Anonymous wrote:I'm right there with you, OP, except I'm in FCPS - and I actually did file a state complaint. I only regret that I didn't do it earlier! I can't believe my advocate didn't have me do it sooner (I do as much as I can myself to keep costs down but still end up spending thousands on her every year - I have no choice). I heartily encourage you to find a reason to do so. Although, unsurprisingly, my complaint wasn't upheld and my appeal was (incorrectly, I believe) summarily dismissed, I'm told it's a black mark against the principal and the Procedural Support Liaison (PSL). That was well worth it! In fact, I've used what happen as a reason to inform the central office that either a different PSL attend the meetings or, if the same PSL will be there, a central office FCPS special ed policy/due process specialist accompany her to the meetings. Told them if one is not available, I the meeting should be rescheduled until one is. The old specialist came to the meeting but our 'old' PSL who is now in the supervisory chain attended. Hugs.

Seriously, I wouldn't let "black marks" intimidate me. It's like people who live in fear of "this will go down in your permanent record..."

Good for you PP to have the courage to rock the boat and exercising your rights.

I'm right there with you, OP, except I'm in FCPS - and I actually did file a state complaint. I only regret that I didn't do it earlier! I can't believe my advocate didn't have me do it sooner (I do as much as I can myself to keep costs down but still end up spending thousands on her every year - I have no choice). I heartily encourage you to find a reason to do so. Although, unsurprisingly, my complaint wasn't upheld and my appeal was (incorrectly, I believe) summarily dismissed, I'm told it's a black mark against the principal and the Procedural Support Liaison (PSL). That was well worth it! In fact, I've used what happen as a reason to inform the central office that either a different PSL attend the meetings or, if the same PSL will be there, a central office FCPS special ed policy/due process specialist accompany her to the meetings. Told them if one is not available, I the meeting should be rescheduled until one is. The old specialist came to the meeting but our 'old' PSL who is now in the supervisory chain attended. Hugs.

Agree, we shouldn't have to resort to getting an advocate. It should be more straightforward and less of a bureaucratic quagmire.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am no big fan of MCPS and go in to meeting with a do-battle mentality but we're at a new school this year and I have to say I've been happy for the most part--like OP I'm not expecting life-changing services, just basic ones and so far the staff has been responsive. It's not all bad everywhere. If it's really bad and you're being bussed you can always make a case for a different program.

How do you know the OP didn't make a case to get her kid to an appropriate program?

I don't think anyone expects life changing services, but to even get basic ones, MCPS tries it's best to make it damned difficult, which really it's a waste of their resources too. They would be saving lawyer and litigation fees if they just gave the necessary services in the first place.

"Montgomery schools spent more than $1.9 million on outside legal expenses for cases related to special education from fiscal 2010 to 2013, roughly equivalent to the cost of 25 teachers, based on average county salaries..."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/special-education-fights-pit-parents-against-montgomery-county/2013/11/02/9b470ede-10e5-11e3-b4cb-fd7ce041d814_story.html

Seriously, the lawyers are getting rich from advising the schools and the kids are getting screwed over.

This is my point! I am lining an advocate's pocket (totally necessary bc I tried to do this on my own)... The school doesn't seem to care that there are countless emails and meetings. But I have to PAY my advocate to review all this stuff! And, my advocate seems to have better access to the people making decisions behind the scenes than I do. How is that even possible? I didn't even know that observations of my child were taking place in the classroom until my advocate informed me. I just don't understand why there is no information forthcoming to me from the school... and that it takes an advocate to ferret out this info!

And I did try to advocate for my child for a different placement. When I was denied, I got the advocate. And yes, things are better but my issue is that the schools are pennywise but pound foolish. Yup - you administrators have a met your quotas for kids that you can put into special programs... but leaving so many out comes at a great cost to society.

So sorry, totally sucks. We had the same exact issues at ACPS. We spent thousands on advocates and lawyers. It is so frustrating. Hang in there. Sounds like you are doing everything you can.

So sorry OP. WE had the same experience with FCPS.

Anonymous wrote:I am no big fan of MCPS and go in to meeting with a do-battle mentality but we're at a new school this year and I have to say I've been happy for the most part--like OP I'm not expecting life-changing services, just basic ones and so far the staff has been responsive. It's not all bad everywhere. If it's really bad and you're being bussed you can always make a case for a different program.

How do you know the OP didn't make a case to get her kid to an appropriate program?

I don't think anyone expects life changing services, but to even get basic ones, MCPS tries it's best to make it damned difficult, which really it's a waste of their resources too. They would be saving lawyer and litigation fees if they just gave the necessary services in the first place.

"Montgomery schools spent more than $1.9 million on outside legal expenses for cases related to special education from fiscal 2010 to 2013, roughly equivalent to the cost of 25 teachers, based on average county salaries..."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/special-education-fights-pit-parents-against-montgomery-county/2013/11/02/9b470ede-10e5-11e3-b4cb-fd7ce041d814_story.html

Seriously, the lawyers are getting rich from advising the schools and the kids are getting screwed over.

I am no big fan of MCPS and go in to meeting with a do-battle mentality but we're at a new school this year and I have to say I've been happy for the most part--like OP I'm not expecting life-changing services, just basic ones and so far the staff has been responsive. It's not all bad everywhere. If it's really bad and you're being bussed you can always make a case for a different program.

OP my heart goes out to you. I fear that we are heading in that direction ourselves...

OP here... the advocate has totally been worth it. I am constantly amazed at the number of times that the school has tried to cut corners, not make needed accommodations, not bring in needed evaluations to downright bias against my child and DC's condition. If I didn't have the advocate, I wouldn't even know the questions to ask or the direction to go in. It's just wretched that I need to PAY someone to access FAPE!

How outrageous!

I am so sorry. We have a meeting today with my sons teacher to discuss yhe transition to kindergarten... I am dreading it!

Thinking of you and hoping that today is a better day.

What grade level?

I am so sorry. I also had horrible experiences with MCPS. I wish I had advice to give but it is unlikely that filing a state complaint would change much. If all parents would file a complaint then we may finally be heard.

I hear you OP. I've been there. We decided to get a lawyer and go for funding.

Why does it have to be so hard?!? I have a child diagnosed with autism, who has a clear need... yet I have to pay an advocate BIG MONEY to get adequate services... not great, life changing, wonderful services. I'm talking basic services at a shitty school that we're being bused to. I know money is a big issue in the county. But lives are literally in the balance. This child could be a functioning member of society... but at every turn, I feel that MCPS is grinding this child into a self hating, future shut-in who will hate all of society.

I am so bitter. I hate every single staff person at my child's school. I wish I could tell them all to fuck off... well, maybe one or two are ok. But I'm so angry. Every single misdirection they've thrown at me is costing money that I have to spend on an advocate. The school is cryptic, doesn't inform me of what is happening in the classroom. They collect data that is not shared until the meeting... I'm so so angry.

I hide my anger well. But I can't believe what is happening to us here in this school system. And I'm most likely not going to file a state complaint. I can't afford to defend myself financially or emotionally against their lawyers. I have an autistic child at home that takes all I've got.