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reddit_beats_chive t1_j0ngnou wrote

Getting more difficult in all cities. Every parent is getting their child an IEP, so half the class is IEP’s and it cripples the whole learning experience for everyone.

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TimeSlipperWHOOPS t1_j0np21w wrote

Teacher here. The issue is when the sheer variety of accommodations makes it difficult to manage everything compounded by your likely understaffed student support team. If I have the right support every kid can easily have an IEP and it won't affect the "learning experience"

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[deleted] OP t1_j0niek3 wrote

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Mountain_Bill5743 t1_j0ohg3s wrote

The best answer is MA. Seriously (even if its just into Attleboro or Seekonk). The schools are far better run, overall, and MA doesn't mismanage them nearly as much (along with every other service at the state level). There's a reason that MA ranks highest and RI rank drops massively despite the proximity. The disparity also makes it to where many talented teachers flee for job openings in MA (just like everyone else who commutes out of state) because the state is just overall less combative and has a functioning pension system.

I am the first to argue that the schools here are more than fine for an average kid, but it sounds like you've identified very specific needs in your child and you're far more likely to get good policy decisions if you don't cross the border.

The one exception I will say is that there are some extremely specialized private schools for IEPs in state, but they are going to be 50k+.

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bungocheese t1_j0pf7ra wrote

The schools in attleboro are rated well below the top 10-20 in RI, maybe not specifically with iep kids though

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[deleted] OP t1_j0pxwle wrote

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Mountain_Bill5743 t1_j0q2aor wrote

Yeah, if the savings help you pay for private services that's a whole other situation. I misunderstood your post as looking for a stronger service in Warwick/Cranston etc. I'm just trying to be honest that you're likely to continue to be frustrated down here with the likes of RIDE. There are some extremely highly regarded programs in EP, i think, and near Pt Judith that are private and designed for IEP students. Out of the districts you mentioned, Cranston West has the best reputation for gen ed by far.

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SharpCookie232 t1_j0o9aim wrote

Knowing what supports a child needs doesn't cripple the learning experience. Underfunding and the resulting understaffing cripple the system.

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reddit_beats_chive t1_j0obz9v wrote

Problem is that every parent wants an IEP as soon as little Suzy doesn’t get an A. Therefore half the class gets one…CRIPPLING. Not talking about the actual children who need one.

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SharpCookie232 t1_j0olp38 wrote

My experience with parents is that they avoid having their child put on an IEP if at all possible, even when it's not in the child's best interest. They don't want their child labeled and they don't want to admit there's a problem.

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owsleythehunter t1_j0pbl78 wrote

Accommodations under a 504 Plan are not the same as services provided under an IEP. Though there could be accommodations provided for in an IEP. IEPs are not given out, and no parent wants their kid to have an IEP, but it’s what the child needs to access the curriculum.

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reddit_beats_chive t1_j0pjre6 wrote

No parents want their kids to have an IEP ???? They may be your experience, but mine is completely different.

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owsleythehunter t1_j0pmhxm wrote

I should say, in the absence of a clear need, no rational parent should want their kid to have an IEP.

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TimeSlipperWHOOPS t1_j0pbaur wrote

So that almost never happens and when it does, we're giving that child what... extra time? Graphical organizers? Are these things that help them get an A? Then clearly they help the student.

If a student needs an accommodation to get an A, then the accommodation is justified.

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ReggeMtyouN t1_j0pn3iv wrote

I would offer that there are an exploding number of 504 referrals and plans

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TimeSlipperWHOOPS t1_j0poas4 wrote

And I would offer that this is because we are learning more about how to make education more accessible for a larger number of students.

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