What To Do When the IEP Stops Working

Figuring out the correct accommodations for a child with ADHD isn't always easy. Read on for common problems parents encounter with IEPs and 504 Plans, and ways you can beat the system and get your child the help she needs.

[Free Handout: Easy ADHD Accommodations]

“I’m new to IEPs and 504s, and I don’t know anything about what services or accommodations my kid needs.”

Hiring an educational advocate can work wonders, says certified school psychologist Dr. Liz Matheis. Parents often don’t know what they have available to them, and schools unfortunately are often thinking of their budgets first. If hiring an expert isn’t an option for you, check out ADDitude’s resources on accommodations that work.

[How to Talk to Teachers About Your Child's IEP]

"My child's IEP/504 Plan is 15 pages long, and I don’t understand what any of it means!"

The most important sections of the IEP/504 Plan are the services and accommodations. On IEPs, services are on a "service delivery page," which lists the services, when and where your child will get them, and the qualifications of the service provider. In addition, it’s also important to understand your child's IEP/504 accommodations. Accommodations allow your child to access the curriculum and may include assistive technology or preferential seating, to name a few.

[Quiz: How Well Do You Know Special Ed Law?]

"Whenever I attend my child’s IEP meetings, I'm ignored. How can I get the school to listen to me?"

As a parent, you are essential to the IEP/504 team. While the school is not required to implement every request, they are required to consider your input. Become an active team member by asking questions and really listening to the answers. If you’re nervous about speaking up, type up your concerns ahead of time and distribute them at the start of the meeting. If you still feel ignored, send a follow-up letter with any remaining requests, questions, or suggestions.

"No matter what accommodations I ask for, the school says no. Sometimes I'm told what I'm asking for violates school policy. Other times the school says I don't understand my child's needs. How do I respond?"

Begin by explaining the reason for your request. Use examples and written documentation to show that this is something your child needs, not just something you want. The law requires the school to meet your child's needs, but it does not require them to provide the ideal education. If you’re told that your request violates policy, politely ask for a written copy of that policy. Review it and see if there is a reason why it shouldn’t apply to your child.

"Most of the accommodations and goals in my child's IEP seem vague or unclear, like 'frequent reminders to stay on task' — with no indication of how frequent or what these reminders will entail. Is this normal?"

IEPs and 504 plans should contain goals that are measurable and attainable. Hold teachers accountable by addressing your concerns about the vague goals as early as possible, and schedule regular meetings to track your child's progress. In most cases, any goal that's in an IEP should be accomplished within a school year, says Liz Matheis. If it's too vague, ask that the goal be rewritten in more relevant language.

"The school says my child's IEP/504 plan is being implemented, but I really don't think it is. When I ask my son if he always sits in the front of the class, he says, 'No.' When I ask my daughter if she went to occupational therapy this week, she says she hasn't gone in a really long time."

Before you accuse anyone, do your research. Meet with the teacher or the occupational therapist. If you find the plan is not being implemented, call a team meeting, and make sure that everyone attends. Outline the results of your investigation. Insist that the plan be implemented going forward and request that the school makeup any services it neglected to provide. If the school refuses, contact a special education attorney.

"I've tried asking questions, writing follow-up letters, and attending plenty of team meetings, but nothing is working. I'm beyond frustrated and my child's education is suffering. Help!"

At this point, consult with a special education attorney or an educational advocate. They can help you decide whether to request a due process hearing through your state's special education appeals office. An impartial hearing officer determines whether a student's educational rights have been violated. The hearing officer's decision is binding, but it can be appealed to state or federal court. In practice, most due process hearing requests result in confidential settlements.