How do I get my child tested for special education?

Question

How do I get my child tested for special education?

Answer 1

If you are in the UK you ask the school for a common assessment on your child. They are then legally bound to get the special needs co-coordinator and the educational psychologist to look at the child and perform a detailed assessment. If the child has any need for extra help or any concerns are raised they are then usually addressed by putting the child on an individual education plan or a statement of special educational needs. Also any other agencies that the child would benefit from can become involved.

Answer 2

Call your child's guidance counselor and request your child be evaluated.  You'll most likely have to sign a consent form,, and the evaluation process can take up to 60 school days.

Answer 3

I agree that to write the district special ed. director would be your first and best course of action.  I don't know specificially if it varies from state to state, but at least where I am, the district is not obligated to conduct the evaluation, only obligated to address the letter and decide if an evaluation is appropriate.

Answer 4

You have to follow the legal process. This process is listed in detail in the federal law that mandates special ed.  IDEA 'individuals with disabiliites education act'.

THe first step is to write a letter to the district special ed director   the following -

I am requesting an initial full educational evaluation testing  in all areas of suspected disabilities to determine if my child qualifies for special education services as specified by IDEA law.

My child is (name) in (grade) in (teachers name) class in (name of school).  

His problems are (here, list everything you know of. Also list doctors concerns, any formal diagnosis, any teachers concerns)

This part is NOT required by law but it helps to include it.

I understand that the district has to have my written consent in order to do the evaluation. Please consider this my written consent. If there is additional consent to be given, please let me know as soon as possible.

I understand that the district has 60 days (more or less in your state, call your state detp of education to check) from the date of my written consent  to complete the evaluation and hold an IEP eligiblity meeting.

I am requesting a copy of the evaluatioin report with all scores included at least 7 days before the IEP meeting is held so I can be an equal and informed member of the IEP team to be able to make informed decisions concerning my childs education as specified by IDEA law.

I am requesting a list of all tests that will be administered as part of this evaluation.

Thank you.

THere are other things involved in this, if you would like help email me   at  [e-mail]

Answer 5

You can also just call the school and tell them that you want your child assessed (although having a request in writing is a good thing, particularly if you've had problems with the school in the past). US law (IDEIA) requires that a public school conduct a special education evaluation if it is requested by the parent. The principal, school psychologist or social worker, should be able to give you more information. Best of luck.

p.s. Check out www.pacer.org for more information on parents' special education rights.

Answer 6

Send a letter to the school counselor requesting it. If it is in writing, they have a certain amount of days to start processing the request. Make sure you keep a copy for your self in case they try to say they never got it. If that fails, send the letter to the principal/school board.

Best of luck