Dyslexia Hub
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IEP Implementation
Numerous parents, myself included, frequently voice concerns about the proper implementation of IEPs or Psychoeducational assessments. First and foremost, know that you are not alone in this situation (OHRC, 2021). It is also important to recognize that educators often do not have malicious intent; their actions commonly stem from biases, misunderstandings (Druckman et. al., 2021) and/or lack of professional development (​Černickaja et al., 2024.). Nonetheless, their lack of implementing the IEP properly can have very serious consequences including social and emotional harm, academic impact and loss of further opportunities (post secondary acceptance) causing life long harm. There are steps you can take to remedy this situation, your child has the legal right to equality in the classroom. This can be daunting, as parents worry that advocating may create an adversarial relationship with educators. However, with planning and student centred intervention, a holistic solution can be achieved.
Open Communication
Prior to approaching the school engage your child to understand their perspective.
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They may be embarrassed or hesitant to seek accommodation for a number of reasons, including fear of rebuttal from educators, appearing inferior to peers, and/or standing out in a negative way. This is more common in schools where students have to advocate, or fight, for the accommodations they are legally entitled to. As educator bias can reaffirm false beliefs that accommodations are "cheating" or means the child is "stupid" (Druckman et al., 2022).
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For dyslexic students it can be beneficial to remind them that they simply learn differently, and the obligation to accommodate is the schools.
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Explain the purpose of an IEP to a child, highlighting their abilities, and explaining that and IEP will help them achieve their scholastic goals.
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Empower your child by asking them how they suggest you address the issue.
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Remind them that they have done nothing wrong, and that everyone (parents, school, administrators) are working together to ensure their success.
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Keep in mind your child may have been met with obstacles trying to access supports which may cause anxiety, fear, discomfort or a plethora of other emotions. Empower their emotional and social resilience by highlighting their abilities.
Advocate
Approach the School with Collaboration in Mind, .
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Request a meeting, stating intent is to ensure your child's success and discuss the IEP.
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Emphasize at the beginning of the meeting that you are hoping for collaboration and appreciate the positive impact or actions taken by the school and administration.
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Highlight the very serious consequences to your child when their IEP is not followed or implemented properly including: social and emotional harm to an already vulnerable sector of society, academic harm and loss of future opportunities that can have life long impacts.
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Highlight the gift of dyslexia, that you want to ensure your child can reach their full potential.
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During the meeting avoid assigning blame, instead objectivly state instances where the IEP has not been followed or concerns you have regarding the implementation of the IEP.
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Frame your concerns as part of a shared goal to support your son, not as accusations.
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Reaffirm that you are on the same team.
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Avoid using blaming Language: for example, instead of saying, “You’re not following the IEP,” say, “I’ve noticed a few areas where my son seems to be struggling, and I’d love to discuss how we can ensure his IEP is fully implemented.”
Problem Soving
Be informed, focus on solutions, and remain diplomatic
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Read the IEP, and Psychoeduational Report so you understand your child's legal rights
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if you require clarification contact the Psychologist, or seek resource websites​
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Highlight barriers vs failures. For example, "I know how busy classrooms are but my son has not been receiving his scribing support. How can we remedy this?"
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Ask the school for solutions they can provide.
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Provide solutions. "Can you email the tests to my child's computer so they can use dictation and speech to text software" or "we will hire a scribe"
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Be clear, but respectful. Reference that the IEP is a legal document that ensures your child's ability to succeed, and equalizes the classroom; but do not threaten retaliation.
If all Else Fails
Importance of following an IEP
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An IEP is a legal document that equates the classroom, despite this educator bias is a very real, and very unfortunate issue that further stigmatizes and penalizes students with dyslexia.
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Escalate only when necessary after speaking with the administration (principals) has failed.
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Parents can contact the local school board, or governing body as failure to follow and IEP is a breach of the education act.
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Parents can file a human rights complaint against the school.
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Again you have to weigh these actions against ensuring your child continues to have a supportive learning environment.
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Last resort could be exploring other educational opportunities with a more supportive learning environment. A child's academic, social and emotional health must be top priority in any/all decisions.
