Teachers..am I wrong??

Heres the situation...I am a speech teacher and I had an IEP to complete. I completed it, spoke to the mother over the phone (she couldnt attend the meeting) and I spoke to the classroom teacher about how the child is doing in class. Its a long story but Im going to try and cut it short. First time I went to get her signature for the IEP she told me that the child doesnt need speech anymore (which I agree compltely but the IEP still had to be completed) I got the impression that she didnt want to sign it so I told her I will speak to the other speech provider who has been working longer than I have. I spoke to her and she told me the dead line to discertifiy a child was in March, its already June..so the IEP has to be completed and the speech teacher next year will have to do the paper work to discertify the child. I saw the teacher again and told her this and again I asked her to sign because it still needs to be completed. She told me to speak to her Supervisor...W T F..I do not need to speak to a supervisor about this! Anyway...I attached a sticky note on pg 2 and I wrote ' Teacher refused to sign IEP on 2 occasions'....SOOO the IEP facilitator took it upon himself to send a memo to me, the teacher, the supervisor and assistant principal that this teacher did this...then attached to the back on that memo was another memo..(keep in mind this happened yesterday I got both memos today) on the second memo it states that the teacher clafied what happened and that she didnt refuse anything....SOOO this memo states that I embarrased everyone and that next time I have to be clear and approach him with accurate information.!!! IT IS ACCURATE...SHE REFUSED TO SIGN!! In any case, he didnt even want to hear my side of the story...he heard hers and then sent me a memo saying how I am an embarrasment...and check this out...the memo was forwarded to the assitant principal, her supervisor and the teacher...so now everyone in the school knows that I am an embarrasment. I am sooo freaking pissed off right now...
Am I wrong??
Sorry..I just had to vent

Millie, I am not a teacher so I am not sure what an IEP is or what the correct protocol should be. However, from what you've explained, it seems that other teacher used you as a scapegoat! I cannot believe they sent out a memo stating that you are an embarrassment!!!! THAT is totally unprofessional!

Can you post the exact sentence that he wrote? Why in the world would he write that?

I would speak to the teacher and tell her that you didn't appreciate the fact that she made you seem incompetent when in fact you did tell the truth to begin with.

Here is the sentence..theres more to it...but this is what hurt most...

' It is very important that when you bring a matter of that serious content to my attention, you do so with complete accuracy. Your failure to do so has resulted in an embarrassing situation for all involved...'


I was accurate! SHE REFUSED TWICE!!! What more can I say!! He didnt even give me a chance to give me story....I work there Mon, wed and thurs..memo was sent tues...he couldnt even wait one day to hear my side...

You were wrong... not personally wrong... but it doesn't seem like proper protocol was followed by anyone.

In order for an IEP to be generated, by LAW a committe on special education (CSE) meeting MUST be held. The parent(s), school psychologist, special ed. teacher, general ed. teacher and related service provider (that would be you for speech, for exmaple) MUST be present. The parent must agree with the finding of the team... for example, the gen. ed. teacher might not feel that she needs speech, but you as the speech professional would use this time to point out that she does, the parent would agree or disagree and the amount of services (i.e. speech twice a week with resource room or whatever) would be decided. you would then add your speech goals to the IEP LATER.....

It doesn't look like a CSE took place. you're not supposed to talk to a parent about planning the services outside a CSE....it can be done over the phone, but all the other places need to be present (i.e. conference call). Also, a CSE must be held to DECLASSIFY a student, and it sounds like one shoudl have been held in this case as you seem to feel like the child doesn't qualify for speech anymore.

The general ed. seemed a bit out of line that she gave you a har dtime, but why would she need to sign???? No one signs IEP's... the overall approval is granted by the school psychologist or whoever chairs the CSE meeting and that's it.... providers and teachers add their goals later...
Also, this IEP facilitator: is he the chair of the CSE? if that's the case, he is goofing up....

Hang in there.... let me know if you want to chat. I work with severely learning disabled kids, so i know all about IEPs... and i fortunately work in a district where it's done right, so maybe i can help.

GOOD LUCK!

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Posted by donegal419

You were wrong... not personally wrong... but it doesn't seem like proper protocol was followed by anyone.

In order for an IEP to be generated, by LAW a committe on special education (CSE) meeting MUST be held. The parent(s), school psychologist, special ed. teacher, general ed. teacher and related service provider (that would be you for speech, for exmaple) MUST be present. The parent must agree with the finding of the team... for example, the gen. ed. teacher might not feel that she needs speech, but you as the speech professional would use this time to point out that she does, the parent would agree or disagree and the amount of services (i.e. speech twice a week with resource room or whatever) would be decided. you would then add your speech goals to the IEP LATER.....

It doesn't look like a CSE took place. you're not supposed to talk to a parent about planning the services outside a CSE....it can be done over the phone, but all the other places need to be present (i.e. conference call). Also, a CSE must be held to DECLASSIFY a student, and it sounds like one shoudl have been held in this case as you seem to feel like the child doesn't qualify for speech anymore.

The general ed. seemed a bit out of line that she gave you a har dtime, but why would she need to sign???? No one signs IEP's... the overall approval is granted by the school psychologist or whoever chairs the CSE meeting and that's it.... providers and teachers add their goals later...
Also, this IEP facilitator: is he the chair of the CSE? if that's the case, he is goofing up....

Hang in there.... let me know if you want to chat. I work with severely learning disabled kids, so i know all about IEPs... and i fortunately work in a district where it's done right, so maybe i can help.

GOOD LUCK!

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See, thats the difference. You actually work in a school where things get done right. Where I work this is how I was taught. Send a notice to the parent...wait to see if they show (99% of the time they dont) let the teacher know a meeting is going to be held (hope that the teacher shows up too...which they usually dont)...if this doesnt happen then you call the parent, discuss whats going to happen for the following year...put a (T) next to the parents name, get the teachers signature and submit the IEP. Keep in mind that all service providers have to constantly chase these teachers to get signatures. I also found out today that the gen. ed. teachers signature is not mandatory. Ive only been working in this field for 4mths so Im still learning...that is why I thought it was rough when the IEP facilitator sent out that memo...give me a break, Im still learning...
But yes, technicially you are right...thats how its suppose to work...but in the Bronx...it just doesnt work that way..unfortunately...

millie,

i don't work in a school so i don't really know the protocol for IEPs... but with reference to donegal's post, it does seem that correct protocol wasn't followed by anyone.

i don't think you're wrong in the situation... you are a new speech teacher and are not familiar with all of the intricacies of the school system.

i know it must be hard to get a memo like that, but hang in there! an 'embarrassing situation' and 'you are an embarrassment' are two totally different statements IMO.

don't be sad millie.... i know you're doing a great job!

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Posted by hayleyandsteve

millie,

i don't work in a school so i don't really know the protocol for IEPs... but with reference to donegal's post, it does seem that correct protocol wasn't followed by anyone.

i don't think you're wrong in the situation... you are a new speech teacher and are not familiar with all of the intricacies of the school system.

i know it must be hard to get a memo like that, but hang in there! an 'embarrassing situation' and 'you are an embarrassment' are two totally different statements IMO.

don't be sad millie.... i know you're doing a great job!

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Thank you Hayley. I do agree that no one did anything correctly...but like I said, I am doing what I was told to do. Call parent, chase teacher to get signature and submit IEP...it seems like this is how things are done in the Bronx
I understand what you mean by 'embarrassing situation' being different from 'being an embarrasment'.... I didnt post the entire memo...but its def. the impression I received...basically like everything was my fault.
Thanks for the hugs tho

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Posted by faithandkevin

MIllie that stinks!! As a teacher, I know how difficult it is when you are trying to do the right thing and others are being less than cooperative! Especially the other teacher lying about the situation!

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I felt like crying...but I held it all in. What makes it even harder is that I am new...and instead of helping me out the IEP facilitator sends out that memo basically saying that I was wrong without even hearing my side... Anyway, only 5 more days left of school

i am an SLP also and donegal419 is right. it doesn't sound like they had a CSE meeting, which is required. Everyone that works with the child plus their parents should be present and/or involved. It shouldn't be up to you to get a hold of each person. It's supposed to be done as a team, which would make sense. I work at a Special Ed school and the only time i've had to sign the IEP is if the district representative comes to my school to have the meeting. Otherwise, I have never signed an IEP. Though i think they might send it to the parent (if they aren't present at the meeting) to sign as well.

it doesn't sound like they followed protocol, which is unfortunate for you and everyone involved. it was wrong of them to send a memo around like that, calling it an embarrassment. and that teacher was wrong as well. I hope this is a learning experience for everyone and that this doesn't happen to you again!

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!! good luck!!!

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Posted by bettybcafe

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Posted by faithandkevin

MIllie that stinks!! As a teacher, I know how difficult it is when you are trying to do the right thing and others are being less than cooperative! Especially the other teacher lying about the situation!

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I felt like crying...but I held it all in. What makes it even harder is that I am new...and instead of helping me out the IEP facilitator sends out that memo basically saying that I was wrong without even hearing my side... Anyway, only 5 more days left of school

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5 days is right!! But it does really stink!! Feel better!!

#1: I have worked for the NYCDOE in Brooklyn for 7 years. 5 of those years I was an inclusion English teacher. I attended ONE IEP meeting. Who knows where my signature is...The DOE grossly mishandles IEPs and ISS students all the time. I have no doubt you were instructed incorrectly.

#2: The memo that was sent out is terribly unprofessional. It doesn't matter if you were completely wrong-which you weren't-who sends out a memo like that? Especially knowing your time on the job...IMO--so wrong on so many levels. Your supervisors should be teaching you and helping you--not tearing you down and insulting your work...

#3: Only 5 days left...Lay low and just know by September no one will even remember...

hang in there millie!

now that i know that you work in the city i know they are doing it wrong.... don't beat yourself up...you're still learning. and from my experience in the city, they don't always follow correct protocol... it was always up to ME to schedule the CSE meetings and contact all the service providers and parents and confirm that all were attending. in my new school, the CSE chair coordinates the meetings and then lets the team know.

it's a shame that parents and the team isn't really involved... it's a disservice to the child and shouldn't be left to one person (i.e. you!) thank god i'm in a plce now where the school educates the WHOLE child and everyone is invovled.

Hang in there...and if anything maybe you can talk to this IEP 'coordinator' and ask him/her specifically what their procedure is and maybe give your ideas on how to improve it...

p.s. myschool is going to have SPL retirees next year... i'll keep you in mind!
GOOD LUCK!

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Posted by Snickers76

#1: I have worked for the NYCDOE in Brooklyn for 7 years. 5 of those years I was an inclusion English teacher. I attended ONE IEP meeting. Who knows where my signature is...The DOE grossly mishandles IEPs and ISS students all the time. I have no doubt you were instructed incorrectly.

#2: The memo that was sent out is terribly unprofessional. It doesn't matter if you were completely wrong-which you weren't-who sends out a memo like that? Especially knowing your time on the job...IMO--so wrong on so many levels. Your supervisors should be teaching you and helping you--not tearing you down and insulting your work...

#3: Only 5 days left...Lay low and just know by September no one will even remember...

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So you def. know where Im coming from...I just dont understand it.....but Ill survive. I plan on moving upstate once I get married anyway..so I wont be going back in Sept.

BTW...when the other speech provider mentioned that I should discuss this with my speech supervisor the IEP facilitator got offended...and told me not to involve anyone else...yea, I wonder why...maybe because you're WRONG!

youa re NOT wrong. I hate that crap!!

So he just made a big deal of what you did, but based on what he said.. he did the same thing.. TO YOU!

You are not wrong, she did refuse to sign it, she was being a moron! I lvoe people who dont understand the process (and refuse to learn)

.. just saw that you work in the city.. ... this is pathetic. but you prob just have to let it go.. everyone there has no clue whatis going on haha that is why i REFUSE to work under my Sp. Ed license in the city...

FH is a school psych and i see/hear what he does everyday and how NYC does nothing compared .. i wont do it.. i give you credit!

GL

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Posted by bettybcafe

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Posted by donegal419

You were wrong... not personally wrong... but it doesn't seem like proper protocol was followed by anyone.

In order for an IEP to be generated, by LAW a committe on special education (CSE) meeting MUST be held. The parent(s), school psychologist, special ed. teacher, general ed. teacher and related service provider (that would be you for speech, for exmaple) MUST be present. The parent must agree with the finding of the team... for example, the gen. ed. teacher might not feel that she needs speech, but you as the speech professional would use this time to point out that she does, the parent would agree or disagree and the amount of services (i.e. speech twice a week with resource room or whatever) would be decided. you would then add your speech goals to the IEP LATER.....

It doesn't look like a CSE took place. you're not supposed to talk to a parent about planning the services outside a CSE....it can be done over the phone, but all the other places need to be present (i.e. conference call). Also, a CSE must be held to DECLASSIFY a student, and it sounds like one shoudl have been held in this case as you seem to feel like the child doesn't qualify for speech anymore.

The general ed. seemed a bit out of line that she gave you a har dtime, but why would she need to sign???? No one signs IEP's... the overall approval is granted by the school psychologist or whoever chairs the CSE meeting and that's it.... providers and teachers add their goals later...
Also, this IEP facilitator: is he the chair of the CSE? if that's the case, he is goofing up....

Hang in there.... let me know if you want to chat. I work with severely learning disabled kids, so i know all about IEPs... and i fortunately work in a district where it's done right, so maybe i can help.

GOOD LUCK!

---

See, thats the difference. You actually work in a school where things get done right. Where I work this is how I was taught. Send a notice to the parent...wait to see if they show (99% of the time they dont) let the teacher know a meeting is going to be held (hope that the teacher shows up too...which they usually dont)...if this doesnt happen then you call the parent, discuss whats going to happen for the following year...put a (T) next to the parents name, get the teachers signature and submit the IEP. Keep in mind that all service providers have to constantly chase these teachers to get signatures. I also found out today that the gen. ed. teachers signature is not mandatory. Ive only been working in this field for 4mths so Im still learning...that is why I thought it was rough when the IEP facilitator sent out that memo...give me a break, Im still learning...
But yes, technicially you are right...thats how its suppose to work...but in the Bronx...it just doesnt work that way..unfortunately...

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haha .. yeah a CSE in NYC is the teacher, spec ed teacher and MAYBE the speech teacher or OT (if they recieve) Its SOOOOOO DUMB!!!!! ANd you are right.. hardly ever a parent.. that is a joke!!

again.. this is why i refuse to work under my spec ed license in the city!!!!

ugh! This is why they have CSEs...so everyone is there to witness stuff like this.
Sorry you have to deal with this...at least summer is almost here! I am sure it will all blow over before fall...

Hi..I just read your post and, as a fellow special education provider, I feel sooooooo bad for you! You are being treated very poorly and most certainly are being used as a scapegoat. You're simply following the protocol that has been set up at your school, but unfortunately it's against the law!!! If you have the guts to do it, you could go to your IEP facilitator (I'm not sure who that is, my school doesn't have one) and ask for WRITTEN guidelines as to what the protocol is for CSE meetings. You are ENTITLED to it and your district must have one. That way, if G*D forbid a parent ever sued the district, you have in writing what you were being asked to do. Technically, you should not be asked to run around and get signatures, that should be the job of the Chairperson. Basically, you are being asked to falsify the attendence sheet at a CSE with the paper you are having them sign! Shame on them!
If you have questions, feel free to FM me. Chin up, you seem like a caring teacher and someone that deserves so much better!!

Millie-I dont know if you were right or wrong-but regardless that is NOT the right thing to send out in a memo! Unprofessional and just not right!