IEP Question

Because when we requested testing back in October the teacher thought our niece was fine...doing well (she had A's and B's then but now C's and D's) and at the top of the class (Yeah top of the class in a D rated school). Back then they did a behavioural intervention, said it worked great, and we asked for them to continue it. Well, it didn't work so well after a few months...and she started showing behavioural troubles that the teacher just now notices. We see her struggling to do her homework and I actually have to sit with her and teach her what is on her homework. So, January we sent another letter requesting them to do concurrent intervention and to test her too. That was when everything got crazy. The teacher called me, after the guidance counselor contacted her about the letter, and basically said since the therapist is requesting testing that she feels now is time to test her. She said the therapist has more one on one with our niece (unlike the teacher does) and she believes she should be tested now. The teacher will be at the meeting on Tuesday. I guess, since it took 2 letters to get teacher on board...and that we already requested the testing ourselves, that the teacher feels she doesn't also need to request testing. I'm sure at the meeting she will say she feels for it now (at least I hope she does cause she told me that over the phone).

Schools don't want to test because it costs them money to provide the services your child needs. Once the child has been labeled with 'Learning Disabilities', under FEDERAL law, the school has to educate the child to the best of the child's ability. Since the Feds do not fully fund the mandate, it can be very expensive for schools in tight budget times. Actually, having your child labeled as LD puts you as the parent in charge. Having been through this with my son, now nearly 24, and going through it now with my daughter, nearly 10, I have some suggestions. First, I would do a complete medical work-up, especially an eye exam and hearing test. My son was diagnosed with ADD between 4th and 5th grades, but that didn't seem to clear up all the learning and behavioral issues. Between 5th & 6th, we also found out that he needed glasses! If the child has a hearing or visual deficit, they are probably totally unaware because it either came on gradually or was always there. Additionally, these kids are less likely to want to display weakness, and saying they can't see or hear may be something that the child perceives as their fault. Also have a complete physical, including lab work, to rule out any underlying health issue of which you may be unaware. It's also a good idea to have your child evaluated for underlying psychological issues such as depression. Children can manifest depression, grief, anger, etc. in very different ways than adults. I don't know where you are from, but many states have advocacy organizations to help parents navigate the IEP/504 process. Do NOT let the school off the hook. On more than one occasion I have showed up at the Superintendent's office unannounced to make my point. This method doesnt allow the school authorities to have all their little duckies lined up Җ they have to deal with you right then and there. While putting things in writing is important for legal reasons, it gives the school much more time to formulate their response. Remember, you have to be the lioness/lion advocate for your niece. No one else will do it, and the schools will fight you. Do NOT think that the school has the childs best interests in mind Җ that is not necessarily true. Be firm, be calm, but be persistent and resolute. My husband and I have developed the tag-team method. When I've reached the end of my rope, he deals with it, and vice versa. Also it helps to have in mind exactly what it is you want the school to do, and have something that you are willing to negotiate away to give everyone an opportunity to winђ. Hope this helps!

I'm a few months late in reading this, but... did you get the testing you requested? I'm a special education (resource room) teacher, though I fall until the Department of Defense regulations rather than the usual Department of Education. In the fifteen years I have been doing this, I cannot remember denying a parent's request for testing.

No, they never tested her. They had a meeting with us and the teacher and the special eds teacher. Her teacher said she had emotional issues however that was not interfering with her learning. Since she is passing they refuse to test her...they basically told me unless she is failing and at jeopardy of being held back they will not waste their resources to test her. It was a waste of my time trying to get them to agree to testing her....they are so stuck on she is passing now so it's ok...let's see how she does.

Have you tried having her tested privately? Medicaid should cover it. We had a full Psychological Evaluation done with a local Psychologist and then turned it in to the school. They had to accept it and adjust to my child's needs based on the findings. My sister just did the same thing for her daughter when her school did the same as yours.

Who would do that type of testing?

You have to get out your local Yelloe Pages and start calling every Psychologist in there. Most do not do it but others will. Just ask them if they do Pschological Evaluations.

As an Special educator, the district does not have to accept the evaluation... they just have to consider it! IT is the same as a written diagonsis from a doctor on a script pad..... The district has a right to accept or reject it and complete their own testing!

That would be nice if they would consent to their testing but they won't. She is currently attending a D rated school but I got her into the magnet program into an A rated school (which my other bio daughter attended) so I'm hoping this school is more open to this stuff. It seems they tried so hard to not brand her with an IEP (as they put it) and here I am at adopting her and she is considered special needs (I know it's not the same) and I'll be getting an adoption stipend and everything for her, but the school thinks she's fine. The teacher even said "I feel now is the time to test her" but during the meeting they asked the teacher outright if she felt she was struggling or if her emotional issues were interfering with her learning and the teacher said "Oh well I guess not then." That was what made them decide not to test her! I think next year she'll be having issues with everything...so we'll see and I hope they realize (before it's too late) she needs some more help then regular classes can provide.

I visited your Webpage and noticed that we are in the same city. Have you tried going through FDLRS/Crown? I am dealing with their pre-school program (ChildFind) but if I understand their Website correctly, they also deal with school-age children. At the very least they should be able to put you in touch with someone who can help you get your child tested. I'm not sure if I can post the URL, but if you google FDLRS/Crown you can find them. Good luck! Jeana

Jeana, Thank you! I will look into this...she'll be in a new school next year so I'm hoping they recognize she needs more help.

No problem! You might also check out the school board's ESE Webpage. There was a lot of contact info listed there that might be helpful. Which school is she going to be at next year? We are still awaiting our school assignment, but it looks like it will either be Mandarin Oaks or Greenland Pines. Both are A schools, so I'm happy with that. Jeana

She was in Justina Rd (terrible) and is going to Lone Star next year (my bio daughter went to lone star-much better school).

I have a great book that was given to me by my social worker--but you can request a free copy from the state. It's called "For Parents of Florida's Students with Disabilities--An Introduction to Exceptional Student Education" It details the IEP process, your rights, your child's rights, etc. Go to [URL="http://www.fldoe.org/ese/pdf/publist.pdf"]http://www.fldoe.org/ese/pdf/publist.pdf[/URL] for a complete list of publications you may be interested in with regard to ESE programs in Florida. To order a publication send an e-mail to cicbiscs@fldoe.org with a request for the item.For each item requested, please include the six-number accession number (and sometimes an alphabetical extension) and the title of the publication. Be sure to provide your complete address, including your name, street address, city, state, and zip code and telephone number The accession number for this one is 303412.A and the title is For Parents of Florida's Students with Disabilities--An Introduction to Exceptional Student Education. You may also be interested in a few other publications from the list. Good luck!

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