What test should I ask for on a 17 year old!!

Dawn wrote:
>
> My sister is going to be tested for LD’s as well. I just
> received the consent form in the mail, only took them almost
> 2 months to get it to me, but anyway, it lists the Woodcock
> Reading Master test- Revised and Detroit tests of learning
> aptitude. My brother had the Woodcock Johnson, WISC, speech
> and language eval, and a special hearing test that took like
> two hours.

Dawn,

I can’t advise regarding the actual testing, but rest assured others who post here will be able to. Only advice is to be absolutely certain to make all requests for testing in writing and be very explicit about how you word the request. Be sure to include, regardless of what tests you are requesting, to specifically state that he/she should be tested in all suspected areas of deficit.

>
> What should I ask them to test her with?? I have never heard
> of the Detroit test. The special ed teacher doesn’t want to
> test her. She had met my sister once and says she thinks she
> is fine. The vice principal doesn’t either saying her test
> scores says she is reading at a 10 grade level. Even though
> she failed the entire state wide assessment. I know this is
> another game that these administrators play but I am not sure
> what to ask for!!

If push came to shove and you wanted to go to war with these people, you could shred both the teacher and the vp for a few matters.

#1) What are their credentials to be able to identify a child’s ld simply by a quick observation?

#2) What special ed law allows them to make such a broad brush identification or denial for services based on thier simple observations?

#3) On what basis do they feel it is appropriate to deny your sister the opportunity for testing, and would they put their opinions in writing and stand behind it?

Anyway, my sarcasm is going to run away with itself, so I’ll stop on that note. The bottom line is they are way out of line, they are responding to your verbal request and there is no legal or functional basis within the system for them to maintain this position once you place your request in writing. Neither of these individuals is probably qualified to diagnose learning disabilities.

It is doubtful the teacher is also a qualified psych who assesses ld matters, regardless of whether she is qualified to teach ld or not. Her input, as an “expert” would be “helpful” at your sister’s IEP meeting, IF this teacher is her teacher and not simply “a” teacher.

The vp (capital letters excluded), is more than likely an administrator who simply is following beaurocratic protocols. These protocols often have nothing to do with compliance with laws, obligation to comply with the law regarding children’s education, and on and on.

> My brother was diagnosed dyslexic and with CAPD. My other
> brother who was always diagnosed with ADD we now realized has
> the identical problems as my youngest brother. My sister can
> barely read a page in a book in an hour or two. She failed
> history, which was all reading so bad, her average at the end
> of the year was 18 and her english average which was all
> shakespere was 28!!

The family history you describe is clearly showing that there is a predisposition of sorts for ld issues with the children (your siblings). I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you. Certainly time is not on your side, but on the other hand, you obviously feel compelled to do what you can while you still can. You are to be applauded here!

You really must make all contact from this point forward in writing. If you can, send all letters so they are traceable like via CERTIFIED MAIL.

Can you make any contact with any of the advocacy groups in your area to get some kind of help or assistance in what you are trying to do? There are various groups, and you should not leap at the first one you come in contact with, but certainly consider some of the options. LDA (Learning Disabilities Association), TASK (Can’t remember what it stands for) and there are others.

You’re screaming for help and watching your brother and sister flounder and the system has no problem flushing them through. You are going through the virtual nightmare many of (most of) us parents here are dealing with or have dealt with. Your concern for your siblings is incredibly admirable. They are extremely lucky to have you advocating for them.

> I really think my head may explode!! That is why I came here
> because other parents always now what to do and the best way
> to do it!!

Regarding the explosion, don’t worry. The rumbling you hear across the country is countless parents’ detonation of similar magnitude! We can’t really admit to knowing what’s best, but we do tend to know when something isn’t right and we are compelled to do what we can to protect our children. That’s all.

Wishing you the best, and don’t forget to take breaks every once in a while.

Andy

ps/ Your brother’s capacity to enjoy the sales gig with your parents may prove to be an invaluable asset to his future. He could stand to learn how important math is when it comes to making change and figuring profits/losses etc. One of my biggest regrets is my absolute contempt for math when I was young. Classic lines like “what will I ever need this for” has come back to bite me in the backside more than once. Mostly, he can learn about self confidence dealing with the public and crowds, and if he doesn’t shy away from a challenge he will be sure to find his way once he survives the traumas of high school.

Those sound like they are planning a screening to me- rather than a full evaluation. If they were planning a full eval then the tests would be very similar to what is being done for your brother. Andy is right- request it in writing via certified mail. Your sister is entitled to a full eval if that is what you want.

BTW- why are they sending you lists of tests? They should be sending you an invitation to a meeting to plan the eval., not a ready made decision.

Robin

By the way, I will step out on a limb and assume you (Dawn) are not too familiar with special ed law, so you have a little homework cut out for you (oh my).

What Robin points out to regarding the list of tests versus calling a meeting is a violation of special ed law. I think it will be helpful to you, although a pretty big bit to chew, you may want to do some research on the sites that can offer you insight into the laws, their intended purpose and then you will have KNOWLEDGE on your side to at least give you more confidence.

Try visiting sites like: www.wrightslaw.com, www.edlaw.com, check out Sock’s site who posts on this bb regularly… there is a bunch.

At any rate, what I am getting at is the age old addage, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. With knowledge of laws and rights, you can formulate your letters more to the point, and hold the district’s feet to the fire (so to speak).

Can’t emphasize enough how important it is do handle all communications in writing, and maintain accurate records of all that transpires. It is a huge undertaking, but you will see, in short time, that your record keeping will track the district’s shenanigans and it will become abundantly clear what is going on. Down the road, you will not be able to rely on memory, as much will happen, and then if you must file a complaint, you will have actual, factual documentation to provide which ever governing authority you opt to file a grievence with in behalf of your brothers or sister. (Keep each child’s record seperate).

Any way, you really do have some work cut out for you, but you are in it this deep already… I think a little time spent reviewing the laws and special ed rights and responsibilities will give you a little confidence, instead of that same old helpless feeling all of us have gone through, and continue to experience.

Best regards,

Andy

I just spent the last year doing this same exact thing with my 13 year old brother. I try to keep up with the special ed laws as best as I can understand. I learned a ton about the laws dealing with my brother’s school. Then lie constantly even though I have explained that I read the law and constantly go to all the sites you mentions. I pretty much no when the school is lying and when they are telling the truth. When I don’t understand we have a special ed advocate I call and she explains it to me.

We waived are right to a meeting, we basically had one over the phone and it wasn’t pretty. Only after my mother went pretty crazy did they start getting on the ball. The school has basically said they don’t feel anything is going on and that her problems are because she was absent due to a back injury last year.

I am going to list the test that my brother had, Woodcock Johnson, speech and language eval, occupational therapy eval, and WISC.

If I find anymore that I think will help I will add those too!! I realize that this is some kind of game to them but that’s is ok, I won the last time we played and I will win this time!!!

Thanks for all the great advice!!
Dawn