Preparing for Meeting to Evaluate My Son ....

[vja4Him]

I could use some ideas and suggestions to help me prepare for the meeting next Wednesday (June 2nd). I will be meeting with the principal, school psychologist, and several others (from Special Education Department).

I already have some notes and ideas, but I want to be as prepared as possible. I found somebody who will go with me as an advocate!

 

[dadside]

There are lots of things to know about evaluations, and I suggest reading in some parent special education guides about them. My most basic suggestions are to express your concerns about every aspect of your son's learning issues (and any related behaviors); identify each suspected disability (even if you don't know its name, describe it; and tell them of any diagnosis or other testing related to his challenges and education. Do not in any way limit what areas they look at.

Separately, you should also learn about tests, evaluations etc, and what they all mean. This becomes critical when discussing eligibility for an IEP and for determining what to do in an IEP.

Finally, consider getting an independent evaluation that meets school district and state standards. It won't replace the school's need to do one, but it may provide more and better information for you.

 

[smallworld]

Here's a link to information on "Determining Eligibility" on the website www.wrightslaw.com:

http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/elig.index.htm

What does the advocate say about preparing for the meeting?

 

[JJJ]

Vja,

Did you get a formal, written invitation to this meeting? Usually Special Education meetings require a formal, written invitation stating the point or points of the meeting so that everyone is on the same page.

#1 Get a note from your son's doctor stating that "GFG13 has severe ADHD-Combined Type."

Some general advice: Make a list of all of the areas in which he has problems. Then generate any solutions you think would help him.

Example:
Disorganization: GFG13 consistently loses his assignments, comes home from school without the necessary books to complete his assignments and his desk at school is often cluttered.
Possible solution: Have a staff member assist him in checking his backpack upon arrival at school and turning in all his work immediately. Have a staff member assist him in checking
Depending out, ensuring that he has all assignements listed in his assignment notebook and all necessary worksheets and books to complete his homework. Have a staff member assist him every Friday on cleaning out and organizing his desk.

The above example could be included in a 504 plan. Often a 504 plan can be put in place quickly as all that is needed is the doctor's note confirming the disabling condition. You may be able to get a 504 in place prior to the start of next year and then testing could happen at the beginning of the year and services started relatively quickly, but at least the 504 will give some support in the meantime.

If you would like to make a list of all of the areas where your son has problems, we'd be happy to give suggestions on 504-solutions and things to ask for during the 'full and complete evaluation'.

 

[FlipFlops]

Right now I'm all about recording all meetings because it was tremendously helpful for me recently!! I even posted a thread about it because I feel so strongly about it!! If this is your first meeting I would especially encourage you do to so. There will likely be quite a bit of information for you to absorb and this will make it easier for you to review as well.
Good luck to you.

 

[vja4Him]

Vja,

Did you get a formal, written invitation to this meeting? Usually Special Education meetings require a formal, written invitation stating the point or points of the meeting so that everyone is on the same page.

We already have a 504 Plan, but the teachers have not followed through. I have been working on a detailed list of important points to bring up at the meeting next week. No, I did not get a formal invitation. I requested an evaluation for my son, and they told me that we have to have a meeting first.

#1 Get a note from your son's doctor stating that "GFG13 has severe ADHD-Combined Type."

I will contact the doctor tomorrow and ask them to fax a letter.

Some general advice: Make a list of all of the areas in which he has problems. Then generate any solutions you think would help him.

Example:
Disorganization: GFG13 consistently loses his assignments, comes home from school without the necessary books to complete his assignments and his desk at school is often cluttered.
Possible solution: Have a staff member assist him in checking his backpack upon arrival at school and turning in all his work immediately. Have a staff member assist him in checking
Depending out, ensuring that he has all assignements listed in his assignment notebook and all necessary worksheets and books to complete his homework. Have a staff member assist him every Friday on cleaning out and organizing his desk.

I had a long talk with the principal, and she told me that she doesn't want a student helping my son with writing down his assignments, because my son might get embarrassed! She also told me that the teachers can't take out too much time to help my son. I can understand that the teachers are busy, and have lots of work to do already, but they can do something. I work as a substitute teacher, and I've gone out of my way to make accommodations for certain students, even putting in extra time.

The above example could be included in a 504 plan. Often a 504 plan can be put in place quickly as all that is needed is the doctor's note confirming the disabling condition. You may be able to get a 504 in place prior to the start of next year and then testing could happen at the beginning of the year and services started relatively quickly, but at least the 504 will give some support in the meantime.

If you would like to make a list of all of the areas where your son has problems, we'd be happy to give suggestions on 504-solutions and things to ask for during the 'full and complete evaluation'.

 

[vja4Him]

Here is what I have in my notes so far, regarding my son's ADHD:

Problems my son has with ADHD:

-- easily distracted
-- paying attention
-- misplacing stuff
-- focusing
-- concentrating
-- messy
-- staying on task
-- losing things
-- disorganized
-- side tracked

 

[vja4Him]

Some of the mental health issues my son suffers from:

-- serious emotional trauma
-- over sensitive
-- defiant
-- kidnapped
-- physical and emotional abuse
-- terrified of his mother and her friends
-- suicidal thoughts
-- outbursts of anger
-- obstinate (stubborn)
-- sexual abuse
-- life threatened by his mother and her friends

 

[vja4Him]

Other health issues:

-- problems with feet, breathing, chest pains, headaches

* Hypoglycemia (disoriented, weak, can't think straight, easily agitated, nervous, grumpy, thirsty, dizzy, hot, sweaty)

* Severe Allergies (stuffed up, eyes hurt, sneezing, difficulty breathing, severe headaches)

 

[smallworld]

You might want to get a letter from a medical doctor detailing all of the health issues as well. The medical issues, in addition to his ADHD, impact his ability to access his education

 

[vja4Him]

You might want to get a letter from a medical doctor detailing all of the health issues as well. The medical issues, in addition to his ADHD, impact his ability to access his education

I'm working on the medical issues and doctors notes, tests and evaluations. We are making another trip to the doctor today. My son will be seeing several specialists soon.

 

[dadside]

vja4Him - I'd think carefully about why you tell them what you tell them. Then think about how you express it. The lists you posted include more than I'd be inclined to tell a school and go in his "permanent" record unless I thought it necessary to get a needed service or because the issue could arise in school.