Reevaluation process questions

[Guest guest]

I would suggest that you request a Neuropsychological evaluation; in addition to

IQ and academic achievement, this will look at your child's brain functioning,

outline areas of weakness and strengths, and conclude with recommendations about

learning style and appropriate teaching methodology. This evaluation should

include an observation of the child in the classroom.

(http://www.aspennj.org/neuro.html)

If you request this, the school will likely need to contract out as most systems

do not have a neuropsych on staff (this is therefore considered an

" independent " eval, but not in the second opinion sense). I suggest that you

try to find out who is a reputable person, with special knowledge in the area of

PDD, (a plus would be availability to come to the Team meeting to discuss

assessment results) and if you and the system can agree to use this person, that

would be best.

However, if the school hires someone they always use, or want to choose their

own person, you still maintain the right to an independent (2nd) evaluation in

this area of you disagree with the results. No matter who the school uses, do

not " waive " this right.

Tonya Boyce

Advocate for Children with Disabilities & Special Needs

West Groton, MA

978-448-8386

abc123tonyab@...

<<<Subject: Reevaluation process questions

Definitely need some advice. PDD student is up for reevaluation (due to turning

5 and first-time need for classification). A 1-hour reevaluation planning

meeting has been scheduled by the school to discuss tests that are needed. I'm

trying to get a sense as to what is supposed to occur at this meeting. How do

they decide which tests should be run? I understand the part about listing out

the suspected areas of disability, but I'm concerned that school has a set lists

of tests that are always run and my input on needs and necessary tests may not

be given as much weight as I feel appropriate. Last time evaluations were done

were 2 years ago and no standardized or intelligence tests have ever been done

(other than a Stanford Binet that was attempted). How much do I want to specify

regarding what tests, rating scales, interviews (especially parent interviews)

must be done and what needs to be in the reports that come back. History has

been the tests are vaguely listed and the reports

that come back (particularly those from outside educational consultants hired

by the school) are not extremely useful. Assuming this trend continues, what

key points should my follow up letters relating to our giving of consent

include. Should I also be asking in advance for list of qualifications of any

professionals that are doing certain tests?

I know some will answer with comment that we have a right to an IEE and a right

to hire our own consultant privately, but for now I'm interested in determining

how I can make the school's round of test fairer, if that's possible. I guess

I'm trying to be realistic as to what I can really expect from the school's

round of tests. Sorry for all the questions. Thanks a lot!>>>