Navigating a Difficult School Year: When You Feel Targeted and Your IEP Isn’t Being Respected
Feeling like a teacher has been unfairly singling you out all year is incredibly stressful. Adding the concern that they might not be following your Individualized Education Program (IEP) makes it even more serious and overwhelming. You’re not alone in facing this, and it’s crucial to know you have rights and steps you can take to address the situation.
First, Understand What “Targeting” Might Look Like
It’s important to clarify what you mean by “targeting.” While it can feel personal, try to note specific behaviors:
Disproportionate Criticism: Are you corrected far more often or harshly than classmates for similar behaviors?
Ignoring Accommodations: Is the teacher refusing or “forgetting” to provide the supports listed in your IEP? (e.g., extra time on tests, preferential seating, breaks, modified assignments, ignoring assistive tech?)
Public Embarrassment: Does the teacher call you out or make negative comments about you in front of the class more than others?
Exclusion: Are you unfairly prevented from participating in activities others can?
Unfair Grading: Do assignments seem graded more strictly than peers’, especially when your IEP accommodations weren’t followed?
Negative Communication: Does communication home focus solely on perceived negatives, ignoring progress or effort?
If you see a pattern of these behaviors and your IEP supports are being ignored, it’s time to take action. An IEP is a legally binding document; teachers and schools are required to follow it.
Action Steps: Protecting Yourself and Your Rights
1. Document, Document, Document:
The Specifics: Keep a detailed log. For each incident: Date, time, class, what happened (be objective: “Teacher announced to class I didn’t finish homework when I was using my extended time accommodation which states I have until the end of the day”). What was said? What was denied? Who was present?
Evidence: Save emails, graded work (especially if accommodations like extra time weren’t given), assignment sheets, notes home. If an accommodation was denied on an assignment, write a brief note on the assignment itself at the time (“Asked for quiet space as per IEP; told no”).
Patterns: Note how often these things happen. Is it daily? Weekly? Related to specific types of work?
2. Review Your IEP (Seriously!):
Get out your current IEP. Read it carefully, especially the sections on:
Present Levels: Understand how your disability impacts your learning.
Accommodations & Modifications: Know exactly what the teacher is legally required to provide for you. Be crystal clear on what each accommodation means in practice.
Is the IEP clear? If an accommodation is vague (“as needed”), this can be a problem. You might need to clarify it later.
3. Talk to Your Parents/Guardians:
This is crucial. Share your concerns, your feelings, and your documentation with them immediately. They are your biggest advocates. Explain the pattern you’ve observed and how your IEP isn’t being followed. Show them your log and any evidence. They need to understand the seriousness to help you effectively.
4. Utilize Your School Support Network:
Your Case Manager/Special Education Teacher: This person is responsible for overseeing your IEP implementation. Schedule a meeting with them and your parents. Present your documentation calmly and clearly. Focus on the facts: “On these dates, this specific accommodation listed in section X of my IEP was not provided.” Ask them to intervene with the general education teacher and monitor the situation closely.
School Counselor: They can offer emotional support, help mediate conversations, and might observe the classroom dynamic. They are also a key link to administrators.
Trusted Teacher/Staff Member: Is there another adult in the school you trust? They might offer perspective or support.
5. Request a Formal Meeting:
If informal discussions with the case manager don’t resolve the issue, your parents should formally request an IEP team meeting. This request should be in writing (email is fine, but follow up with a dated letter if needed). State the purpose: “To discuss concerns regarding the implementation of [Student’s Name]’s IEP accommodations in [Teacher’s Name]’s [Subject] class and the resulting impact.”
Prepare for the Meeting: You and your parents should go in with:
Your documentation log.
Copies of relevant IEP pages.
Specific examples of denied accommodations.
Clear requests (e.g., “We request that all teachers receive a refresher on [Student]’s IEP,” “We request weekly check-ins with the case manager to ensure accommodations are provided”).
6. Escalate if Necessary:
Principal/Administrator: If the IEP meeting doesn’t lead to changes, your parents should schedule a meeting with the principal or assistant principal responsible for special education. Present the documented concerns and lack of resolution.
District Special Education Director: If the school administration doesn’t act, contacting the district-level special education director is the next step. They oversee compliance across the district.
Formal Complaint (Procedural Safeguards): Your parents received a document called “Procedural Safeguards” at your last IEP meeting (or should have). This outlines your rights and the formal complaint process, which can involve mediation or a due process hearing. This is a serious legal step, often requiring an advocate or attorney.
What if it Feels Like Retaliation?
It’s illegal for school staff to retaliate against you or your parents for advocating for your IEP rights. If negative behaviors intensify after you raise concerns, document it meticulously and report it immediately to your case manager, counselor, and principal. Retaliation is a serious violation.
Key Things to Remember:
You Deserve Support: Your IEP is there to ensure you have equal access to learning. It’s not a favor; it’s your right.
Communication is Key: Clear, factual communication (especially written) is your strongest tool.
Advocacy Matters: Don’t be afraid to speak up, but use your support system (parents, case manager).
Focus on Solutions: Approach meetings seeking resolution: “How can we ensure my IEP is followed consistently?”
Know Your Rights: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) protects you. Your state’s Parent Training and Information Center (find yours at www.parentcenterhub.org) is a valuable resource.
Feeling targeted and having your IEP ignored creates a toxic learning environment. It’s exhausting and unfair. But by systematically documenting the issues, leaning on your support network, and understanding your rights, you can take steps to hold the school accountable and get the support you are legally entitled to. Start with that log, talk to your parents today, and reach out to your case manager. You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone.
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