This year's IEP

Just got back from this year's IEP meeting. It went well overall. The usual "Mikey get's everything about the English language down pat except creativity and comprehension" "Mikey does great at math, word problems becoming an issue" etc etc.

There were a few new things. His teacher talked about another little boy who came in for resource and was also exceptionally intelligent but emotionally disabled and would often have meltdowns resulting in having to move the kids or change plans. Mikey would write about how he felt ("So and So messed up the classroom AGAIN!" or "So and So yelled and hurt my ears")... but over time.. actually ended up befriending the child. He still didn't like how he acted but he approached the child, he initiated activities and played with the child. It helped the kid also knew about computers but either way.. it's a huge step for Mikey.

His teacher said of all the kids she has taught over the years (15 if I recall) that Mikey had the most potential. That was a proud Mama moment, let me tell you. As for next year, he is gonna stay in a mild ESE classroom, but this is the 3-5 grade bracket. I wasn't even aware they HAD such a bracket for milder kids and I assumed he'd be headed into general education, which we had talked about.

But as she was never able to outsource him for math or reading this year (teachers were either unable or unwilling to take on another student) she wasn't ready to make that move for him yet. It's a goal for next year and she has actually written INTO his IEP to be outsourced for math and they will have to take him, but she already knows a teacher she is aiming to get him with, who has worked alot with ASD kids in the past and actually enjoys having them.

The good news is he'll almost be in the same classroom. The set up that it is now it's a huge room with a long wall and the other classroom is right on the other side. He already knows the teacher well and he will be close to Ms Korfage to help with the transition. ALSO, one of this best friends from last year who moved up to 3rd grade is in the class and he will be able to spend more time with him.

Next year is the FCAT.. *sighs* I am gonna be working alot with Mikey over the summer, they are sending stuff home to help get him ready, so that he can take this test. It's not a matter of whether he is smart enough to pass (duh) it's whether he can TAKE the test the way it's presented. They showed me all the accommodations they will be making to ensure he does his best and I am satisfied they are doing the best they can. I am still worried.

Anyways, it was a good visit and now I am egtting ready to send the kids to my Dad and stepmom's for the night WOOT!!!