I decided to contact someone in HR for the school board and ask for a copy of my rights. I also asked her for advice. She's a friend of a friend and I think she'll be honest with me.
The guidance counselor told me that if it had been a regular kid, he would not have been allowed back without a psychiatric evaluation! However, in this case, they are saying this is a manifestation of his disability, so we have to follow a different procedure for removal. Also, there is some federal law that says special ed students can only be suspended so many days because so many school aren't making adequate yearly progress and it's the special ed kids who aren't making the right scores. Something like that. A lot of teachers seemed to be aware of this law. Sounds like bullpoop to me. I'm not evehn sure I'm explaining it correctly.
It seems that in order for anything to really change, I'd have to really fight a battle. I'm not sure what I want to do honestly. I am waiting to see if they can get rid of him. They are trying to get him on a half-day schedule, which means I wouldn't see him anymore. It's odd . . . the special ed kids have so many rights, yet in society, everyone is treated the same. It will never get him out of a speeding ticket, or being arrested. Can you see a cop saying "it's ok, sweetie. You were special ed in school? No problem. So sorry I made you pull over!" There are no consequences anymore for these special ed kids, so in reality, they are doing him a disservice. The real world will NOT make excuses or exceptions for him.
I'm sorry if I haven't been by many blogs lately. I've kind of been in my own world, but I promise I will be by soon!
Hugs and kisses . . .
I hope you get something sorted out soon
Posted by: Melany at January 26, 2006 04:39 AMSay, um...since when is incredible rudeness a disability? (I cannot believe how schools try to be so PC sometimes) If I were in your situation, I would be doing everything possible to start my maternity leave sooner. Once your bubkins is born, you will probably want to stay home anyway.
Posted by: Valkyrie at January 26, 2006 09:12 AMYeah, I agree that with maternity leave coming up (and i think a possible no return)...that battle would definitley NOT be worth your time, effort or energy.
Posted by: Allison at January 26, 2006 09:44 AMHey, you listen to Highveld Stereo!! Whoot! Whoot! (I also have to listen online - because it's local to 'upcountry')
Posted by: Valkyrie at January 26, 2006 01:31 PMi am sure it will all work, try not to stress out over it too much (although, i am sure it's hard not too!)
Posted by: linda at January 26, 2006 01:51 PMI guess it's federal law, but I think special ed. kids can only be suspended a max of ten days per school year. We're dealing with a kid right now that has already been susp. for eight days, so we're doing an FBA on her now so we can get her put in evening school or possibly alternative school. You're right though; they give those kids way too much pampering.
Posted by: Chas at January 26, 2006 04:45 PMI would fight... because it is putting your life in danger... along with your baby... what would happen if he did hurt your or any other woman?? You have rights too... Protect yourself!!
Posted by: Shannon O. at January 27, 2006 10:45 AM