Question: My son’s math teacher moved his seat to the side of the room right before spring break (his IEP states that he sit in the middle of the front row)My son asked her to change it back and she said no. I called to remind her that it was in his IEP to be in the middle, and even though it made no sense to us, he felt like he was “unbalanced” in his new seat and couldn’t concentrate.
No reply and she didn’t move him. My son asked her again and still no, she wanted the seating to be boy girl boy girl. My son came home and we discussed it and he came up with a simple solution, he would ask someone to trade seats. He did this on his own, (proud of him) but I am still concerned about this teacher’s disregard for the IEP. Should I just leave it be since it has been resolved?
Answer: No, this cannot be let go. You need to write a note to be cc’d to the file for your son. A teacher’s disrespect for the child’s needs is not acceptable and will continue to happen if the case manager is not aware of the occurrence. Also, make a copy of the IEP page that states seating arrangements and any other modifications to attach to the letter. Deliver a copy to the school/teacher and to the case manager. Don’t forget to keep a copy for yourself!
The note should be typed in the following format:
Date:
To: Teacher’s Name
From: The Parent of
RE: Parental Concerns of IEP Accommodations
CC: Case Manager Name, File
Dear Ms. Teacher,
My son, Name, has relayed his accomplishment of solving his seating issues within the classroom. I am very proud of his self-advocacy skills in assuring he has access to the curriculum within your classroom. However, I have a concern about the lack of communication and respect in regards to Name’s IEP. It took us several attempts of making this change and Name finding a solution himself to make this situation workable. Could you please assure that in the future when you are rearranging your room that you also implement Name’s IEP accommodations in the process. I have attached a copy of Name’s needs per his IEP for your convenience.
Thank you in advance for your understanding.
Sincerely,
