The Long Way Up

Published May 02, 2009 @ 12:04AM PT

Well I guess it has been a long and hard road for Charlie and for us.

Charlie's IEP meeting was yesterday afternoon. I'd asked for a draft of his IEP and while reviewing it the night before and writing our Parental Statement, I paused several times to reread these sentences written by Charlie's teacher.

As noted, Charlie's progress reports are generally full of SPs and NPs, as in "some progress" and "no progress." For years, he's been hampered by behavior problems that, due to growing taller and being quite athletic, have been much more difficult to address. It's taken several months for his teacher to get to know Charlie and to understand how to best teach him; to figure out why strategies that had sort of worked in the past, had long since ceased to. In the draft IEP she had written:

"Charlie has made significant progress on his academic programs.........His social skills are an area of strength. Charlie is friendly and enjoys interacting with others, teachers and peers alike."

"He shows great interest and dexterity in pattern following and his fine motor skills are exceptional."

It's been quite a while since I've read such affirmative statements about Charlie and his learning, and his abilities.

It's true, Charlie's learning has been very much in the slow lane. And each at their own pace, so long as the rest of us understand that we need to adapt our pace to those for whom the road is longer, rockier, and uphill for most of the way

But what a view when you slow your step and stop to look around, and see what others before had missed.

This year's IEP meeting was concise and well-orchestrated. Charlie will have the same classroom next year with speech, OT, and A.P.E., and will also continue to receive home programming/parent training throughout the summer and all throughout next year.

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Comments (9)

There's nothing like having a child who struggles with many things yet still finding a teacher who sees the positive things your child CAN do and then TELLS you about them. I know that TH's struggles aren't as tough as Charlie's, by far, but he does have pretty significant struggles. His teacher this year has similarly commented on positives in a way we haven't heard in years...maybe ever. Bless the woman.

Charlie should train for long-distance cross-terrain cycling or something.

Posted by Emily Willingham on 05/02/2009 @ 07:05AM PT
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Kristina, I will admit to tearing up a bit when I read Charlie's teacher's observations about his learning, abilities, and interactions with other children. It is so fantastic to see someone else note the positives in our kids, when what we usually hear about is the negative or at least, more challenging. Sounds like she is a good fit for him and next year will be even better! Congrats, I know this had been weighing on you. :o)

Posted by Amy Steere on 05/02/2009 @ 07:09AM PT
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I tend to set the tone for seeing the pluses and minuses by creating a new powerpoint each year for Joey's IEP. It includes the strengths and things he likes, as well as strides he has made, before getting into what we need more work and focus on. It seems to encourage school staff to do the same.
Glad to hear of a good IEP. We'll take the good vibes. :)

Posted by Amanda Guyton on 05/02/2009 @ 11:04AM PT
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I am glad your IEP took only a few days and you were able to keep the same services. Congratulations, Charlie deserves that.

I would say that Charlie has moved forward rather than regressed. Sounds like a growth spurt in academic and social skills. Obviously he has a good placement and good IEP to make those gains.

Posted by L I on 05/02/2009 @ 11:32AM PT
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So pleased to read Charlie's teacher's words. And happy for you that the IEP went well and services are staying in place which obviously are benefitting Charlie. Smiles and a sigh of relief.

Posted by Niksmom . on 05/02/2009 @ 05:26PM PT
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IEP's season is tough for both parents and teachers. My youngest son's 3 year reevaluation is coming up in a couple of weeks. He is not even six years old but already evaluated twice by school psychologists. I am crossing my fingers and hoping his results will be as good as Charlie's IEP. Great job Charlie!

Posted by Hai Dang on 05/02/2009 @ 07:25PM PT
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Good for Charlie's teacher and good for you and him. OUr IEP comes up in 2 weeks--later than usual, to my anxiety since I never know if that's "good" or "bad".

I didn't know I could ask for a "preview" of comments--heck, I felt I was nagging when I asked two weeks ago what the date was going to be. It's a complicated scheduling since Tom's out of district this year but has services in district. I have to be sure to put my work and travel schedule on the table to be sure that the date isn't impossible for me!

Posted by Toms Mom on 05/03/2009 @ 06:04AM PT
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I used to feel sheepish about asking for the draft but now that I've done it regularly (and informed them we are recording the meetings) it just is routine----not that we sign at the meeting of course; like to take our time to think things through. That does sound complicated---thinking of you!

Posted by Kristina Chew on 05/04/2009 @ 08:47PM PT
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I am so happy for you that the IEP went well.

Posted by Jane S on 05/03/2009 @ 08:12PM PT
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Author

Kristina is a Classics professor in Jersey City, New Jersey, a blogger (formerly at AutismVox), a translator (of Virgil), and an advocate every day for her son, Charlie.