Is free evaluation under the 504 plan supposed to be offered/ performed at all public schools?

Question

My 61/2 yr. old son has been having problems very similar to those described in reference to dyslexia. His school is offering no support. If they are the people who are supposed to accomodate a learning disabilty, should they not offer testing? I've been referred out, which isn't a problem, however, if the test can be done at school, a familiar place to him, first, shouldn't it be done?

Answer 1

A dr. note will get a 504, but does not gaurantee any extra services, especially things like dedicated aides or assitive technology. What a 504 will do is establish things like testing allowances and how to place a student in a class so he can be better directed.

IEPs (individualized education plans) give in depth outlines of expected goals, how much time a child should have with specialists and things like dedicated aides, supplemental learning and the like. You want an IEP whenever possible...do not ever let a school tell you otherwise.

My advice is...if the diagnosis is from a doctor, give a copy to the school and formally request complete testing to see if your child needs and meets the requirements for special ed services. Once this request is made, the school only has a set amount of time to complete the testing and, in some cases, that may mean using a testing agent out of the school if there is no other option available. Get a copy of your parent rights, read it and highlight whatever part pertains to where you are in the testing process. Be ready to remind the school of the time limits and do not let them tell you that "90 days" means 90 school days. Read the rights carefully...it does not make any such distinction. 90 days means 90 days,,,not 90 school days.

As a parent, you have the right to ask for the testing to be done in your child's school, but again keep in mind that since they are bound by federal law, the option may be limited if they do not have the manning or availbility of an inschool specialist.

One last thing to know is that most schools rarely, if ever, offer services. WHile most teachers and admin want to be able to make suggestions and offer to help you find the best possible placement, they often feel they can not do so without jeopordizing thier own careers. However, if you ask for them to get involved in a manner that follows leagal statute, they will step up and help. In the case of a child needing additional help, it is up to the parent to demand it...and to remind the school they are legally bound to provide it. Good luck

Answer 2

There is no need for testing to be on a 504 plan, all that is needed is a doctors note stating the disability. Further testing to be placed in Special Education requires a series of steps by the parents and teachers, listing interventions used, etc. When all interventions have been tried, parents can request testing for eligibility for Special Education. A learning disability does not guarantee placement in Special Ed, there must be a discrepancy between achievement and ability.