Apr19

Teacher’s Corner: Preparing for Special Needs Testing

by Meghan on April 19th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Posted In: Education

Part 3

6. What will happen if the testing data indicates that my child qualifies for services?

This question is important because you want to have an idea of what is going to happen the next time you meet with your son or daughter’s academic team. If your child’s testing indicates that he/she qualifies for services, what will the school want to do at that next meeting? They should be able to provide you with a rough idea about what they will want to do in this case. You and your spouse need to be ready to discuss whether or not you want your child to receive additional services or supports. Remember, even if the testing comes back indicating that your child could qualify for Special Education services, you are not required to have him/her identified as Special Education. While it might be the best option for providing your son or daughter with the type of support they require, it is important to always remember that you, as parent, have the final say in that decision.

7. What happens if the testing indicates that my child does not qualify for services?

Just like the previous question, it is also important to be prepared for what might happen if the testing data comes back indicating that your child is struggling, but not because of a disability that requires special services. If you have decided that you want your child to receive Special Education services, it can be difficult to find out that they do not qualify for them. If this happens, you will want to be prepared to discuss what the school (and what you) can do to help your child succeed without needing to be identified as Special Education.

8. What supports do you think will be most beneficial for my child and why?

Regardless of whether or not your child is identified as someone who qualifies legally for Special Education services, your son or daughter’s academic team should eventually be moving towards a discussion of what needs to be happening at school and at home in order to help your child achieve academic success. If your child is identified, an IEP (an Individualized Education Plan – a legal document that spells out exactly what services your child will receive and what academic, behavioral, or social goals they might be working towards), will address those supports. If your child is not going to be identified, the team still needs to discuss how they are going to address the concerns that led to this first meeting in the first place. When suggestions are made (i.e. that his/her teachers will check their agenda books at the end of the day to make sure that all homework is written down) make sure that you understand why that support is being suggested. Additionally, if you do not think that it will be successful, don’t be afraid to state that you do not want to try that support – you know your child better than anyone.

End of Part 3

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Share
└ Tags: , , , ,