I know their are so many reason for a child to not be meeting their Goals. How do you Handle this when you know it's becasue the classroom teacher doen't believe in your child's ability? and you can't change classrooms or schools?

Before I took Julian out of school I would call mini informal IEP's to check on his progress, Julian's teachers and aide were great, but it was the program director that would not or could not see the goals needed to be updated...and or completely changed...one even said that if I kept change the goals the county would look bad at the time of reviews...I said SO, I never changed the goals only how they were met...when I pulled Julian out it was because this time they didn't want to allow him access to his PEC's book at all times and they would not allow generalization...All goals can be met, all children can learn, but we need to step back and look at what we are asking of them and what words we are using...simple verbage changes can make a huge difference in what a child can understand...Also most important, know your child, know when they just aren't feeling good, A SICK CHILD OR A CHILD IN PAIN CAN NOT RETAIN WHAT IS TAUGHT...and behaviors escalate, and they are really out of the control of the child...I think there a 2 reasons a child can not meet their goals...1-the goals need to be broken down into the most simplest form...2-the child is sick or in pain and can not tell you how they feel...

Very true Mother of 4 ! I am so happy for everyone's input here. For me I do know that the past teacher did not believe in my son . I spoke with the classroom AIDS outside of school and they shared with me some very sad info. this is one of the main reasons I have no condifence in this district. I homeschool now.

You're a real resource here!

If I am having difficulty with the goals for a child, I do several things:

1. Check the goals. Are they so specific that anyone could follow them? (In other words does this teacher have any wiggle room or are the goals very specific.) Does the goals specifically state what assistance can or should be provide? A good goal should state possible assistance, what to accomplish, expected percentage and by when - Given a point or gesture prompts, Johnny will retrieve a PEC and request what he wants for 3 out of 5 requests by November 30, 2008." A bad goal does not - "Johnny will communicate using PECS."

2. Request consultation to the classroom. Do not state it as the teacher is doing a bad job, but as you want to help. "Johnny is having trouble meeting his goals. I would like to see the classroom receive some extra assistance in order to provide them with ideas and help Johnny to be more successful." It could be that the special ed director will observe once a month - or a special ed tech will observe once a week. Whatever it is, make sure there is a specific plan (and I would ask for a copy of their notes).

3. REquest that specific data be taken on each goal and that you receive a copy.

4. Ask to have a meeting in a few months to see if he is progressing. You could ask for it now - or call in a few months to request one.

Good luck! Deb