(this email was sent to myself, dad and the school counselor)
Hello all,
Brianna is taking the Africa Essay test today for World Civilizations. Before beginning, she asked me about staying after school in order finish the essay. I have previously given her extended time. However, since I have learned from Ms. Mucci-Ramos that she no longer has an IEP, I cannot grant her the extended time. The test is intended to be completed during one hour, except for students who have accommodations for extended time.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
....Cocco
On Wed, Jun 8, 2011 at 9:43 AM, jennifer hagen wrote:
Ms. Cocco,
Please forgive my delay in responding. My disbelief and outrage kept me from responding in a manner that would be acceptable. I would like an explanation as to how this decision came about. I would also like to know who instructed you that it would be in Brianna's best interest to inform her directly before an important test that accommodations would no longer be possible. Accommodations that had been afforded her and other students in the past? How was the presentation of this information decided upon and how again was it in her best interest?
I would also be interested to hear why, in June, you are finally hearing about the fact that Brianna is no longer on an IEP. She has not been since September, 2010 when I revoked special education consent to avoid harassment from Jeanne White and her colleagues in the special education department. Up until two weeks ago, I had not received any emails of concern, nor had I ever heard from the school counselor, even though I made several attempts to have her contact me thru the office, the special education liason, and thru the dean of students. When Ms. Mucci-Ramos contacted me a few weeks ago regarding accommodations made by the english teacher, she said that she had not heard of any other teachers providing Brianna with accommodations, and yet she has earned solid A's and high B's all year, even in honors classes. So, as you can imagine, I was surprised to hear of your bold announcement before Bri's test on Monday.
I have many other important points and timelines which I believe are significant in your recent decision to withhold accommodations from Brianna, but NONE explain the abrupt and insensitive manner in which this announcement was handled.
I am still amazed that anyone with knowledge of Brianna's diagnosis of autism, tender personality, and sweet spirit could see this as an appropriate action. You, Ms. Cocco, may only be the pon in this game of who, what and why, but please tell me why I did not receive this knowledge about the accommodations prior to the insulting and insensitive manner in which it was presented to my daughter. She cried and could barely talk when she got off the bus and told me about it. Then I read your email.
I am still appalled at the deliberate disregard for my daughter's success in her test and most of all her self-esteem.
Thank you for your time. Brianna has learned a great deal in your class and truly enjoyed you as a teacher, as well as the subject matter.
Best regards and great expectations for change,
jen hagen