Samantha Drake: My Thoughts, My Words, My Life

Tomorrow is my annual ARD meeting for my 6 year old son, Marquell.  I was going over his IEPs and his BIPs and I have to say that they really are not well thought out plans.  I have been going back and forward with the school about my concers, my questions, etc. and it has all been an uphill battle.  I have reviewed the IDEA book and From Emotions to Advocacy to prepare myself for the meeting. I am really upset because I think that I may have to hold Marquell back a year.  He has done extremely well academically, but his social skills have regressed during the 3rd 9 week grading period. 

I can't help thinking that there is something I could have done better. I can't help wondering if there is more that I could do.  I feel that the school really is not doing their part, and that is really why I am upset this evening.  I believe that the parents and teachers should work together to make sure that each child is getting the tools necessary to be successful throughout their education.  I have offered myself to the school and have had the "figurative door" slammed in my face.  I would like to send my son somewhere that the teachers are better qualified to deal with his autism, but the reality is tha I could not afford such a school. According to IDEA standards his educational goals should be preparing him for life after school.  These goals are not being met.  I am not satisfied with what has been done this school year. 

 Marquell has had no problems until the end of the second 9 week period.  The teachers, principal, and the aid, all handle his behaviors differently leaving no consistency.  The lack of consistent forms of punishment is confusing to a fully functioning child and even more so confusing to an autistic child.  His recent difficulties with social skills have me concerned about whether or not he will be ready to go to the 1st grade.  His grades will make sure that he is promoted, but with all of the probems that he reportedly has been having socially; I'm not so sure he will be ready for 1st grade.  I cannot believe that I am considering holding Marquell back in kindergarten. 

I am trying my very best to remain calm and collected about the meeting. I am just so annoyed at the fact that rather than identify the cause of the behaviors in order to prevent them; the school is satisfied with reporting the behaviors.  I was and still am under the impression that the school is put in place to educate.  There is no education going on for Marquell at Hunters Glen Elementary.  The teachers, principal, and other administrative staff all run in circles to avoid dealing with the issue at hand.  Also the lack of structure and supervision in the classroom is the reason my son, as well as many others are constantly having a difficult time.  I would like to see some participation on the part of the school.  I am very accesable and I have not been called on.  In fact I have been constantly ignored and pushed to the side. When I send an e-mail I seldom receive a response.  When I get the rare phone call from teh resource department it is only to address an inappropriate behavior.