The schools have always wanted him tested with the mainstream kids because my son is bright (IQ 130) despite the written language problem. My son has been in regular ed classes except in elementary and middle school he was in special ed English which I now regret. If I had a do over I would put him in a Montessori school but he was nine y/o before I considered it so too late then.

I understand wanting my son's attendance to improve. I want that too. I suggested a written contract but the principal said no. He wants my son to show him improved attendance before he is allowed in musical theater which means he will start the class trying to catch up just like he did in digital photography. Last semester I met with the principal five times during the first three weeks of school trying to advocate for my son but only after I called the board of education was my son allowed to attend classes.

My son has failed numerous classes mostly because he cannot manage the written work and they have not modified his assignments. I told the principal the school was negligent last semester. I think he considers me a troublemaker but I just want an education appropriate for my son's abilities and disabilities. The county has a new online program where students can study online at home and come to school to take their tests. Because my son has previously failed classes he cannot take those classes over in the regular ed program but must take them with the online program.

I wish I had thought to ask the special ed specialist at the meeting today to include the principal's requirements with our other IEP stuff. I had an audio recorder in my purse which I had used to record some meetings with the principal last semester but I didn't know the principal would be in the meeting so I didn't have it set to go and he was sitting way too close for me to turn it on discreetly. I guess I'll have to call the board of education tomorrow. I wish I could work things out with this principal but he isn't interested in my son's well being, it seems. This is my son's last chance to get his high school diploma. He will be twenty one y/o in May 2010 and cannot attend high school after this semester end. He has the option of a GED. He could still enroll in college with a GED but my son wants a diploma.