When the IEP is being developed, parents will probably need to bring articles forward showing that focused, explicit instruction has been shown to work best with their child. If you do not agree with the IEP or you are not sure, do not sign it and seek independent expert advice and evaluation. A Parent's Guide to Winning the Battle by Maxine Glazer, Ph.D. Patterning - a discarded treatment modality for mental retardation, brain injury, learning disabilities, and other cognitive maladies. The method was subjected to controlled trials and found to be of no value. If your child has been classified in special education and if effective, research based instruction is denied, you may want to consider getting a lawyer .
Schools count on parents of special education students to be passive and uninformed.
Often times, the objectives written on the IEP have little to do with what is possible when enlightened or effective practices are used. At this point, parents must take the initiative. If necessary, contact Wright's Law or another advocacy group. It may take court action to get your district to comply. Under federal and state law, your child is entitled to a free and appropriate education.