Any time you have scheduling difficulties with school meetings, tell the school people involved in that meeting. They will want to know that you are interested in your child's schooling and that you want to be actively involved. All too often, educators interpret poor attendance as lack of interest. If you are in disagreement with the school on any aspect of your child's program, try to work out the disagreement before resorting to a due process hearing. Many schools now have formalized methods for mediation or can make such arrangements.
Mediation can often bring solutions to light and is less negative than more formal or legal action.
In any discussion of rights and responsibilities, it is important to remember the spirit of the law. To achieve this goal it is important that all people involved in special education planning work together. It's even part of the law. As team members you will each need to communicate your opinions and concerns constructively. It is not always clear what opportunities are needed for a student with special needs and which will be best.