How to handle school refusing special education placement for my son?

Education Forums
1

I’m struggling to figure out what to do. My 8-year-old son, who has autism, has been suspended twice in the last two weeks, and now he’s hurt another student. He has an IEP, BIP, and crisis intervention plan, but the school isn’t meeting his needs. I’ve requested that he be placed in The Richardson School in Beloit, which would address his challenges better, but the school district refuses. At a meeting before school started, they flat-out said no. Now they’re saying we can’t discuss it until a team meeting later this month, and everyone has to agree for it to happen.

On top of that, the school called the cops to my house because of a misunderstanding over a Facebook post, assuming I might hurt myself or my son. It caused me so much stress and triggered my PTSD badly. My son hates his current school and feels overwhelmed, which makes him lash out. I’ve filed complaints with the state DPI special education department, but I feel like no one is listening. I’m considering legal action against the district for the emotional distress this has caused us, but I’m not sure where to start. Any advice would be appreciated.

2

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Have you considered requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)? The school is required to cover the cost if you ask for it.

3

Jamie said:
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Have you considered requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)? The school is required to cover the cost if you ask for it.

I’ve thought about it but wasn’t sure how it works. I’ll definitely look into making that request.

4

Jamie said:
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Have you considered requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)? The school is required to cover the cost if you ask for it.

It’s a good step. An IEE provides an outside opinion that could support your case.

5

Document everything—emails, calls, meetings, and incidents. If you pursue legal action, this will be crucial.

6

Patrice said:
Document everything—emails, calls, meetings, and incidents. If you pursue legal action, this will be crucial.

I’ve started keeping records but need to be more consistent. Thanks for the reminder.

7

Patrice said:
Document everything—emails, calls, meetings, and incidents. If you pursue legal action, this will be crucial.

Also, make sure to get copies of police reports from when they came to your house. That could be important.

8

It might be time to consult a special education lawyer. They can help navigate this process and advocate for your son.

9

Kim said:
It might be time to consult a special education lawyer. They can help navigate this process and advocate for your son.

I agree. I just feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start looking for one.

10

Kim said:
It might be time to consult a special education lawyer. They can help navigate this process and advocate for your son.

Check with local law schools—they often have free or low-cost legal aid clinics. Legal Aid organizations might help too.

11

If the state DPI hasn’t been helpful, consider escalating to the Department of Education. They might take your complaint more seriously.

12

Darby said:
If the state DPI hasn’t been helpful, consider escalating to the Department of Education. They might take your complaint more seriously.

I’ve filed complaints already but feel like I’m getting nowhere. Maybe it’s time to push harder.

13

Darby said:
If the state DPI hasn’t been helpful, consider escalating to the Department of Education. They might take your complaint more seriously.

Don’t give up. Sometimes it takes multiple attempts or legal action to get them to listen.

14

It’s heartbreaking that your son isn’t getting the support he needs. Keep advocating for him—you’re doing an amazing job.

15

Jai said:
It’s heartbreaking that your son isn’t getting the support he needs. Keep advocating for him—you’re doing an amazing job.

Thank you. It’s just hard when it feels like nothing is working.

16

Jai said:
It’s heartbreaking that your son isn’t getting the support he needs. Keep advocating for him—you’re doing an amazing job.

You’re stronger than you think. Keep pushing—you’ll get there.