As a hs teacher who’s attended many IEP meetings and read many IEPs, my understanding has always been that the last IEP (even one that comes from another school) is in effect until a new one is finalized and signed. And yes, a special ed teacher should be helping the mainstream teacher to accommodate Sophie (or modify — different things) every step of the way. You are right that too often the paperwork is the looming monster with district and state enforcers breathing down sped teachers’ necks and that kids get totally lost in that game. Sophie attends her IEP meetings, right? Keep making them SEE her! You are already going where, in my experience, no mom/kid has gone before.

Failures feel and sometimes are so huge. Sophie put on a cute outfit and happily went forward into her high school day. THIS is a resounding success of the spirit and the will — for any high school student.