After struggling in school for many months, my daughter finally got an IEP. The accommodations improved her grades, but she was still recommended for retention by her teacher. I thought that a child with an IEP couldn’t be held back.
by Robert Tudisco
Unfortunately, having an IEP does not guarantee that a child can’t be retained.
The tragedy in your child’s case — and it happens all too often with special-needs kids — is the lag time between the school’s acknowledging your daughter’s need for an IEP and its instituting an agreed-upon course of action.
This is why it is important for parents to inform the school as soon as possible — and in writing — that they are seeking an evaluation and to request a meeting to discuss whether their child needs an IEP or a 504 Plan. Prompt action could have prevented your daughter from being retained.