Joy: I’ve requested a formal evaluation from the school for my son’s ADHD. The school wrote back and stated that we will have a Child Study Committee meeting within 10 days. What should be my next preparatory step? Thank You!
Evaluations: NEXT STEP AFTER REQUESTING EVAL FROM SCHOOL?
Gather data regarding his academic performance on the course/grade standards. Grades are one item, but do not always reflect level of mastery. Collect & ask for any data reflecting mastery of grade level standards. Also have data on behavioral & social issues that your child might have.
I also suggest you give yourself a crash course in the special education process. Check out the website of your state’s Dept of Education. See what resources they have available for parents and educators.
Also locate your local parent center (http://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/). Visit their website and check out what they have for resources. If they have an online training, check that out. If they have an in-person training, even better. Figure out how to contact them if you need info or support.
Especially pay attention to your evaluation rights. What happens if the school decides to evaluate? What time lines apply? What happens if the school decides to not evaluate? What are your rights?
Joy –
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to make a list of all the areas where you see your son struggle. Include areas related to the ADHD (attention skills, executive functioning, etc.), plus any that may be unique to him. Does he struggle with reading comprehension, have issues with fine motor skills, need assistve technology, etc.?
Your son should be evaluated in all areas of his suspected disability. The school will provide you with a list of the areas they plan to evaluate. When you get this list, compare it against your own list to make sure all your areas of concern get assessed. Ask questions if you’re unsure, and ask them to add in any areas that they missed.