Feeling Targeted and Worried About IEP Violations? Your Action Plan
It’s tough enough navigating school, classes, and social pressures. But when you feel like a teacher is singling you out unfairly and you suspect they might not be following your IEP (Individualized Education Program), it can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and incredibly isolating. That feeling of being “targeted” is valid, and the concern about your IEP is serious. You deserve to feel safe, supported, and to receive the accommodations that are your legal right. So, what can you do? Let’s break it down step by step.
1. Understand Your IEP Inside and Out:
Revisit the Document: This is your foundation. Dig out your current IEP. Re-read it carefully, especially the sections outlining your specific accommodations, modifications, supports, and services. What exactly is the teacher supposed to be doing differently? (e.g., extra time on tests, preferential seating, access to notes, modified assignments, use of specific technology, breaks when needed).
Know Your Rights: An IEP isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a legally binding agreement between your school and your parents/guardians. Schools must follow it. Violating it isn’t just bad practice; it potentially violates federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Identify Potential Violations: Be specific about what you feel is going wrong. Is the teacher:
Refusing to give you extra time on tests?
Not allowing you to use approved tools (like a calculator or text-to-speech software)?
Calling on you excessively or in ways that trigger your anxiety?
Publicly commenting on your accommodations, embarrassing you?
Grading you unfairly compared to how your IEP says work should be assessed?
Ignoring requests for breaks outlined in your plan?
2. Document, Document, Document:
Feelings are important, but concrete facts are crucial when addressing concerns. Start keeping a detailed log:
Date & Time: When did the incident happen?
What Happened: Describe the specific event objectively. Instead of “The teacher yelled at me,” write “During the history test on 10/25, I requested my extra time accommodation. Mr. Smith said, ‘We don’t have time for that today, just finish up like everyone else.'”
Witnesses: Were other students or staff present?
Connection to IEP: Clearly state which part of your IEP was not followed (e.g., “Violation: Refusal of 50% extended time accommodation as stated in Section 3.A of my IEP”).
Your Response/Feelings: Briefly note how you reacted and how it impacted you (e.g., “Felt anxious, rushed, couldn’t finish the last two questions,” or “Felt humiliated in front of class”).
Save Evidence: Keep any relevant emails, graded assignments with comments that seem unfair compared to your IEP, or notes from the teacher that contradict your accommodations.
3. Talk to a Trusted Adult:
You shouldn’t have to handle this alone.
Parents/Guardians: This is your first and most important step. Share your concerns, your documentation, and your copy of the IEP with them. They are your primary advocates in the IEP process.
School Counselor or Psychologist: They often know the IEP process well and can offer support. They might also have insights into the teacher or be a neutral party to talk to.
Case Manager/IEP Coordinator: This is the school staff member specifically responsible for overseeing the implementation of your IEP. Schedule a meeting with them and your parents. Present your documentation clearly. Their job is to ensure your plan is followed and to intervene when there are issues.
Another Trusted Teacher: Is there another teacher you feel safe with? They might offer advice or perspective, and sometimes they can have an informal word.
4. Formal Communication:
If talking to the case manager doesn’t resolve the issue, or if the situation is severe, it’s time for more formal steps, led by your parents:
Parent-Teacher Conference (with Case Manager Present): Request a meeting specifically focused on the IEP concerns and the pattern of incidents you’ve documented. Having the case manager there ensures the focus stays on the legal requirements of the IEP. Go in with clear examples and desired outcomes.
Put It in Writing: If meetings don’t work, your parents should send a formal letter or email to the teacher, principal, and special education director. Outline the specific concerns, reference the IEP sections being violated, include key dates/examples from your log, and state clearly what you need to happen (e.g., “We expect Mr. Smith to immediately and fully implement all accommodations outlined in [Student’s] IEP”).
Request an IEP Meeting: Your parents have the right to call an IEP team meeting at any time to discuss concerns. Use this formal setting to address the teacher’s implementation directly with the entire team present (parents, teachers, admin, specialists).
5. Escalating Further:
If the school still fails to address the violations:
Contact the District Special Education Director: Go above the school level.
File a Formal Complaint: Every state has a specific procedure for filing complaints about IDEA violations. Your state’s Department of Education website will have details. This initiates an investigation.
Seek Outside Help:
Advocacy Organizations: Look for non-profit groups specializing in special education rights in your area.
Educational Advocate: These professionals (sometimes paid, sometimes free through non-profits) can attend meetings with you and help navigate the system.
Legal Counsel: Consulting with an attorney specializing in special education law may become necessary if violations are persistent and severe.
Important Considerations:
“Targeting” vs. Misunderstanding: While your feelings are real, sometimes what feels like targeting stems from a teacher’s lack of understanding about your disability or their resistance to implementing accommodations. Documentation helps clarify if it’s deliberate non-compliance or poor implementation needing support/training for the teacher.
Focus on the IEP: Keep the primary focus on the specific accommodations not being met. This is the clearest violation and the most actionable point. While the feeling of being targeted is distressing, proving “targeting” as intent can be harder than proving an IEP violation.
Self-Care: This situation is stressful. Talk to supportive friends or family. Use healthy coping mechanisms. Practice self-advocacy calmly and firmly when you can, but know it’s okay to lean on trusted adults to handle the heavy lifting.
Know You’re Not Alone: Many students face challenges getting their IEPs fully implemented. It’s a systemic issue, but that doesn’t make it okay. Persistence is key.
Feeling targeted and worrying your IEP isn’t being followed is incredibly difficult. But remember, you have rights, and there are steps you can take. Start by knowing your IEP, documenting everything, and involving your parents. Advocate clearly for the accommodations you need and deserve. Don’t give up – getting the support outlined in your IEP is crucial for your success in school and beyond.
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