I.E.P. schools

Just wanted to let you know that I have "2" sons [12 and 16] who have A.D.H.D., and they BOTH require I.E.P. reporting regularly. Don't panic here. An "individal education program" report is not a "bad" thing exactly.....it is meant to inform the school,and the parents what special education needs and programs your child will need at school. I can tell you from experience, that if you do not have one or if there is not a "record" of the report [which by the way involves several school staff memebers, teachers, psychologist, school nurse, principle, etc., as well as the parents], your child will not be "protected" under the laws of "special education students" in your state. I used to live in IL, now we live in CA. Most state laws for these "special needs" children are the same. It means the school MUST provide what the child needs specifically. The ONLY problem you may have in the furture [esp. if he is already highly frustrated at the age of 10...usually because the child believes no one is listening or does not understand them], is with "behavioral plans"......GET ONE!, or your child can and will be treated like "any other student" who does not require special programs. Most schools do NOT like to make ANY exceptions to their "school behavior rules", but as a parent of two of them, I KNOW FIRSTHAND, that these children will "easily" act out in frustration, namely when they believe they are being demeaned, talked down to, or "overly" punished [singled out]. If you do not agree with the school in the I.E.P., YOU have the right to "refuse" to sign it! This means the school MUST go back and try again to find the "correct" programs for your child. If they want to "transfer" your child, it is because their school does not offer the correct programs. I can tell you that this situation can go terribly wrong...FAST...if you as the parent loose control of it. If your child has not been "diagnosed" medically, have him seen by your families doctor right away. Just the fact that the school has initiated an I.E.P. for him will assist your doctor in a diagnosis. My youngest son (12), was labeled "emotionally disturbed" years ago, before I adopted him. I have since improved his behaviors "without the use of drugs" and he is now LD [learning disabled]. This doesn't mean he is slow, or anything like that. It means his "lack of ferverent concentration" makes school more difficult for him, esp. since most schools do not "revolve" around special education programs but regular education programs. The point is, without that I.E.P. your son has no "defense" to his needs. They can and will suspend, and expell him for his behaviors without it [and even sometimes with it, as he gets oldre]. These schools are the issue....we as parents dealing with the issue must try to get the district, local, and national laws changed SOON! The problem is, most schools will work feverishly to support "special education" programs........they "frown" however upon the "behaviors" that go along with these children's conditions, and make "little to no" effort to assist them in that way...they basically "blame it all on the child" [using suspensions and expulsions to control the problems, instead of "working with" the parents and children]. In their own words, "We can not make any spaecial efforts for one, that we do not make for all". Sorry to take so much of your time.....This is quite a complex issue. If I can be of any assistance, please write to me here [dynamic2003] or at: dynamicentertainment2003@yahoo.com :) :) :)