IF YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT HAVING YOUR CHILD EVALUATED for learning issues, you probably have a lot of questions. The information below might be helpful:
There are significant benefits to having your child evaluated. Issues that are specific to him can be identified, and you, as well as his teachers, will better understand his learning style. It’s also the first step to seeing if he is eligible for special services and support which will make his classroom experience more manageable and successful.
If the school refers your child for the evaluation, then by law, the school will pay for the assessment. You can choose to have the evaluation done privately, outside of the school, but you’ll most likely have to cover the expenses for that yourself.
The in-school assessment is performed by the Child Study Team made up of professionals who have special training in different areas. This team may include a learning consultant, speech pathologist, psychologist, and other professionals as well. Each team member completes her evaluation and then works with the other team members to paint a comprehensive picture of your child’s areas of strengths and weaknesses. They’ll look at test results, overall school performance, and medical records. The team may look at development, vision and hearing, motor skills, and social skills as well. They’ll also talk to both you and your child’s teacher so they have a well-rounded exploration. For your part, you might want to create a binder ahead of time and have it on hand. In it, keep track of report cards, examples of work, test scores, notes from the teacher, and information from your child’s doctor that you think might be important. Also include notes outlining your own concerns and observations, ie: how long homework assignments take to complete, or areas where you notice problems or struggles.
Don’t feel like you’ll be left in the dark though. The school is required to have your written permission before any testing is completed . Once you give the approval, you’ll receive a plan of action, telling you which assessments are recommended, and who will be doing the actual testing. Once the testing is completed, a report will be compiled and you will meet with the team to discuss your child’s eligibility for special services. If he is eligible for services, an IEP (or Individualized Education Plan) will be written. If you’ve opted for private testing, rather than having the evaluation done through the school, the appropriate personnel from the team will review the report to determine eligibility. If it is determined that your child is not eligible for special services, you will have a much better understanding about why he is having problems in school, and you can work with that knowledge to determine how to best support him at home, at school, in the community, and through a private tutoring service.
There are significant benefits to having your child evaluated. Issues that are specific to him can be identified, and you, as well as his teachers, will better understand his learning style. It’s also the first step to seeing if he is eligible for special services and support which will make his classroom experience more manageable and successful.
If the school refers your child for the evaluation, then by law, the school will pay for the assessment. You can choose to have the evaluation done privately, outside of the school, but you’ll most likely have to cover the expenses for that yourself.
The in-school assessment is performed by the Child Study Team made up of professionals who have special training in different areas. This team may include a learning consultant, speech pathologist, psychologist, and other professionals as well. Each team member completes her evaluation and then works with the other team members to paint a comprehensive picture of your child’s areas of strengths and weaknesses. They’ll look at test results, overall school performance, and medical records. The team may look at development, vision and hearing, motor skills, and social skills as well. They’ll also talk to both you and your child’s teacher so they have a well-rounded exploration. For your part, you might want to create a binder ahead of time and have it on hand. In it, keep track of report cards, examples of work, test scores, notes from the teacher, and information from your child’s doctor that you think might be important. Also include notes outlining your own concerns and observations, ie: how long homework assignments take to complete, or areas where you notice problems or struggles.
Don’t feel like you’ll be left in the dark though. The school is required to have your written permission before any testing is completed . Once you give the approval, you’ll receive a plan of action, telling you which assessments are recommended, and who will be doing the actual testing. Once the testing is completed, a report will be compiled and you will meet with the team to discuss your child’s eligibility for special services. If he is eligible for services, an IEP (or Individualized Education Plan) will be written. If you’ve opted for private testing, rather than having the evaluation done through the school, the appropriate personnel from the team will review the report to determine eligibility. If it is determined that your child is not eligible for special services, you will have a much better understanding about why he is having problems in school, and you can work with that knowledge to determine how to best support him at home, at school, in the community, and through a private tutoring service.
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