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Post by misty on May 20, 2009 18:28:02 GMT -5
Shes just making me nuts. At the beginning of the year she insisted that Shannon not do any math except on days shes tutoring her (because Shannon has a math LD). Then she kept rescheduling math sessions because she was out of office so Shannon is so far behind she'll have to tutor all summer to pass. Now shes telling me that all this tutoring is above & beyond what her job is supposed to be & we better figure something different out for math for next year because she'll be on maternity leave & can't help Shannon. She wants Shannon in a virtual classroom for math next year & there's no spec. ed math so she'll be in a class 2 years behind what shes in for everything else. She said either that or I should find a family member to teach her! There has to be some better idea than that. I have to look up the IEP laws for this state & see what rules cyber schools have to follow because her IEP says she needs specialized help in math. ARGH! I can't help her myself because I really hate math & stink at it, plus I have no idea how to accommodate for an LD in math.
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Post by charliegirl on May 20, 2009 19:43:31 GMT -5
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Post by misty on May 20, 2009 19:50:22 GMT -5
Thanks. I need to find if there's anything specific to cyber schools. I'm wondering if different rules apply like they do for parochial schools. Here's what her teacher said to me in an email:
"She is in her ability level math, not grade level. She also receives accommodations. We do not have "special ed classes". We are a school of choice, also. Parents have the choice to come to us based on the programs we offer. We offer tutoring, but not one-on-one teaching. I was just going above and beyond my job description by teaching her the lessons. This is not something we offer. "
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Post by misty on May 20, 2009 19:52:28 GMT -5
huh...that 2nd link you gave me comes directly from Shannon's school.
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Post by charliegirl on May 20, 2009 22:15:24 GMT -5
The very first paragraph in the first link states "This letter is to remind you that cyberschools must adhere to all federal and state special education legal requirements and procedures."
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Post by misty on May 21, 2009 12:15:33 GMT -5
Another day and although Shannon was supposed to have tutoring today, her teacher canceled & wants to do a double session tomorrow. I think I will let her have a math only day tomorrow because 2 hours of straight math will exhaust & frustrate her enough!
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Post by trid on May 21, 2009 17:08:09 GMT -5
PA cyber is a PUBLIC school in this state. They MUST provide her with a Fair Appropriate Public Education. FAPE
Since this woman isn't providing the Appropriate Education, which is prescribed in the IEP, the school is out of compliance. You can request a new evaluation (MDE) which they must do, within 45 days, and then they will have to re-write her IEP. You can also demand that the school provides the education in the IEP. You can call the PDE and speak with a special ed department member and find out exactly what to request.
You can also ask to speak with the CEO of the school, or whatever the title is. There must be a LEA representative, who is also responsible for enforcing the IEP.
Shannon shouldn't be punished because the teacher isn't doing her job. Shannon may never do math like Einstein, but she is entitled to be taught appropriately.
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Post by misty on May 21, 2009 17:45:52 GMT -5
Thanks Trid. I just sent her teacher a lengthy email. I will try to work it out with her before going over her head, but I'm glad to know what my options are.
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Post by misty on May 22, 2009 8:42:22 GMT -5
Her teacher emailed me this morning :
I have just spoken to the assistant director of Special Ed about this situation. Here are the options we have for you:
1. VC class with a resource teacher in it to help Shannon- with or with out tutoring to help with homework, not teach lessons
2. Title I tutoring during the evening 2-3 times a week to help with concepts, not teach the whole math curriculum.
3. Self-paced lower math classes (grade 3 or so) so that you will be able to do math with her everyday with tutoring on the side.
VC would be the best option. We are a home school that offers cyber schooling. We are not obligated to teach your child the self-paced curriculum, if that is what you choose. We can’t only have a tutor teach her the math lessons. She has not had enough math instruction this year. It is hindering her ability to learn and achieve. She is very behind at this point in her curriculum. I know that not having the computer work has hindered that, so we can not rely on tutoring next year for that same reason. VC classes run 4 days a week or so and it is imperative she receive that many days of instruction in math. Please let me know what you would like. I am sorry that I offered to teach her this year and have in essence given you false hope for the years to come. I was just going above and beyond what I am supposed to do. The Assistant Director has offered to meet with us all by phone to discuss this with you if you would like (Director is on vacation). Thank you!
I emailed her back with some questions about some of the options she listed & we will see what kinds of answers I get. I like the VC class with a resource teacher option but I'm a bit worried--we had so many computer problems this year. At least they seem willing to work with me to find a solution. ;D
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Post by misty on May 22, 2009 9:06:19 GMT -5
Well, I think we ironed out something for next year that sounds workable.
She will be in a VC class for math. She can private conversation her resource teacher by simply sending her a message/text. They can then go into a private room without anyone knowing.
Meanwhile, they will give her a whole credit for completing part 1 of this years math course. Then she will take a math test all on her own to asses what Math they should put her in for next year. We may just put her in the same math again, but may move her down a notch. They will also sign her up for Title I math tutoring. It is done online after school. This will help her with the homework or go over concepts she is struggling with.
I think we can live with that & I'm so glad they were willing to work with us. Whew!
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I was about to conquer the world but then I got distracted by something shiny.
