School hearing re: high school PE grade

[Cathy Barr]

My husband and I--and our daughter's lawyer--go to the school administrative hearing tomorrow to appeal her summer school PE grade because the teacher and principal refused to provide accommodations. She is a sophomore honor student; since Kindergarten her PE teachers have made voluntary accommodations on the basis of my requests and the medical information and doctor's letters that I have supplied. Not once did anyone suggest that it was necessary for her to have a 504 Plan to insure protection of her rights.
The teacher and the principal just laughed when I mentioned that my daughter's balance was a problem that affected her ability to meet the requirement of running a mile in under 8 minutes and that she could not, as the coach had yelled for her to do, "pump" her arms as she walked. Even laughed that she was "clumsy." Right. And the sports? Golf and tennis. Required to do push-ups and pull-ups, too.
Central Office Administration would not answer phone calls or emails....forced us to go the route of an appeal. We felt compelled to hire a lawyer for guidance.
MAJOR MISTAKE NOT TO INSIST ON A 504 PLAN FOR OUR DAUGHTER'S PROTECTION.
I would advise all parents to take action to protect your child. You may be lulled into a sense of security, as we were, and regret it.

[B.V.]

As a high school teacher and ex-coach, I know that certain teachers can be insensitive, even cruel. They hear P.E. "excuses" ALL the time and when a legitimate one comes, they don't take it seriously. Their way of trying to "relate" with the kids is to poke fun. some coaches enjoy that power and it gives them that "macho" upmanship type feeling. Hopefully your child isn't emotionally scarred by this whole experience. High school is hard enough without having to deal with misbehaviour from adults. they're the ones who are supposed to keep kids safe, secure and protected! Anyway, I hope the meeting went well. let us know how it turned out!! Reaching with you, B.V.

[LynND]

What a sad reflection on an education system when those in involved with your daughters educaton have so little understanding of her inability to perform some tasks. When someone in unable to do something they should be made to feel better and work on their strengths not highlight the weeknesses. Ensure you highlight her strengths not just mention the areas where she has difficulties. Self esteem is so important and maybe that is the way that this is best approached. Have you considered another school because I feel if you have to go to these lengths it can't be favourable for a very good education because people like that are not likely to give your child a fair deal in anything. Just a thought I wish you well with your decision.

[4Jake]

Sorry to hear about this crap. It just seems like the obstacles never stop with bpi. Our son is only 16 months and not in school so my question is what is the 504 plan.

[Jody]

Something to think about: While doing my son's 504 plan, I mentioned that his diaphragm is underdeveloped (I was told that this was because of his bp injury) and therefore he is unable to run for long periods of time. Hope this helps.