Retired Special Ed teacher

Hello All,

I am a retired special educator with 35 years experience.  I have seen many changes in education over my teaching career.  My advice to parents would be;

-be prepared for IEP meetings- Don't automatically think the school will have your child's best interest in mind.  The bottom line is services cost money.  Stand up for what your child needs and get an advocate if necessary.  Do NOT trust anyone who tries to put blame on your child for not trying, being lazy, etc.  Ask what the school can do to help your child.  Check your state laws and be prepared.

-Understand that your child's teacher is under pressure to go along with the psychologist and school.  He/she will be reprimanded for not agreeing. I know this from experience. 

-If you don't agree with the psychologist, request additional testing by an outside source.

Best of luck in your journey.

{editted by mod}

Parents
  • Might be the Cindy Stringer Wismer who recently wrote to the Search Ellen TV show in America about her book "Never Push and Never Pull"  - written by a recently retired special education tutor about one of her children who came to her about not communicating and went on to win the spelling bee.

    Possibly therefore not relevant to autism or the UK education system. But, you know....we get all sorts on here.....

Reply
  • Might be the Cindy Stringer Wismer who recently wrote to the Search Ellen TV show in America about her book "Never Push and Never Pull"  - written by a recently retired special education tutor about one of her children who came to her about not communicating and went on to win the spelling bee.

    Possibly therefore not relevant to autism or the UK education system. But, you know....we get all sorts on here.....

Children
No Data