Learning disability testing

[Sarah9901]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

My son has had an IEP since the 1st grade, he is currently in the 4th grade. His pediatrician is concerned that my son hasn't caught up to grade level yet since once he hits middle school most of the programs are no longer available. She has sent us to a specialist to get my son tested however there is a 2+ month waiting period to see the specialist. In the meantime, she wants me to have the school test my son for all learning disabilities.

I asked the school for the testing and I was told they do not have to do the testing even if I request it. They said the only thing they had to do was evaluate him and see if he met the requirements for further testing. Which they say he doesn't because he is in their "yellow" area. Which according to them is the middle of the road, he is making progress but not significant. So they say he is hitting yellow not red and only red students get the testing.

I have been told by a few teachers (from another district) and by my son's pediatrician that they have to test him if I request it. Is it true that they have to test him if a parent requests it? And if so what would be the steps to get it done?

 

[Humusluvr]

I asked the school for the testing and I was told they do not have to do the testing even if I request it. They said the only thing they had to do was evaluate him and see if he met the requirements for further testing. Which they say he doesn't because he is in their "yellow" area. Which according to them is the middle of the road, he is making progress but not significant. So they say he is hitting yellow not red and only red students get the testing.

It sounds like they did test/evaluate him, and they showed that he was making progress.

The only way to move forth with this is to get the evaluation from the doctor, and then take it to the Special Education Director for the schools. Then, request an ARD, so his IEP can be re-evaluated.

 

[Perky]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

My son has had an IEP since the 1st grade, he is currently in the 4th grade. His pediatrician is concerned that my son hasn't caught up to grade level yet since once he hits middle school most of the programs are no longer available. She has sent us to a specialist to get my son tested however there is a 2+ month waiting period to see the specialist. In the meantime, she wants me to have the school test my son for all learning disabilities.

I asked the school for the testing and I was told they do not have to do the testing even if I request it. They said the only thing they had to do was evaluate him and see if he met the requirements for further testing. Which they say he doesn't because he is in their "yellow" area. Which according to them is the middle of the road, he is making progress but not significant. So they say he is hitting yellow not red and only red students get the testing.

I have been told by a few teachers (from another district) and by my son's pediatrician that they have to test him if I request it. Is it true that they have to test him if a parent requests it? And if so what would be the steps to get it done?

The bolded is true. The other teachers and your pediatrician are wrong.

It isn't necessarily true that "only the red" get tested, nor will all students in the red zone be tested. Also, testing for and referrals to special ed have become somewhat rare, and the process to get there often takes a l-o-n-g time.

What programs are you referring to that aren't available in middle school? While the interventions may have different names from those used in elementary school, the interventions and supports are similar, though more age appropriate. Special ed services don't end when a student moves to middle school.

Why does your son have an IEP? What services is he getting?

BTW, the 2 month wait for testing is nothing compared to how long it will take the school to do it. They are required to try different interventions for 6 week periods (at least!). There could be 4 or 5 six-week periods. Seriously, once the process has begun, I've seen it last 18 months before a child is finally tested.

 

[PQN]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

My son has had an IEP since the 1st grade, he is currently in the 4th grade. His pediatrician is concerned that my son hasn't caught up to grade level yet since once he hits middle school most of the programs are no longer available. She has sent us to a specialist to get my son tested however there is a 2+ month waiting period to see the specialist. In the meantime, she wants me to have the school test my son for all learning disabilities.

There are two things wrong with this statement.

1) Special education services do not 'go away; at middle school. Children with disabilities that have a negative impact on their education are legally entitled to services until they are 21.

2) Special education services do not guarantee that a child will 'catch up' to their peers. For example, IF the LD causes the child to learn at about 2/3 the rate of a neurotypical child, in 3rd grade - the child will be approx. 1 year behind but by 9th grade, the child will be 3 years behind -- even making a constant rate of progress.

Your best bet is to request an IEE and/or pay for private testing.