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Post by jenjie on Mar 20, 2016 18:15:09 GMT
With dysgraphia, its not just about writting. Its a full motor planning issue so even typing isnt an answer. They need help getting the words out as well as how to form the letter. Typing helps some. But the dysgraphia needs to be addressed Your site should have an rsp teacher or several. My daughters jr high has 3, and she takes english rsp. Its grade level so not a mild sdc class, and they go just a wee slower but cover everything a gen ed class does They need help getting the words out - I'm not sure if this is what you mean but maybe this? my ds had a book report last week. For the first time I had him tell me what he wanted to say. I wrote it down verbatim and then once it was complete I had him copy what I had written. The process seemed to go a whole lot smoother than him trying to think of what to say and write/type at the same time. BTW after rereading my earlier post, and some of the other posts in this thread, I want to clarify about our situation. Ds' teacher was the one that recommended getting tested for special services. For ADHD and I think the dysgraphia was a "bonus". It broke my heart. While some parents may want special privileges for their children, there are none that would want them to have special needs of any kind. Special services came in and did what they do and they told me to take him to a neurologist. I didn't know I needed to ask for a certain kind bc the one that saw us didn't do anything more than look at a handwriting sample and do the same tests that happens in the peds office. You know, walk on your heels, walk on your toes, touch your nose. When everything fell into place it was really bad timing for our family and I let it go. Now he has an appt at a different place next month and I told them I want a full workup. I don't want there to be a problem with my kid but if there is, I want to be informed so we know what needs to happen and also what to expect of him.
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AnotherPea
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Jan 4, 2015 1:47:52 GMT
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Post by AnotherPea on Mar 20, 2016 18:56:51 GMT
Jen, I'm really sorry for your son. But sadly, your above statement isn't 100% true. There definitely ARE some parents that want their children to have special needs. Some even openly state it during meetings.
Sometimes it is because they want the attention. They want to be martyrs. The believe the whole "God only gives special children to His most special parents " mess.
More often tough, it is because they want an excuse. A reason why their children score low on tests. For some odd reason, it is far more acceptable for a child to have special needs than it is for him to be perfectly average. If he isn't a straight A student it must be because he has ADD. If he fails math it must be that he's dyslexic.
Most people just want what is best for their kids. But sometimes it is more about the parents than it is the students. It's hard to imagine if you don't see it day after day.
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AnotherPea
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Jan 4, 2015 1:47:52 GMT
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Post by AnotherPea on Mar 20, 2016 18:59:42 GMT
Jen, I'm really sorry for your son. But sadly, your above statement isn't 100% true. There definitely ARE some parents that want their children to have special needs. Some even openly state it during meetings. Sometimes it is because they want the attention. They want to be martyrs. The believe the whole "God only gives special children to His most special parents " mess. More often tough, it is because they want an excuse. A reason why their children score low on tests. For some odd reason, it is far more acceptable for a child to have special needs than it is for him to be perfectly average. If he isn't a straight A student it must be because he has ADD. If he fails math it must be that he's dyslexic. Most people just want what is best for their kids. But sometimes it is more about the parents than it is the students. It's hard to imagine if you don't see it day after day. Adding... I don't believe for a second that the OP wants a label for her child. Just explaining why the school systems have to do their own assessment instead of relying on parents and outside dvaluations only.
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Post by jenjie on Mar 20, 2016 19:07:23 GMT
Jen, I'm really sorry for your son. But sadly, your above statement isn't 100% true. There definitely ARE some parents that want their children to have special needs. Some even openly state it during meetings. Sometimes it is because they want the attention. They want to be martyrs. The believe the whole "God only gives special children to His most special parents " mess. More often tough, it is because they want an excuse. A reason why their children score low on tests. For some odd reason, it is far more acceptable for a child to have special needs than it is for him to be perfectly average. If he isn't a straight A student it must be because he has ADD. If he fails math it must be that he's dyslexic. Most people just want what is best for their kids. But sometimes it is more about the parents than it is the students. It's hard to imagine if you don't see it day after day. [ Wow that's too bad. I totally believe you too. I Almost said MOST parents don't want their kids to have any kind of special needs. For mine, I presume the ADHD can be helped. It's the threat of Aspergers, which his current teacher mentioned, that worries me. It took me off guard, but I guess it shouldn't have, based on some of his mannerisms. But she said "how do you think a diagnosis could help with that?" That bothered me to think there might be no helps available. But this thread isn't about me and mine. I'm sorry for the hijack.
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pridemom
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Post by pridemom on Mar 20, 2016 19:58:55 GMT
Don't pay for testing or evals. That's the districts responsibility 1. The school will hold a data review when you request your child be evaluated for special education services. They do not have to test if the "team" decides at the data review meeting that testing isn't warranted. 2. If they do test and you don't agree with the results of the testing, you can push for outside testing at the school's expense.
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Post by Really Red on Mar 20, 2016 20:14:34 GMT
Google dysgraphia about his handwriting. We saw a neurologist who was willing to say he had dysgraphia (we got an appt with the wrong person) but regardless special services said they were not equipped to help with that. I emailed his teacher and there are certain things he is allowed , actually required now - to type instead of hand write because his writing is so bad. My ds11 has a good memory and picks things up quickly, he has other issues we will be having tested next month but he gets good grades in spite of himself. All this to say, every time he has to write his signature he still needs to look at the handwriting chart to see how to form the letters. ETA my ds' teacher 2 years ago is the one who suggested dysgraphia. Another vote for that. We were lucky and found out at 7yo my son had that. Since he was first tested at 7yo, he has had 2 subsequent tests. His handwriting has progressed all the way to 8yo, 4 mos!! He is 15 1/2. If he handwrites a response, his response is rated at 5th grade level. If he types it, it is post college level. Can you imagine his frustration if he didn't have a laptop. He felt he was stupid for years. it was horrible!!! He just cannot express himself in writing at all. I finally put him in a private school where they sit around a table and talk and he is flourishing. His teachers are all so impressed with his responses when he gives them orally. Not so much written! But finding out about any issues is the most important. Our testing the first time around was paid by our insurance. This new insurance doesn't pay a dime and i spent $1200 on his testing. WOrth every penny and I don't have the pennies to spare. My child is happy in school!!! It truly turned his life around. Do whatever needs to be done. YOU know best!!!! I had to fight the schools for 2.5 years before I got a 504 (just so he could use a laptop) and it took a teacher telling me he was "challenged" in math to finally get one. FWIW, he was 9yo, in a gifted math class taught by a teacher who had her Master's in Gifted Ed and she still did not recognize my son's excellence in math. She knew his IQ, she knew his math testing and she still told me that I was doing his math for him!! My son's math level was post calculus (college level) and she told me he couldn't do 5th or 6th grade math. Because he didn't do math like everyone else because he couldn't put it on paper. But it got me my 504 for him!! Good luck!
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Post by stampinbetsy on Mar 20, 2016 22:59:53 GMT
I haven't read all the responses, but here's my .02 - based on being the parent of a high schooler with an IEP who has been in special ed since he was 3.
My thought about the school saying "colleges don't accept IEPs" is possibly based on the graduation plan he may be placed on if he gets an IEP that results in a modified curriculum. My son is in what our district calls an "essentials" class for English and math. His English class (and his Algebra I and Geometry classes) is at a lower level than a regular class. DS was in regular Algebra I at the beginning of his freshman year. His teacher told me that he sometimes thought DS understood what was going on, sometimes thought he was basically copying off of his neighbor. Either way, the pace he had to keep in that class was way too fast for DS. He did better (by no means was he getting As in Algebra) after he was put in a smaller Algebra I Essentials class. He was still getting algebra, but not the same intensity or possibly depth that the regular class got.
Because DS is taking a modified curriculum in those areas, he has to graduate on the state minimum graduation plan. If he goes to college, he is going to need to start at a community college rather than a 4-year institution. Our plan right now is for him to go to some kind of technical school - probably to be a mechanic.
My understanding is that we will repeat his testing next year (his senior year), and he will be able to get accommodations in college based on that. So we are setting him up to be able to go to community college and, hopefully, be successful.
DS is not required to take a foreign language for his graduation plan, but he took 2 1/2 years of ASL. He did ok the first 2 years, but this year we ended up pulling him out at semester because this year was more about interaction and not so much learning vocabulary. He struggled a lot.
As far as the handwriting, DS was in OT in PPCD and in elementary school, and he still writes like a 4 year old. He does better if we can get him to write in cursive, but he is resistant because he can't remember how to form all the letters. I have told him that nobody cares about that, but he still resists. He does get to type things and has an iPad issued by the school to do some of his work on.
My suggestion would be to make a formal request to have your son tested. The district can then respond to your request (the answer may be no). In the event that their answer is no, and you can get outside testing, that's what I'd do. It's frustrating when the school doesn't want to help, so then, unfortunately, it's up to you.
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Post by Peace Sign on Mar 20, 2016 23:04:11 GMT
I didn't read all the responses.
If you pay for testing, then the school doesn't have to. That's why they drag their feet.
As far as foreign language, American Sign Language may suffice as an alternative.
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Post by anonrefugee on Mar 20, 2016 23:31:41 GMT
Do you have a children's hospital or university near you? Contact them and see if they offer testing for free or at a reduced rate.
While $3K is a huge amount of money, imagine the difference a correct diagnosis will make in your child's future. Not just emotionally, but in earning power too.
We did outside testing and the school HAD to listen and respond. It was a relief in a way for the teachers, they didn't have to toe the party line in support of their employer while watching a student struggle. And it got our children the services needed faster than going through the school. In our state they are legally obligated to provide services.
I mean this gently, but be certain you are listening to what the school says is their policy- don't base your opinion on friends' experiences. We have had amazing service by our district, while some of my friends seem to have been looking for a fight from the beginning.
Please listen to the moms on this thread. A learning difference doesn't mean your child will automatically have a poorer education, or lesser classrr experience. I know districts vary, but we've had one kid keep up with G&T and now heavy AP curriculum. While his brother is is all honors and just entering AP classes.
I hope individuals in your school are spreading false info and your son gets help soon! Good luck!
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pridemom
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Post by pridemom on Mar 20, 2016 23:55:37 GMT
Colleges don't follow IEPs means that colleges will not modify curriculum for students who are unable to meet the academic requirements of courses. Public schools have to modify curriculum for SpEd students. Modifying curriculum in college would affect accreditation of college programs.
Colleges do have to make accommodations for disabilities in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Which is where Section 504 comes from. This law guarantees right to access education by individuals with disabilities. Accommodations are things such as assistive technology, alternative forms of curriculum, extended time on tests, attendance, etc.
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Post by naomicatgirl on Mar 21, 2016 12:26:42 GMT
This may get long, please bear with me. I'd like opinions on whether or not I should have my son's school test him for an IEP. The school psychologist is against it. She keeps telling me he will have a slower curriculum and that students without IEPs do better. I'm sure if a student doesn't have one they do better because they do not need one. She also let me know college's don't accept IEPs, honestly I doubt he will go to college. He's leaning towards becoming a mechanic. I'm sorry, but pardon me?? The school psychologist is against testing? She says he will have a slower curriculum with an iep? Please take this as its intended, but she's an idiot. The purpose of an iep is to level the Field, so to speak. It allows for accommodations for the student so that they're able to complete the tasks required by the teachers. So a student who has motor issues like dysgraphia for example, would have an accommodation of a computer or keyboard to write their work. There may also be modifications of expectations, but that is not always needed or justified. Frankly, it sounds to me like she just doesn't want to do her job. I would either get him tested privately if you can afford it, or do whatever it takes to get him support at school. (I'm a middle school teacher with almost 20 years of teaching experience at all levels middle and high school, if that matter. )
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2016 13:16:12 GMT
Thank you all again for your responses. I will ask for my son to be tested. I've been comparing IEPs to 504s and I think what would work better for him is a 504. I do not want to adjust curriculum but I would like him to be able to type assignments and have books on tape. He does like to listen to audio books so an alternative format for his books may help him.
I do think it isn't that the psychologist doesn't want to do her job I think he thinks my son is just as a few people here have said on the lower end of normal, without a disability. I would like the testing to see if he is just on the lower end or if he does have a disability. I'm guessing with the cost of testing she doesn't want to spend the money on his test. And as other here have pointed out he may not even qualify for testing. In that case I will pay out of pocket. I really would like to know if he does have problems with reading.
As far as his hand writing the school won't do anything even test for dysgraphia if I'm understanding her last response which was the school has seen worse. He has a well child appointment coming up I plan on asking his doctor about hand writing and see what he suggests.
I do feel better about asking for testing after this thread. The psychologist is definitely working for the school and not the students from my dealings with her.
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pudgygroundhog
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Mar 21, 2016 13:50:37 GMT
I don't have advice about testing, IEP's, etc., but one thing that I thought about reading through this thread is if your son has tried audio books at all? It sounds like he wants to read (checks out books from the library, but doesn't finish them) and I'm wondering if audio books would help.
Good luck - I hope you find a good path going forward!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2016 14:43:21 GMT
I don't have advice about testing, IEP's, etc., but one thing that I thought about reading through this thread is if your son has tried audio books at all? It sounds like he wants to read (checks out books from the library, but doesn't finish them) and I'm wondering if audio books would help. Good luck - I hope you find a good path going forward! Yes he does like listening to books, we have used audible in the past and he's made it through the whole book. This is one thing I am asking the school for, alternative format for his books.
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pudgygroundhog
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Mar 21, 2016 14:45:11 GMT
I don't have advice about testing, IEP's, etc., but one thing that I thought about reading through this thread is if your son has tried audio books at all? It sounds like he wants to read (checks out books from the library, but doesn't finish them) and I'm wondering if audio books would help. Good luck - I hope you find a good path going forward! Yes he does like listening to books, we have used audible in the past and he's made it through the whole book. This is one thing I am asking the school for, alternative format for his books. That's good. How do you think his comprehension is when he listens to a book?
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Post by jcmom04 on Mar 21, 2016 14:46:21 GMT
My DS was 6 and we had him tested at an outside facility. $1500 at least and no insurance coverage. He is 12 now. It was worth every penny. He is in middle school now and it is the 3rd school he has been in and each school has accepted the results.
It was putting all the pieces together with our pediatrician's testing (he is way above average) that made such a difference in his life and ours.
I hope you get the answers you are looking for - it will probably be worth all your time!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2016 14:46:36 GMT
Yes he does like listening to books, we have used audible in the past and he's made it through the whole book. This is one thing I am asking the school for, alternative format for his books. That's good. How do you think his comprehension is when he listens to a book? Better than when he reads, when he reads he seems to get stuck in a loop and go over the same sentence repeatly. For some reason he can pay better attention when listening than when reading.
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Post by twinks on Mar 21, 2016 16:07:04 GMT
I would certainly request testing from the school district in writing. Next, I would contact your insurance company to see how much/if any they would pay for private testing. I would do my research into having a good neuropsychologist do private testing. (Children's hospital, university in your area, or State Children with Special Health Care Needs type program would all be good places to start researching). The thing about private testing is, the school district doesn't have to accept it. They do however, have to consider it and give you, in writing, what and why they aren't going to accept it. I suggest both because then the team can consider everything - what may be the same and what may be different and why the difference. Just remember, information is power.
The best information I received in knowing my rights and my child's rights and coming up with a plan of action and how to do it, was From Emotions to Advocacy by Pamela Wright. It will really help you to come up with what you need to do and what the school should be doing.
Just to let you know, the school should not be suggesting that the parent obtain and pay for a private tutor. They should be doing whatever they need to do before that point. Pull out Resource, etc. I feel like your school psychologist is being sort of a "gate keeper" with the resources and funding that is and should be available to your son. IDEA is the only law that does not have the proper funding attached to it.
Listen to your mother instincts. I am surprised that the school has just basically pushed him through and brushed you off, saying you need to be picking up the slack.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2016 17:18:54 GMT
Just received an email from the psychologist, basically they will prepare the paperwork but she doubts Steven will be accepted for testing.
I have an appointment scheduled with his doctor and will get in touch with our insurance to see what testing through them will run.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2016 18:16:42 GMT
I would certainly request testing from the school district in writing. Next, I would contact your insurance company to see how much/if any they would pay for private testing. I would do my research into having a good neuropsychologist do private testing. (Children's hospital, university in your area, or State Children with Special Health Care Needs type program would all be good places to start researching). The thing about private testing is, the school district doesn't have to accept it. They do however, have to consider it and give you, in writing, what and why they aren't going to accept it. I suggest both because then the team can consider everything - what may be the same and what may be different and why the difference. Just remember, information is power. The best information I received in knowing my rights and my child's rights and coming up with a plan of action and how to do it, was From Emotions to Advocacy by Pamela Wright. It will really help you to come up with what you need to do and what the school should be doing. Just to let you know, the school should not be suggesting that the parent obtain and pay for a private tutor. They should be doing whatever they need to do before that point. Pull out Resource, etc. I feel like your school psychologist is being sort of a "gate keeper" with the resources and funding that is and should be available to your son. IDEA is the only law that does not have the proper funding attached to it. Listen to your mother instincts. I am surprised that the school has just basically pushed him through and brushed you off, saying you need to be picking up the slack. That was their answer last year when he was tanking 7th grade math.
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Post by freecharlie on Mar 21, 2016 22:36:29 GMT
Thank you all again for your responses. I will ask for my son to be tested. I've been comparing IEPs to 504s and I think what would work better for him is a 504. I do not want to adjust curriculum but I would like him to be able to type assignments and have books on tape. He does like to listen to audio books so an alternative format for his books may help him. I do think it isn't that the psychologist doesn't want to do her job I think he thinks my son is just as a few people here have said on the lower end of normal, without a disability. I would like the testing to see if he is just on the lower end or if he does have a disability. I'm guessing with the cost of testing she doesn't want to spend the money on his test. And as other here have pointed out he may not even qualify for testing. In that case I will pay out of pocket. I really would like to know if he does have problems with reading. As far as his hand writing the school won't do anything even test for dysgraphia if I'm understanding her last response which was the school has seen worse. He has a well child appointment coming up I plan on asking his doctor about hand writing and see what he suggests. I do feel better about asking for testing after this thread. The psychologist is definitely working for the school and not the students from my dealings with her. I'm not bashing 504s at all, but the legal protections from IDEA are much stronger if he qualifies. What tests is she complaining about? While testing isn't free, testing (at least around here) is done by district staff. For instance, academic testing is done by the sped teacher, behavior and social by the psych, speech by the SLP, fine and gross motor by the OT, health is updated by the nurse... We have to pay for the protocols, but it really doesn't cost what the private sector charges because we aren't charging for our time. I guess I can't wrap my head around the school fighting you without good reason. Our teachers come to us if they feel a child may need more help because if they aren't on our caseload, we often don't know them and would have no idea of their struggles.
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Post by karen on Mar 21, 2016 22:45:09 GMT
Push the school to test him. Dysgraphia may be an issue. It can interfere with understanding. He may have an issue that is not so obvious, but that is really what the testing looking for.
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Post by anonrefugee on Mar 21, 2016 22:55:40 GMT
twinks brought up a good point about the school not having to accept the outside test! In our case we used a well known research facility that collaborates with our district. Although it should have been a slam-dunk the district required re-testing themselves. A little half-assed compared to what had been done, not to mention wasteful, but it was their policy. My neighbor used a private practice, sort of a "status" choice. The district has never been able to validate their findings and it's been an argument for years. So, if possible find out what outside testing groups work with your district. BTW it's a good thing you are thinking about testing And getting more help for your child. It might just change his life!
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Post by freecharlie on Mar 21, 2016 22:58:46 GMT
Just received an email from the psychologist, basically they will prepare the paperwork but she doubts Steven will be accepted for testing. I have an appointment scheduled with his doctor and will get in touch with our insurance to see what testing through them will run. She should have kept her opinion to herself. I would suggest getting an advocate or at the very least studying up on your options. Email her back and say something like: "I am glad you are getting the paperwork ready, but am disheartened to hear that you have already basically decided he doesn't qualify for testing. Please let me know the date of the meeting that you will give me the Prior Written Notice with your evidence and data that validates your predetermination of lack of eligibility to be tested so that I can arrange for Steven's advocate to be at the meeting. " Then be ready to follow up with a mediation or due process request (these should be on your state's DOE website) It may be that she has sound reasoning for her decision. I know I was asked to test a student and after looking at the data determined that we would not do the testing requested. The student wanted (yes, student requested first, then parent) to be tested for a learning disability. After looking at the student's attendance, grades, test scores, and missing assignments as well as talking to the teachers, it was determined that we would not do testing. Had the family pushed the issue and gone (or threatened) mediation or due process, we probably would have tested, so if you feel strongly, push for it.
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Post by freecharlie on Mar 21, 2016 23:01:10 GMT
Just to let you know, the school should not be suggesting that the parent obtain and pay for a private tutor I am sure this veries by district, but it is no federal law. Schools should absolutely suggest a tutor if the student is not progressing during the regular school day.
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Post by anonrefugee on Mar 21, 2016 23:10:05 GMT
Just to let you know, the school should not be suggesting that the parent obtain and pay for a private tutor I am sure this veries by district, but it is no federal law. Schools should absolutely suggest a tutor if the student is not progressing during the regular school day. Wouldn't you think?? Our district has a "you identified it, you own it" kind of policy. I've wondered how many kids don't get testing or tutoring because teachers can't speak as freely as they like. We were fortunate teachers spoke off -record to us when the oldest showed signs. He could have lost a year of we waited for school guidelines to apply.
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Post by iteach3rdgrade on Mar 22, 2016 0:23:12 GMT
I am sure this veries by district, but it is no federal law. Schools should absolutely suggest a tutor if the student is not progressing during the regular school day. Wouldn't you think?? Our district has a "you identified it, you own it" kind of policy. I've wondered how many kids don't get testing or tutoring because teachers can't speak as freely as they like. We were fortunate teachers spoke off -record to us when the oldest showed signs. He could have lost a year of we waited for school guidelines to apply. There is a lot we can't say. There is also a process that we need to follow and it takes awhile to get through it. Almost all of the students we start the process on will qualify. Teachers know, but we can't say it. Our psychologist stays busy retesting students up for re-evals and new students at each school. She may work for more than one district. There's only so much time. Written requests can speed the process up, however, I know I can't suggest it. I wish our testing gave more information, so that I'd know exactly where/why a student struggles. The data that I see from testing is pretty much what I've seen from the student. Good luck!
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Mary Kay Lady
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Post by Mary Kay Lady on Mar 22, 2016 0:30:15 GMT
My youngest son was diagnosed with dyslexia in 6th grade after I asked for YEARS for him to be tested. His handwriting is terrible and he probably has dysgraphia. He has a 504 and his grades have jumped into the A/B range since implementing his 504.
He has a laptop that he uses in school and its use is included in his 504.
He is required by law to learn a second language, and like you I was very concerned. His brain's perception of language is different from most people.
With that in mind, we've decided that he will be taking sign language. Does your school offer such an option?
Can you call your school district's special education office and ask that he be tested for learning disabilities? I've been told "no" by nearly everyone at every school that my son has attended. When I started calling the office of the school district and speaking to the head of the special education department I started getting results.
You have to advocate for your child. Keep asking questions until you get the answers you need.
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AmeliaBloomer
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Post by AmeliaBloomer on Mar 22, 2016 1:24:23 GMT
If you pay for testing, then the school doesn't have to. That's why they drag their feet. Yikes. That's quite the assumption. You paint a grim picture with that extra-wide brush. For 32 years I have worked in public school districts to identify students with disabilities and determine needs and services. I have never, ever, no-never played the game you describe; nor have I seen colleagues do it. And I'm a bit mystified by all this talk in this thread about the high costs of in-house evaluations. Doing evals is part and parcel of the job of salaried psychologists, speech/language pathologists, OTs, PTs, educational audiologists, sped teachers, etc. If we need something very specialized, we get it. (Just today, I was emailed an outside auditory processing disorder eval that a district suggested, and then paid big - BIG! - bucks for. If available, the cost in-house would have been about 15% of what the outside evaluator charged.) ------------ OP, If the school psych said the things about IEPs you report, that's just odd. And of course colleges don't honor IEPs. Disability services in colleges are under a completely different congressional act. A college student provides proof of his disability and explains what accommodations (NOT modifications) he needs to be successful, often based on high school, but that doesn't mean he has to prove that by producing an old IEP or 504 Plan. If a professor agrees that the accommodation being requested is "reasonable," the student gets it. (Unless he attends one of the two Evangelical Christian colleges that refuse federal funds as a way to not provide disability services.) Good luck with your efforts. I hope your son gets the services or accommodations he needs to be successful and confident.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2016 2:03:21 GMT
Thank you all again for your responses. I will ask for my son to be tested. I've been comparing IEPs to 504s and I think what would work better for him is a 504. I do not want to adjust curriculum but I would like him to be able to type assignments and have books on tape. He does like to listen to audio books so an alternative format for his books may help him. I do think it isn't that the psychologist doesn't want to do her job I think he thinks my son is just as a few people here have said on the lower end of normal, without a disability. I would like the testing to see if he is just on the lower end or if he does have a disability. I'm guessing with the cost of testing she doesn't want to spend the money on his test. And as other here have pointed out he may not even qualify for testing. In that case I will pay out of pocket. I really would like to know if he does have problems with reading. As far as his hand writing the school won't do anything even test for dysgraphia if I'm understanding her last response which was the school has seen worse. He has a well child appointment coming up I plan on asking his doctor about hand writing and see what he suggests. I do feel better about asking for testing after this thread. The psychologist is definitely working for the school and not the students from my dealings with her. I'm not bashing 504s at all, but the legal protections from IDEA are much stronger if he qualifies. What tests is she complaining about? While testing isn't free, testing (at least around here) is done by district staff. For instance, academic testing is done by the sped teacher, behavior and social by the psych, speech by the SLP, fine and gross motor by the OT, health is updated by the nurse... We have to pay for the protocols, but it really doesn't cost what the private sector charges because we aren't charging for our time. I guess I can't wrap my head around the school fighting you without good reason. Our teachers come to us if they feel a child may need more help because if they aren't on our caseload, we often don't know them and would have no idea of their struggles. In emailing back and forth she's not complaining about the tests, in her last email to me today said it's highly unlikely he will qualify. It's basically while his state test scores are low they are normal low barely. A few more points and he would have been below normal every year he's been tested. Last year in the 7th grade for the first time he did slip below normal but not by much. In other words while he's struggling he's not struggling enough. I guess he's going to have to really fail before they think there is a problem. I get the impression the reason she doesn't want to test him is she doesn't see a problem with how he's doing in school. He squeaks by, whatever is going on with him is not a major learning disorder. He can read but it's hard for him, he can write but it looks like a preschool wrote it.
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