Who: Who determines placement for your child?

Answer: Generally, the IEP team. The good news here is YOU are a VITAL part of that team, so your voice should be heard. And in places where it is not the IEP team making the decision, IDEA ensures that PARENTS and others knowledgeable about the child help make the decision.

What: What considerations are taken when making this decision?

Answer: When considering what placement is best for the child, the team should consider the student's unique needs and where those needs can be met in the least restrictive environment.

Story: I was a teacher in California. I had a student with a significant visual impairment but was otherwise a typical learner. It would have been inappropriate to put her in a special education classroom because she should not see the information. Instead, a monitor was placed on her desk that projected what I had written on the board. She could access the information through the accommodation, and a more restrictive placement was unnecessary.

Note: the decision on the placement of a child cannot be made according to a specific label, on cost, or on program categories. The IEP is tailor-made to the child, not the other way around.

Where: Where is the placement?

Answer: Special education is not a place is wherever the student is. There are several different kinds of placements.

Note: Often, you will find that a child spends part of their day in a general education classroom and part of their day in a special education classroom.

Placement can be an emotional discussion, and many people have different beliefs. Do your research before going into the IEP. Check your vision for your child, will this placement help or hinder getting them to those goals? There is often an argument that can be made on either side. If you need help answering this question, make an appointment to talk to me, I'll try to help you see both sides of the issue so you can be better informed

When: When does placement begin?

Answer: As soon as you sign the IEP. But do not feel rushed. In most states, that first signature is the most important; make sure you are in agreement before putting your John Handcock on that paper. If unsure, consult with an advocate, IEP Coach, or experienced friend.

Why: Why is placement important?

Answer: Placement will determine what material is covered, the environment it is taught in, and who teaches it.

The material covered will be determined by the team teaching the class. In the gen ed room, your child will be exposed to the same material as all other students. In a special education room, the standard material may be adjusted, modified, or something else entirely might be addressed.

Placement will also determine where your student received instruction. In a small group with other special education peers? Lastly, who will deliver the instruction? In a gen ed classroom, instruction is generally delivered by the gen ed teacher. But in a special education room, it will be a special education teacher who has training in specialized instruction or an educational aid offering support.

Placement can be a heated argument in an IEP meeting. This is why DATA is so important. Ask Why? Ask what evidence do you have? Ask for data to support the decision. Please note a lack of data is NOT data.

Last year, my son was in a special education room for two of his classes (English and Math). When I sat down at the IEP table at the end of the year, they suggested moving his four core classes to the special education room. I smiled and said, "We seem to be moving in different directions. I want to raise the bar for him and would like to put him in all mainstream classes." They were very hesitant and showed me their data to convince me he was not ready for a move in English class. And although they did not love this idea, knowing he would need a significant amount of support, they agreed to a trial in his math class. They left his other classes as they were. We are now halfway through the year, and he is getting an A- in math.

I entered that conversation with an open mind, knowing that my goal is for my child to eventually no longer be in any special education rooms. However, we are making some positive changes by keeping our eye on the vision and working in a spirit of collaboration.

You know your child can see success as well, and that is why you are reading everything you can to improve their situation.

If you want my free resource, the IEP Checklist click the button below.

If you need or just want to take something off your plate when handling the IEP, set up an appointment, and let's talk. Make an Appointment to talk to Lisa