Securing the Special Education Services Your Child Needs
About the Book
Inside the book
When the School Says No…How to Get the Yes!
When planning a child's Individualized Education Program (IEP), it is vital that parents and educators are involved in collaborative decision making. This book offers parents a unique way of approaching and tackling the problems that can arise relating to the provision of special education services.
Taking a structured, collaborative approach to IEPs, the easily applicable six question process enables parents to determine the needs of their child and obtain the services required by asking key questions during IEP meetings.
Explaining the approach through real life scenarios and issues, this book demonstrates how to achieve effective collaboration with school personnel, ensuring the child receives the appropriate and necessary educational program and services.
Providing a practical, structured approach to IEP planning for parents and offering insight into the parental perspective for educators, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in IEP meetings.
Reviews of the Book
Book Review by Leslie Burby, Editor-in-Chief of Autism Parenting Magazine
“I want to make sure that I get my children what they need when I walk into a school meeting. “When the School Says No…How to Get the Yes!” starts with explaining how the experienced, Special Educator, Vaughn Lauer, had heard stories of many parents not being able to get what their child needed from the school. From there he explains the basics of how to communicate and the importance of data. He compares the IEP to a road trip and suggests thinking of the IEP as a route to help get your child where you want him or her to go. I liked this use of imagery because I am a visual thinker and often need a metaphor to help me retain information.
He discusses the key questions that everyone on the IEP Team needs to consider to best meet the unique needs of a student and defines the roles of team players.
The rest of the book follows the structure of a detailed story from a parent that has a special needs child followed by a breakdown of how to help the parent best achieve the best outcome possible for their unique situation.
The book gives a wealth of information like none other I’ve seen. Although I suggest reading the book in its entirety to maximize your benefits; if you are pressed for time before a scheduled meeting, it is better to read some than none.
When the School Says No…How to Get the Yes should be on every special needs parent’s night stand. Consider it required reading before your next PPT meeting to maximize the services you can attain for your child. Even as a former teacher I found new information.”
This review article was originally featured in Issue 17 of Autism Parenting Magazine.
Book review from Mary Ellen Webb, parent of two children with special educational needs and teacher
“As an educator and mother, I’ve sat on both sides of the table during IEP meetings. This book is an exceptionally useful tool for parents working to get their children the services they need in the most appropriate setting. I wish I’d had it when I was navigating the process as a parent.”
Book review from Susan Davis, Section Chief for Program Improvement and Professional Development, Exceptional Children Division, North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction
“What a great resource! This book is a must read for every parent looking for a way to better collaborate with school personnel. The author outlines a no-nonsense approach that is easy to understand and put into practice.”