W h a t t ? ? ! Let ME show you a dramatic wince, this one with bared gritting teeth. Think Mr. T.

Your principal’s posture disgusts me. She has clearly forgotten her calling to her profession.

A real professional in her position would respect Federal law, the intent and meaning of “least restrictive environment”, and the purpose (and power) of an IEP. I imagine she’s parroting the company’s attitude, probably all the way up through the school board.

We all must comply with various laws, even when they seem inane. The IEP tool is backed by federal law, so I say tough toenails about school administrators’ feelings. Feelings?

Your I.E.P. *CAN* stipulate specific things, unique for the child for whom one is advocating. You could establish, say, certain safety measures for Sophie alone, e.g. “a school employee must escort Sophie to yada yada after lunch, etc.”

I would not sign off on the IEP until all these things are hunky dory. No need to compromise on anything if it’s what the child *needs*. And no need to transfer “elsewhere in the district” if that need can be met at the home school.

Sic ‘em, Amy.