Jennifer, I am currently taking Graduate classes to get certified and earn a Masters degree in Special Education. One thing that has become ABUNDANTLY clear to me is that many regular education teachres are negative about any children with special needs b/c it means more work for them, as teachers, to accomodate and modify their lessons for the exceptional children in their class.

Make sure that you arefamiliar with your child's IEP and rights under the law. IDEA 97 protects children with diabilities and guarantees an education in the least restrictive environment.(LRE) The LRE is NOT ncessarily a general education classroom insome cases though. But if the general ed teacher is NOT following your child's IEP, you can have a due process hearing. Make sure you document EVERYTHING. I would first try to have a conference with the teacher in question and possibly, her administrator and the IEP team. The teacher may not be aware of the modifications needed. IF she is and still is negative about it, you may want to move your daughter to another class. The teacher's negative attitude will have a big impact on your DD and the other children in the class will pick up on it as well and treat her the way the teacher does. I don't mean to scare you or anything; this is just what I have gained from the expereince of my fellow teachers. You have to be your child's advocate b/c the schools , generally, will not be.

Korrie~
^i^B/G/G 24 w 3d,1/17/00
B 10/31/01
B 1/27/03

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="" alt="Lilypie Kids birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a>