UPDATE -- SETTLEMENT

I have the pleasure to inform you Pinellas County Schools chose not to misuse four days of taxpayers funds. How?

My due process hearing was settled. It is empowering to go thru this process. I had great support thru Linda Montalbano and Joey Poirier. It is not easy. It is unnerving. I was clueless many times.

But, support is the key word here. It was all surpassed and I learned something new.

LESSONS:

First -- do not fear.

Second -- uphold the law.

Third -- read.

Fourth -- write your emails, present your truth.

Fifth - stick to the facts. Even when the attempt is made to use the incorrect facts against you.

Sixth -- Write to the press, keep them informed.

Seventh - work with an advocate who knows the ins and outs of the state and understands the dynamics of personnel in your district. This is so important - our case was strong against Pinellas Cty because the pshychologist they wanted to use -- my advocate had legal documents/transcripts where she clearly said, in a legal proceeding, that she does not diagnose.

Eigth -- be patient.

Ninth -- be open minded.

Tenth - go back to the first step!

We are far from done. A meeting will take place next week. The school district insists on reevaluations, even though the report and recommendations from the psychologist I chose and PCS will pay for will be discussed in the meeting.

My daughter is still in academic limbo -- I receive notes insisting she reads. At home we read the books sent from school and I have not turned the page and she's already telling me the words from the next page. When I ask her to sound out the letters, she stumps, stutters and tells me the incorrect sound. This means, she does sight reading, sight words but not reading based on phonemic awareness, understanding the purpose of sounding out each letter and combining them.

The cartoon is beyond sarcastic... I have to be -- The moment Pinellas County Schools chooses to uphold IDEA 2004 and provide my child with the intensive reading program she needs -- all sarcasm will stop. But more facts will still be presented!