be observed by this behaviorist. She saw him once (and I still have not heard from her directly, although I was assured that I would) and seems to be of a mind to think he needs a different program. Do I sound like I’m bristling just a little. Hell yeah I am.
So my initial concern was that they would try to move him back to the program he was in 2 years ago. Silly me - I should have known better. They actually seem to be gearing up to push him into the program I rejected for this year. This would be a less structured class with 2 more students in the class. I bit my tongue, expressed my initial concerns, and promised to at least go see the program.
Here’s the problem I have right now - distractibility and sensory issues are the biggest challenges he’s facing now. How would a more distracting, more stimulating and less structured environment possibly be a good thing? Am I missing something? Oh wait - yes - the main thing: it’s better for their purse strings.
I’m definitely past ‘bristling.’ But I shall play nice and go see their program. I hope no one’s holding their breath for me to change my mind, though.
Wow! We are going through similar things at school too. Jump through the hoops here, and here, and here, oh and here! That’s how I feel sometimes.
I’ll be thinking of you and of Gus