Understand the Evaluation Process
Evaluations are comprehensive assessments conducted by schools to determine if a child qualifies for special education services. They include various tests and observations to assess different areas of development and learning.
It's crucial to understand that these evaluations are just one part of the picture. They are conducted in a controlled environment, which might not reflect your child's typical behavior or performance at home.
Compare Home and School Environments
Children often behave differently in various settings. Factors such as classroom dynamics, peer interactions, and teaching styles can influence their performance.
Consider what might be different about the school environment compared to home. Are there distractions at school that aren't present at home? Is the child more comfortable and less anxious at home?
Review the Evaluation Report
Carefully read through the evaluation report to understand what was assessed and how. Look for any areas that were not covered or seem inconsistent with your observations.
Check if the evaluation included input from teachers or if it was solely based on testing. Sometimes, teacher observations can provide additional context.
Request a Meeting with the School
If you have concerns about the evaluation results, request a meeting with the school team. This meeting is an opportunity to discuss your observations and ask questions about the evaluation.
Prepare to share specific examples of what you observe at home and how it differs from the evaluation findings. This can help the team understand your perspective.
Consider a Second Opinion
If you still feel the evaluation does not accurately reflect your child's needs, you might consider seeking an independent educational evaluation (IEE).
An IEE can provide a different perspective and may offer additional insights into your child's abilities and challenges.
Know Your Rights
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents have the right to request an IEE at the public's expense if they disagree with the school's evaluation.
Familiarize yourself with your procedural safeguards, which outline your rights and the processes available to you if you disagree with the evaluation results.
Practical tips
- Document specific instances where your child's behavior or performance at home differs from school observations.
- Communicate regularly with your child's teachers to understand their perspective and share your insights.
- Keep a journal of your child's behavior and performance at home to provide concrete examples during meetings.
- Ask for clarification on any part of the evaluation report you don't understand.
- Explore resources and support groups for parents navigating special education.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not thoroughly reading the evaluation report before meeting with the school.
- Assuming the evaluation results are final and cannot be challenged.
- Failing to document your observations at home to share with the school team.
- Not understanding your rights under IDEA and Section 504.
Frequently asked questions
- What should I do if I disagree with the evaluation results?
- Request a meeting with the school to discuss your concerns and consider seeking an independent educational evaluation (IEE).
- Can I request a reevaluation?
- Yes, you can request a reevaluation if you believe the initial evaluation was not comprehensive or accurate.
- How can I prepare for a meeting with the school team?
- Prepare specific examples of your child's behavior at home, review the evaluation report, and know your rights under IDEA.
- What is an independent educational evaluation (IEE)?
- An IEE is an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the school district. It can provide a second opinion on your child's needs.
- Who pays for an independent educational evaluation?
- If you disagree with the school's evaluation, you can request an IEE at the public's expense, but the school has the right to agree or disagree.