Is there s certain of time in which you have to say that you disagree with the schools findings? Didn’t see anything in IDEA 97. Thank you. Susan
Re: Independent Evals/Time Frame
If you disagree with the school’s findings you really should not have signed the papers at the IEP meeting. That’s when you should have asked for an independent evaluation. Our school wouldn’t test our son because he was so good and quiet. We finally had him independently tested and it cost us about $3200 - which we could have recouped from the district. They finally tested him and found him higher level than the original testing. We disagreed, we went to a state arbitrator and got him the help the first tester said he needed. There are a lot of state resources out there, you just need to start looking for them. Your local library is a good place to start or the Council for Exceptional Children - online is a good resource too. You must learn to be your child’s advocate - you know him or her the best. Good luck - but I for one can tell you it can be done - our principal used to run when he saw me coming into the building because he knew I was after more help from someone. I empowered myself to do the best by my child and now that he is in 10th grade he is making honor roll with only one resource period a day. I will keep you in my prayers.
Melanie
Re: Independent Evals/Time Frame
An independent eval at district expense must be requested before the outside eval. takes place. The only way to get reimbursed for the evaluation would be due process hearing. if you go to the eval and then request reimbursement. It really doesn’t matter whether you sign IEP or not,one part of procedural safeguards state that you may refuse consent also. Ask for an Independent eval at district expense,tell them you do not agree with their assessment,period. Truth is they can not refused the eval unless they take you to court and prove their eval is sufficent. They generally do not go there,being it would cost much more money then just doing the eval.If the fight to get the independent eval,is not worth the money you could put out and have it done,then pay for it,if not fight for it. KNow what I’m saying??
No there is no time frame in which to ask for an independent evaluation. You may request it at anytime,but if it is prior to the school evaluation,the school can request that they do theirs first.