| Like anything else in life, there's a method to the | | | | and his teachers will still have valuable information |
| special education process. It was put in place to help | | | | about him and the ways he learns best. |
| people who deal with learning disabilities get the best | | | | If you disagree with the results either way, you have |
| services possible. In order to help you understand this | | | | the right to have him tested by someone outside the |
| method, here's a simplified version of the Special | | | | school district. The district must pay for the |
| Education process. | | | | evaluation or show at a special hearing why it |
| 1)Request for evaluation | | | | refused. |
| Someone sees that the child is having difficulty in | | | | 3) Placement |
| school and asks that testing be done to find out | | | | If you and the school district agree that a learning |
| what's causing the problem. This request can come | | | | disability was found, then you and the team will |
| from parents or educators. If the parents make the | | | | decide the best program for your child. The team will |
| request, the district must agree to give a full and | | | | make up an Individualized Education Program (IEP) |
| individual evaluation. If the request is made from | | | | that will include goals and ways to measure those |
| someone else, such as a teacher, a team of | | | | goals during the year. It will also list the services your |
| educators and an administrator will meet to review | | | | child 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 the | | | | therapy if he needs it. |
| parent, must give written permission for this testing | | | | Your 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 let | | | | place that's best. For example, he won't be placed in |
| you know that and inform you of your rights. You | | | | the resource room for help with math if he needs |
| can continue to pursue the option through a due | | | | help 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 testing | | | | disability in that area. In other words, he will only |
| You have the right to be notified of the results of | | | | receive help in things he needs help in. |
| the testing before the meeting. If you don't | | | | It's important to be active in this process for your |
| understand what is being said in the report, you have | | | | child. 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 the | | | | are recognized. This doesn't mean that you always |
| team of professionals to be told of the results. If | | | | have to be on the attack, but it does mean that you |
| your child is found to have a learning disability, and | | | | need to keep a watchful eye. Again, it all comes back |
| you agree that he should receive special education | | | | to acting on behalf of your child, since he can't do |
| services, then you must give written permission for | | | | that 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 | | | | |