Does anyone know if WA public schools are obligated to provide educational assistants to

[liberal_at_heart]

special education students while they are in a mainstreamed general education classroom? My son doesn't have any educational assistants in any of his general education classrooms, and he is really struggling. I've brought this up with his teacher before and have let her know I will be researching our rights.

[BanzaiBonnie]

1. What's does it say in his IEP?

If it's deemed he needs one on one, I believe they can have it in classroom. My grandson did.

Were you consulted when his teacher or couselor were creating his IEP?

[liberal_at_heart]

2. I know we discussed it during the IEP but I don't remember if it is in the IEP or not.

I will certainly go back and look at it, and if it is not in there I will let them know they need to put it in there. At his last school district this was never an issue. He always had educational assistants in his general educational classrooms except PE. I think money may be an issue at this school, but short on money or not I expect them to give him an assistant when he needs it. He may not graduate without them. And if he doesn't graduate I will know it is the school district's fault. This is why I'm so pissed at both the republicans and democrats. Where is the funding?

[joesdaughter]

3. Reconvene the IEP

It is your right to request that the IEP be re-written. Make sure Present Levels of Performance include information from mainstream teachers on your son's strengths and weaknesses. The team should identify what needs to be done to achieve the goals of successful participation and learning in all classroom settings. Accommodations and Supports need to cleary state who is responsible for the implementaion of intervention strategies. Include a consistent communication system to monitor progress. Sometimes having an individual assistant is not the best plan, but may be needed to help a student achieve goals- depends on many factors.

Be sure to have your son commit to his responsibilities - cooperation, returning progress notes, homework, etc.

IDEA- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is federal legislation and all states must have a compliance plan.