the meeting.

i remember noah's first iep meeting. I went into it blindly, by myself. I sat there while everyone talked and had no clue what was going on. Then I signed my name and I left. After all, I should trust these people-- they work at the school and care about my son. I was wrong. And I never made that mistake again.

Now, I take weeks to prepare for these meetings. I go in with his current IEP (individual Education Plan) with notes all over it. I bring proof of what I know he can do, because "tests" reflect NOTHING. I have lists-- strengths, needs improvement, progess, etc. And I have big folders of every meeting, note or update from every teacher and therapist he's ever seen. I go in there knowing I cannot cry. I cannot let my emotions get the best of me. I go in strong. Maybe appearing stronger than I really am. Today was no different. Except today I had an advocate and thankfully, I had Joe.

Things went fairly well. There were several people there-- ten I think. And we knew that this IEP would be the most important one to date. We were all playing nicely until the staffing specialist (who, by the way, has never even met Noah) proceeded to tell me and the entire room where he belonged and why he belonged there. It took every ounce of my being not to jump out of my skin. I think those moments lasted lifetimes. I let her speak... and then I spoke. And I don't think I stopped speaking for five minutes straight. I explained that the tests she was referring to didn't prove what Noah can do cognitively. Then I took out my "proof" of how smart my boy is. Report cards, progress reports, his writing... and informed everyone there that he knows his colors, his alphabet, can read three letter words, knows all his shapes, can count by tens.... on and on. And all that went through my mind was ...don't tell me he doesn't deserve this chance. don't tell me he hasn't earned it.

The advocate was the best choice I ever made. She spoke when I couldn't. She reminded that room of the law. "the law states.... " ahhh.. .music to my ears. She shut them up more than once. It was still a fight.. and it's just the begininning. But we were pleased that we got more minutes. We are at 4o minutes per day (they are not allowed to miss even one day) mainstreamed. We reevaluate that in 2 months (date already set) and then increase it. By spring we will be recommending full day in general ed. classroom. When the advocate mentioned that she actually said "I think some people may have just fallen over in their chairs." And she was right.

Noah's advocate gave me strength today. I am so, so thankful.

This new plan will go into effect after the Christmas break. More to come.