A mom called on Saturday, and she was frustrated.
A year earlier she had asked for her daughter to be tested for Dyslexia. The school professionals told her this Dyslexia Test needed to be administered by an outside professional.
The Dyslexia Testing was expensive, but it got her daughter a diagnosis of Dyslexia - but she did not qualify for services from the school.
She asked again six months later, and was told her daughter needed to be tested for a Learning Disability. She said OK, but the process was never formally started.
The process has always been a black box, but it is now made more confusing by RTI - Response to Intervention, where the schools are going through three levels of intervention before referring the student who is not succeeding for a Learning Disability Assessment.
There is a way to expedite the process.
You can request the two processes to be initiated at the same time.
Send the school a letter - below is a sample - that asks for the two processes to be done concurrently.
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Today's Date
Dear Guidance Counselor (Use their name)
Today I am requesting a Child Study Team be formed to assess my child for a Learning Disability and ADHD (where appropriate).
I give the school my informed consent to evaluate my child for a Learning Disability and ADHD on this date February 1, 2010 (put appropriate date).
I respect the RTI Process and request the RTI Process and the Learning Disabilities and ADHD assessment be done concurrently.
Given Florida law requires the testing be completed within 60 school days, and I am submitting this request on (write date here).The testing should be completed by May 18th, 2010 (you need to count the school days to put the appropriate date here)
(This letter is for Florida students, where the testing must be done in 60 School Days. Check requirements in your state).
I request a date stamped copy of this letter to confirm the date you received this letter.
I will do everything in my power to expedite the process, to work with your team and you, and to have the appropriate help for my child.
If you have any questions you can contact me at
Home 444-444-4444
Work 555-555-5555
Cell 666-666-6666
E-mail also works well and you can contact me by e-mail at myname@gmail.com
Thank you for your timely consideration of this matter.
Sincerely yours
Your Name
Put a picture of your child here and below it write what you want. The comment may be
I am committed to doing my share and more
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For your convenience, below is a link to sample letters you can cut and paste,where all you need to add is your personal information
For Florida Parents
For Parents Outside of Florida
Note, Federal Law requires the testing to be done within 60 calendar days, but allows states to set their own requirements. The states can set the guidelines for a shorter or longer period.
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Three parents have used this form of the letter in the last few months and received a prompt response.
We always appreciate comments, questions and suggestions.
If anyone has ideas to improve upon this approach, you can reach me by:
- E-mail at success@3dlearner.com
- Phone at 561-361-7495