Your child’s district has evaluated her and found her eligible for special education. 
It’s not unusual for a school district to blame low test scores on a child’s intelligence and lack of capacity. It’s much quicker and easier for them to do so. If schools looked at each child as an individual with the capacity to learn and came up with genuinely individualized ways to teach them . . . imagine how different things would look.
If the district’s assessment does not ring true to you, don’t worry: you have options.
Where do you start?
There are a number of routes you can go. For ALL of them, we strongly recommend documentation. If you simply ask the district to spend money and don’t have specific and concrete reasons why, you are unlikely to get what you request.
Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
If you are going to ask for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE), prepare a specific and concrete list of reasons why the district’s assessment was inadequate. Then, identify any and all documentation you can submit to back up what you’re requesting, from parent observations to notes from tutors. Few districts are going to spend the roughly $8,000 for an IEE unless you have compelling and specific reasons.
Special Circumstances Instructional Aide (SCIA)
A lot of parents call us wanting their children to have one-to-one aides in class, also known as Special Circumstances Instructional Aides (SCIAs). When we ask why, they have a variety of reasons that are usually correct.
However, in the IEP meeting discussion, things are generally more productive when the parents have specific documentation of dates and times to support their requests. When your child’s teacher sends home notes about their struggles, save them. If your child’s report card shows that they’re not meeting a standard, save it. When your child is not able to read or do their homework, make a note of the day and time. Data helps support your requests.
Questions? Call or fill out our contact form.
As parents, we understand. As experienced and trained advocates, we can help.