April 28, 2007
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How am I Doing?
I'm tired. I am tired of drama.
I'm taking the boys to their appointment with Julie the therapist this afternoon. I have a pile of paperwork to take with us. So I need to stop by somewhere and photocopy it all.
I will either speak with Julie this afternoon or make an appointment to speak with her about getting some assistance dealing with the public school people because at this point, I can't think of a single constructive thing to say to them. And my desire to punish the people who have done this to my son, is a lot higher than my desire to find a reasonable solution.
I'm wrestling through the factors that will determine how quickly I can move. If I'm able to be relocated before the next school year begins, there isn't much point initiating a fight with the district. But if I'm stuck here ... I think it's go to the mats time.
The level of incomptence, arrogance, and sheer unmitigated neglect Michael has experienced is mind-boggling. In the second phone conversation I had with the school counselor yesterday he assured me that he had spoken with the Special Ed coordinator and that she was satisfied that the right decision was made in regard to taking Michael out of Special Ed because he's made such progress this year.
I lost it. In tones that my co-worker described and icy and scary I replied that Ms R's assessment of the situation doesn't carry much weight with me as I have seen Michael's grades slip steadily further down each quarter. Furthermore, since it was Ms R's decision and responsibility to remove Michael from the program in which he was receiving modifications, interventions, and acommodations to help him, I would rather expect that of course it would appear that he has made progress because otherwise it's her competence that's in question.
I have emailed the district coordinator. We'll just see what comes next. I HATE this. I know that anytime you get into the kind of adversarial situation I'm facing now, where I have to try to force people to do what's right because - well, it IS the law that says he's eligible for these benefits and wouldn't it be nice if we could just all get along - it never goes well. Human nature is such that people get all defensive because they know good and well when they've made a bad call and they don't like having that pointed out. And it tends to be that things go from bad to worse.
I just want out of here.
now
I dreamed all night that I was being rear-ended again and again by uninsured motorists.
well, all night except for the dreams where I was trying to avoid rear-ending a school bus.
and the dreams where I was slapping the snot out of the woman who decided that Michael was too smart to have a legitimate disability.
those last dreams were marginally satisfying, but also in my dream I had the voice of my best friend coming through the blue tooth reminding me that it would all be okay, that I could get through this, and that it would be best if I calmed down before I got myself arrested - even in my dreams, I can't just enjoy a good slap up side the head of someone who really really needs it
It's probably just as well, there are probably people out in the world who dream of slapping me. But they would be the psycho violent types not the righteous justified types.
Comments (16)
You are a completely righteous, justified type! I do believe that an icy and scary tone was called for in your conversation.
I have a friend in Ohio that went through almost this exact same scenario with her son. She finally had to get legal help. There was a state disability office that helped them as well.
I think a good slap to them is in order, whether you are staying or leaving. A good, cold, icy slap. {{{Hugs}}}
OMG, be the advocate you can be and get help if you need it and you might considering the school system is so bureaucrat!
:sunshine:We have been through something with the schools and know that it isn't working for the benefit of the pupil and they don't co-operate with the parents. When I was majoring inn Ed, we were taught that we were the final word and not to involve the parents. This closed it for me.....I went into another occupation so strong was my belief that the parents should know what is going on and be involved in it. Blessings.
I am praying for you and your son. So often we have to fight for what is right. Just learn everything you can about the law, get a lawyer if necessary. Go girl. Your son has a lot of love and support behind him. Judi
It is easier to be authentic and one gives oneself permission as we get older. Judi
Go over their fucking heads! Complain at the State level. Surely there is a Board of Regents or some other top level of oversight at that level. Also, make a verbal complaint to the Dept of Professional Standards. They have to respond to those as they have oversight of licenses.
And while you've got your back up and your pen out, write a letter to the editorial page of the local newspaper.
Been there. I know how it is when the "professionals" won't listen to the Mom.
Hugs.
Just passing through we belong to the same blogring..............sounds like you are a very busy person.............blessings.:dancingcow::frog:
Give those people what-for!
Slapping?? Did you say slapping?? Just point me at the right person (or persons) and turn me loose sista! I LIVE for a good slapping opportunity!:celebrate:
I cannot tell you how many times I have heard this scenario. Luckily, my sister finally found a supportive public school system for my nephew. He still struggles and they wonder whether he will graduate despite his IQ in the high 160s, but he knows they are trying to do their best and don't hate him. The school and special ed folks stay in touch with my sister. It's still hard,but she doesn't feel like she has to fight all the time,which she did until they got to Nashville.
Hugs to you and Michael. At least he knows he's always got his mom. You go, girl. And if you find somewhere better; fly, chickie, fly.
ZOMG! I thought you left Xanga. You are still here?!
I'm sorry to hear of all the issues you've had with the school system!!!
This may seem totally off the wall, but how is your son's vision? We had a little 3 yr old fosterling who seemed to be classic Autistic Spectrum, but when we got him glasses, it was a whole new universe. So, I'm always asking that of people anytime I hear of Autistic Spectrum disorders.
In our experience, the therapist was invaluable in getting the school district's attention. Best of luck!
Vehicles usually represent the body, specifically, your own. Bus accidents represent you going through an embarassing situation. I'm not sure if that helps you at all, but I hope it does. Our dreams always tell the truth...they try desperately to get our attention. It's good that you remember and listen to yours. Many people don't know how important a dream can be. -Kate
I'm telling you, call the school and let them know you want the special ed coordinators license, cause you need to start a fire under someone's a$$ and she apparently doesn't need it since she didn't learn anything in her many years of education.
Federal SpEd law states 8 different categories for students to qualify for special ed services. If a student fits a category and a parent/guardian requests services, BY LAW it has to be provided. It may be negotiated, but the parent HAS to have some final say in what happens. Any individual cannot just "remove" a student because the "feel" like it. Ain't legal, and they are worthless as educators.
Find a cheesy cheap lawyer, or go online and find a form to fill out alerting them of pending legal action with punitive damages being sought and send it to the counselor, the coordinator, the school, the school district, the superintendent, the state licensing boards, the newspapers, and maybe even the governor (if he can auto-dial your phone 15 times during elections, he can respond to one letter from you) and anyone else you can think of. I'm telling you, even if you don't go to court, just the fact that you are showing you know the law, and that they are completely in the wrong, SOMEONE in authority will backpedal and fix the problem. At the least, Michael will get his services back, and it could go as far as firing the coordinator/counselor. Man, wouldn't that suck for them, getting fired and losing their retirement for being a complete and total jack-a$$.
Anyway. Best to you, I'll talk to you later.
Please forgive but allow Pirate Wisdom to assist you if I may be so bold?
You live in an apartment.
Your close family has abandon you.
Your boss is a lier and a fraud.
You have no major career "leave."
You need more stress like I need more bills.
Your children deserve better.
I suggest you...
Sail on... sail on!!!
:brokenheart:
I'll lend you a good flogger!
Comments are closed.