What Are My GIEP Rights

It doesn't sound like they changed their mind, it sounds like it is not possible with the schedule as it is. I am sure they are trying to come up with a solution. I can't imagine he is the only one in his class in this program either.

The thing you need to keep in mind is that this does not carry the same weight as an IEP or the like. Those they have strict guidelines about, some rather stupid I might add. Even with the strength of an IEP I have found myself time and time again working with the schools to adapt them when they are not working.

You need to be flexible. You can't make them do what they are unable to do, please keep that in mind.

Got to the PAGE website for an advocate. PM me if you can't find the information-I can't remember how easy it was to come by. I am considering doing this as well but need to see how things work out in the next couple weeks.

Depending on the GT program, some schools take instruction time from other classes for advanced students. Our GT program had us use time for GT classes twice a week, taking from both social studies and language (the GT projects related to both). A friend in HS literally drove to the community college for her math class three times a week and had a study hall at the HS. I would ask them about any sort of pull out tutoring they can offer him or see what else they can offer other than "well, we give up, the time can't line up." Maybe he goes to a tutor during that class time.

When you had your child evaluated etc you should have been given a paper "Notice of Parental Rights for Gifted Students". It outlines resources for parent assistance which includes the # for the PA Office for Dispute Resolution ###-###-####) It also has a mediation request form and due process complaint notice.

If you were not given or misplaced your copy, you may want to request a copy from the school.

I just want to say that you may want to keep an open mind and see what alternative ideas they have for addressing this issue. It might be an even better alternative, but you don't know until you hear it. So keep an open mind going into the IEP.

Finally our former principal was sort of forced into retirement. Before she left she told me that she was a child advocate so if I ever needed one to give her a call. I didn't really know what that meant but if you'd like her phone number I can pass it along. Just PM me.

I have found my daughter's GIEP to be completely useless. I suggest you enrich your son through other activities ( ie join a robotics club). I live in PA also and the schools just don't seem to have the ability to cater to gifted kids. When my daughter was in 3 rd grade she tested between a 9 th grade and 11 th grade reading level depending on the test they gave her. I learned a long time ago to not let the school programming or lack of stress me out. It was always a loosing battle from my experience. I would not spend any money on an advocate. Get him private tutoring if you are going to spend your money. The school simply can not do what they can not do. Pick your battles wisely. I do understand your frustration.

I suggest that you find an advocate to help you navigate this. They know the law and how to go about getting your child the best outcome.

Advocates aren't free, but if you can afford it, I would avail yourself of it.

Dawn

Diane,

By law, they HAVE to accommodate your gifted child. But believe me - it doesn't mean they will make it easy for you. We are in PA as well, and we have fought for years for things for both our kids who have GIEPs. We have found the GIEPs to be largely useless documents. BUT...that doesn't stop us from fighting. It doesn't matter that the times don't line up. It is their responsibility to educate your child based on his present levels. DO NOT let them change his GIEP just because it's not convenient for them. YOU are really the only one who has your child's best interest at heart. Recent school budget cuts have had them cutting wherever they can, and it you let them, they will happily cut our your son't GIEP to save some $$.

Our school district wanted us to have our daughter skip a grade. We discussed it and decided we would not. Her birthday is in July and she's already one of the youngest in her class. When she was in 5th grade, she walked next door to the middle school every day so she could attend a math class there. It didn't totally line up with her 5th grade time for math and her 5th grade teacher was to catch her up on anything she missed. Quite often that didn't happen. There would be tests that she wasn't aware were scheduled because her classroom teacher neglected to tell her what she missed (as she was supposed to do.)

We have had countless meetings over the years to advocate for our kids. The elementary years are very difficult for a gifted child. I don't think our kids were ever challenged enough in elementary school. They kept telling us the kids would be challenged in high school, but that doesn't do you any good when your kid is 6!! I think one of the reasons my 16 year old hates school is because he was so bored early on.

If you are in a good district, it will be better in middle school and high school when there are advanced and AP classes. Unfortunately, in elementary, you just have to keep fighting for your rights. If you think they are not meeting the law, you can request a hearing. Usually, threatening to have one is enough to get the school to take you seriously. If you are inclined to pursue it, you can get an attorney involved, though that can get to be quite costly.

Does your school district have a gifted parents support group? Ours does and we got a wealth of information from there. If not, have you tried PAGE?

If you have any more specific questions, feel free to PM me.

Good luck. It's not an easy road.