Hi,
I am probably the oldest one here but there was a song that said “So tired tired of waiting … “. Anyway, it sure fits my feelings at my insistance I finally had my son re-tested Aug. 9th. I was so happy to get it done before school started. When will I ever learn that they have no intension of listening to me.
Today is 30 days since the test, but only 18 school days. On the test date I was told I would be contacted in 2 weeks for a meeting. After 3 weeks the psycho. called and said it would be week of 9/10. I have left 2 messages and still nothing.
Now the teacher is willing to have a real team meeting. I do not want to do it without the test results. I don’t want to hear the same old stuff about my son can’t read well enough for inclusion.
Any advise on timing of test results would be appreciated.
Re: Time for getting evaluation results?
Paper trails…
… give them *all* the benefit of the doubt and assume they are just completely overwhelmed and forgetful. So, when they say “in two weekes we will…” then send them a nice note (you could even send it registered) that says “Thank you for testing my kid on this date. As you said then, I look forward to hearing from you by that date (two weeks) to set up a meeting.” Also request the test results so you can review them, immediately. HEck, if you can, drop by every day and ask for them in person, or call each day to ask if you can come in and pick them up. We can help you figure out what they mean.
Left two messages — every time you leave a message, write a letter… and an email. “This is to follow up on the phone message I left on 9.21 pertaining to the meeting I was told would be scheduled the week of 9/10. I am concerned because yet another two weeks have gone by and my son’s needs are not being met. I hope that by the time you receive this letter you have already scheduled the meeting; if not, please call me as soon as possible, since I am concerned with each day that passes by that we have not discussed my son’s placement.”
Do you think his reading has improved enough to be in regular classes and that the testing will reflect this? Do you have the test results?
Re: Time for getting evaluation results?
Marion,
Besides, or I should say, along with the advice about documenting your communications in writing (no messages, or converstations), you should also be specific about requesting complete copies of all testing results and protocols used when assessing your son. Your request should detail that you would require time to review these tests and the protocols PRIOR to meeting with the district. IF, on top of everything else, they drop the bomb on you at the meeting, with the results, you will not have time to assess your own opinion of what transpired. Contrary to your district’s possible motives or ineptness, you have an equal say so in your child’s IEP and education. That is the purpose of the meetings, the assessment, diagnosis, and the subsequent IEP that would/should develope.
So tired, tired of waiting… so many of us know that tune. Can’t get no satisfaction. The bitch is back. Tough enough (one bourbon, one scotch & one beer)… However, on the lighter note (he he),
Everything I do, I do for you. You are the sunshine of my life. Hero. Point of light.
Music has such a way of validating thoughts and feelings.
Anyway, document everything. Keep the district on written notice. Get the results and get the testing materials used as well as copies of all info they used to determine their results. Then review it prior to the meeting. If you need outside opinions etc., then get them too.
Good luck.
Andy
Re: Time for getting evaluation results?
Okay,I am getting confused here. Who did the evaluation?? Did the school district do it? Or did a private evaluator do the eval? The reason I ask is this:
1. If the school district did the evaluation,then there is usually a very legal timeline from test to results,etc. The specific time is depending on what State your in. Unfortunately my state doesn’t have one,but Maryland,Mass. etc. is 45 days from consent to results.Even so,IDEA states it must be done in a “timely” manner. Testing in Aug. should be done before Oct. 15th or so. Legally they have until then if you live in Maryland for example. Other States have 30 days,so check on this.
2. If this evaluation was done by a private evaluator and they are taking this long to call an IEP meeting over it, is inappropriate and they are obligated to provide you with prior written notice. This would or could ,or better yet should include whether they are willing to place him in another setting. I would be writing a letter specificly requesting this. Look up prior written notice in IDEA,this is very specific.
AND ANDY!! Let us not forget Pink Floyd the WALL. Teacher’s leave those kids alone? EVERYTIME I hear this song,me and my kids sing this with gusto
:-)
Did you send the results to the school by registered mail or hand the evaluation over to someone?
If you did not send it by registered mail, you should send it again, with a letter saying that these test results show _______ and that you wish to have team meeting within 30 days to formally discuss the results. This will create a paper trail.
If your district is like mine, this will require an additional meeting to determine whether or not the testing meets district guidelines and whether or not the test results show that there is a disability that significantly impacts his progress in school.
If your district is really like mine, you’ll have to hire an advocate or bring in the psychologist who tested your son before they’ll take you seriously. Otherwise, you’re just a lowly parent and they’ll do what they can to put you off and delay things.
LJ