School won't offer full support

[Lisa Lightner]

This is another question submitted via email that I want to put here so that all can benefit.

Hello, Ms. Lisa

 

This was very moving and even inspirational for all parents who feel so beat down and defected fighting for the help their struggling students need, who have their own unique learning styles. As I always taught my children, even more so those who have an IEP. Not to allow this situation or the people you may encounter in life to affect your mental health too much, because they may not understand your unique needs. You have a specific kind of learning style, that is all. So, those who will educate you, or have necessary interactions with, what you do in life should know what learning looks like for you. I tell them you have to take pride in what you need while taking your education in your own hands as well, because knowing how you learn is important for you too. I tell them not to allow anyone to make you feel that there is something wrong with you because you are you. It is no different from treating a person who is paraplegic unkind because what they need is not the same as what another person who is not paraplegic needs. The same is said with many different situations that require specific need requirements. Well anyway I don't want to ramble on, I just wanted to say that. Most importantly share how much I appreciate, when I read emails, of you showing the effects of how standing up for the educational needs of our children strengthens one another! 

 

  With that being said, I never thought to reach out to ask you a question myself. So, the question I would like to ask you is do you have articles designed with information about What to do If the school refuses to offer a student Full Support? What could be said, even if a parent has asked several times and have highlighted years of data for the team to take into consideration on why full Support is needed. Please help if you have anything in this subject that could help. As even mediations have been called hoping for some resolution. 

[Lisa Lightner]

And so I said: what do you mean by full support?

(because I needed clarification)

[Lisa Lightner]

And the (unfortunate) response was: 

So there are three levels/types/or amounts of special education support according to the IEP documents. The 1st/initial Level is Itinerant Support: Special education supports and services provided by special education personnel for 20% or less of the school day. The 2nd/next level is Supplemental Support: Special education supports and services provided by special education personnel for more than 20% of the day but less than 80% of the school day. The 3rd/final level is Full-Time Support: Special education supports and services provided by special education personnel for 80% or more of the school day. 

[Lisa Lightner]

And I say that because there aren't only "3 levels of support."

But I will elaborate more.

[Lisa Lightner]

First off—thank you. Your message was beautiful and powerful, and honestly, I’m saving it for the next time I need to shake off one of those days (you know the kind). You’re absolutely right—our kids just have different learning styles and needs, and there is nothing wrong with that. It’s the system that needs fixing, not the kids.

Now onto your question—and yes, I’ve got you.

What to Do When the School Refuses Full Support (Even After You’ve Asked 500 Times)

You’re not alone. I hear this a lot:
“We’ve asked. We’ve brought data. We’ve even done mediation. And still—nothing changes.”

Here’s the thing—schools don’t get to say “no” just because they feel like it. Under IDEA, they’re required to provide FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education), and if the current supports aren't enough for your child to access and benefit from their education? Then they’re out of compliance.

Next Steps:

1. Put Everything in Writing (Even If You Already Have)

Yes, I know. You’ve already asked. But it needs to be documented—and clearly. Frame it as a request for an IEP meeting and include:

• A summary of the data showing lack of progress.

• Specific supports you are requesting.

• Why the current supports are insufficient.

• That you are concerned your child is not receiving FAPE.

 

2. Ask for Prior Written Notice (PWN)

Every time they say “no,” they’re required to give you a PWN that says:

• What they refused

• Why they refused it

• What data they used to make that decision

• Other options they considered and rejected

PWN is the paper trail they don’t want you to have. Ask for it every time.

How to Use PWN

3. Use Mediation Strategically

You’ve already been to mediation, and sometimes it helps. But if not, the next escalation could be:

• A state complaint

• An independent educational evaluation (IEE)

• Or ultimately due process (I know—ugh, but sometimes necessary)

You can search for any of the above topics I highlighted here: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-special-education/

I didn't want to overwhelm you with 50 links, but after 14 years of blogging, I have written about all of these, I think.

If your child is still struggling after years of "wait and see" and “we don’t have the resources,” then no—you're not the problem. You're the solution.