Beginning the Special Education Process

Like anything else in life, there's a method to theand his teachers will still have valuable information
special education process. It was put in place to helpabout him and the ways he learns best.
people who deal with learning disabilities get the bestIf you disagree with the results either way, you have
services possible. In order to help you understand thisthe right to have him tested by someone outside the
method, here's a simplified version of the Specialschool district. The district must pay for the
Education process.evaluation or show at a special hearing why it
1)Request for evaluationrefused.
Someone sees that the child is having difficulty in3) Placement
school and asks that testing be done to find outIf you and the school district agree that a learning
what's causing the problem. This request can comedisability was found, then you and the team will
from parents or educators. If the parents make thedecide the best program for your child. The team will
request, the district must agree to give a full andmake up an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
individual evaluation. If the request is made fromthat will include goals and ways to measure those
someone else, such as a teacher, a team ofgoals during the year. It will also list the services your
educators and an administrator will meet to reviewchild will get and any special aids or helps your child
the reasons and decide whether to pursue testing.can get, such as special transportation or speech
No matter who makes the request, you as thetherapy if he needs it.
parent, must give written permission for this testingYour child is entitled to receive his services in the
to be done. At this point, you will be informed of"Least Restrictive Environment. "That means that he
your rights and those of your child.will receive the services that are best for him in the
If the district decides not to test, then it must letplace that's best. For example, he won't be placed in
you know that and inform you of your rights. Youthe resource room for help with math if he needs
can continue to pursue the option through a duehelp only with reading. He won't be asked to stay in
process hearing if you wish.the mainstream for spelling if he has a learning
2)Results of the testingdisability in that area. In other words, he will only
You have the right to be notified of the results ofreceive help in things he needs help in.
the testing before the meeting. If you don'tIt's important to be active in this process for your
understand what is being said in the report, you havechild. If you know the process, you can make sure
the right to have someone explain the results to you.that it's followed correctly and that your child's rights
When the testing is done, you will meet with theare recognized. This doesn't mean that you always
team of professionals to be told of the results. Ifhave to be on the attack, but it does mean that you
your child is found to have a learning disability, andneed to keep a watchful eye. Again, it all comes back
you agree that he should receive special educationto acting on behalf of your child, since he can't do
services, then you must give written permission forthat for himself. And, in the long run, he will be more
this to happen.successful because of you.
If he is not found to have a learning disability, you