US School System

[Stuart and Thea 95]

Has anyone had any experience yet with the US schools and EIP and IP plans? My son is on both EIP and IP and I'm wondering how receptive schools in the US are to accomadating? I have a psychoed assessment on my son that lists him as having a learning disability with one area that suggests he use a computer in the classroom as well as a number of other accommodations, and supports. He'll be going into grade 7 this year, and we'll be moving in the fall to his new school. I'd like to have as little change for him academic wise as possible, and was hoping someone could let me know if they have programs in the US similar to the ones we have here?

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Have you investigated the school that he will be attending when he arrives in the US? You should call their counselling department and figure out what documents they need. Special Education accomodations and funding are federal, so they have specific requirements they must meet in order to make sure your son has the accomodations he needs. i am not sure if you can simply transfer the Canadian EIP and IP to the US, they may need a new evaluation or may need time to make sure everything is done on their end in order for your son not to lose time when he arrives there for school

They do have IEP programs here in the US which is similar to the ones in Canada, however what the school and the district needs to make sure the accomodations are met with little adjustment to your son should be dealt with by conacting the school's counselling department

Good luck

[Canadiandggal 49]

Has anyone had any experience yet with the US schools and EIP and IP plans? My son is on both EIP and IP and I'm wondering how receptive schools in the US are to accomadating? I have a psychoed assessment on my son that lists him as having a learning disability with one area that suggests he use a computer in the classroom as well as a number of other accommodations, and supports. He'll be going into grade 7 this year, and we'll be moving in the fall to his new school. I'd like to have as little change for him academic wise as possible, and was hoping someone could let me know if they have programs in the US similar to the ones we have here?

Yes they have EIP programs here just like Canada . My son is starting Kindergarden this year and he will have out of class speech therapy along with a "special ed" twice a week to catch up on what hes missing. (he didnt talk till 3ish so he is behind in abcs,numbers etc.)

They are very good I must say or atleast the ones I have dealt with so far. Another momon this site has a daughter who has an EIP and she told me that her daughter has been allowed to advance more and has better High school classes. Which is a A+.

As soon as you get here get on the phone with your local school board and see what they say. I called the board directly and met with the EIP team to make on a plan for my son but I know that in your case its already been done you are just trying to have as "little" disruption as possible. I am sure it will be fine

Oh I should add that on my EIP paperwork it has a section for epuipment to be used Ie a laptop etc. SO I do not see why they would not let him use a computer.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

The plans vary from state to state. I lived in AZ for a while and my son easily qualified for aid based on being more than 3 years below norm in any core subject. He is severly dyslexic. Back in California I had to fight to get him aid, and eventually won. California schools are budget tight and try to dump children off these programs. My grandson who has a string of disorders has been on the list to be dropped several times. So don't expect it to be a matter of walking in and getting him help in a public school. If you can afford it look into private education. California school rank near the bottom education wise while being near the top in how much money they use.

[Ontarkie 14,227]

Here in Arkansas, we had no problem with the head women to set up new IEP's for my kids. We encountered problems with the teachers not wanting to follow the IEP even though it is the law. They were absolutely useless the teachers did not care what so ever and even said right in front of us to the Principle of the school that she was not going to follow it. In the end we ended up homeschooling all 4 kids, the older 2 are going to college this fall (oldest will be his 2nd year) and did very well on his ACT test, the younger two both are exempt from the standardized testing since they where back in Canada too. Also here they used the IEP's from Canada to get them started but they retest here more often so they would of had new testing done and new IEP's. I've been told that if we lived away from central Arkansas the smaller schools would of been alot better.

[menina 50]

Contact the director of special education in your local school district and let him/her know that you have a child arriving with an IEP. Every state has their own procedures, but in my school district,they provide comparable services for 30 days and then review to see if any changes need to be made. This is true even when a child transfers from another state. I have never seen a case of transferring from another country with an IEP, but I would imagine that similar procedures are followed. Once you know which school your child will be attending,call and set up a meeting with the school psychologist and special education teacher(s). It is your right to request this meeting. At that time you can explain the previous services provided and address any concerns you might have. I recommend staying in close contact with the school to ensure that the accommodations are being implemented as well. Good luck!