IEP meetings are a chance to see the tree from which that apple fell

Had a great meeting with everyone over a piping hot IEP last week. Reminded me of just what I love so much about these things.

When I approached the Screaming Kid's habit of provoking other students (and being none too respectful to adults in the vicinity, as well, if it were to come to that), Dad raised his voice at me and told me how it sounded like I was taking the other kid's side in the Great Altercation from Hell.

I wanted to say, "Sir, your child is here for 'socialization' only. Therefore, it would seem fair to bring up a lack of progress in socialization. Unless you're going to react with a hair trigger. Hmm. Seems familiar...."

If only we could be so honest. It reminds me of the meeting we had during my first year of teaching with the mother of a student who would roll around on the floor, or stiffen herself and slide under the desk when she didn't get her way. The mom twisted in her seat, twirled her hair into a celtic knot, and then climbed into a (so help me) Rolls-Royce and drove away. Ai yi yi.