Requesting a psychological evaluation for a child

[torinsmom]

I am asking for a friend, as my son already has an IEP. She believes her son has a LD and wants to request that the school test him. I know there is a procedure to follow and there are even sample letters. I just can't find them now that I need them. Does anyone have any tips or a link to a sample letter?

 

[MariDisney]

I am asking for a friend, as my son already has an IEP. She believes her son has a LD and wants to request that the school test him. I know there is a procedure to follow and there are even sample letters. I just can't find them now that I need them. Does anyone have any tips or a link to a sample letter?

I have families use this one from this website


Sample Letter from Parents Requesting Evaluation to Determine Eligibility for Services Under IDEA and/or 504

Your Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Daytime telephone number

Name of Principal or Special Education Administrator
Name of School
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear (Principal's or Administrator's name),

I am writing to request that my son/daughter, (child's name), be evaluated for special education services. I am worried that (child's name) is not doing well in school and believe he/she may need special services in order to learn. (Child's name) is in the ( _ ) grade at (name of school). (Teacher's name) is his/her teacher.

Specifically, I am worried because (child's name) does/does not (give a few direct examples of your child's problems at school).

We have tried the following to help (child's name): (If you or the school have done anything extra to help your child, briefly state it here).

I understand that I have to give written permission in order for (child's name) to be evaluated. Before the evaluation begins, I have some questions about the process that I need to have answered (list any questions you may have). I would be happy to talk with you about (child's name). You can send me information or call me during the day at (daytime telephone number). Thank you for your prompt attention to my request.

Sincerely,

Your name

cc: your child's principal (if letter is addressed to an administrator)
your child's teacher(s)

 

[amsafko]

In NJ, they would just need to write a letter to the Child Study Team requesting an evaluation. The parent(s) then meet with the Team to discuss if an evaluation is warranted. If so, decisions on what testing should be conducted would be made then with the parent(s).

 

[Lisa_M]

You don't need a form letter, just write a letter to the principal, teacher or school psychologist requesting an evaluation for a learning disability based on X concerns. Enclose your contact information for ease of response.

 

[AverageDiser]

Have her check out wrightslaw.com, there are sample letters for just about everything, and it also explains the procedures, responsibilities of the school system, etc. It's truly the go-to site for the whole IEP/504 process, and I found it invaluable when my dd needed to be evaluated.

 

[torinsmom]

Thanks! That's what I needed.

 

[Pembo]

She can also request verbally but in writing will start the paper trail. The district has 30 days to respond to the request.

 

[hanutedmansionmomma]

Special ed teacher here - yes, she can write a letter to force the process, but I'd also suggest a phone call/meeting with the teacher and school psychologist. Is the child failing? Are there any interventions in place? Is there data being collected on progress? Has this mom let the teacher know her concerns and vice versa? Simply writing a letter to request testing is skipping a few steps, IMO. I'd request a meeting first to do some problem solving and then see if an evaluation is warranted.

We as educators are being mandated (rightly so, I believe) to make sure we are putting general education interventions in place for children and tracking their progress over time before heading to a special education evaluation.

 

[torinsmom]

She can also request verbally but in writing will start the paper trail. The district has 30 days to respond to the request.

She has tried verbal and was ignored, so I told her to write a letter to the school's EC facilitator and also email with the letter attached to have proof of her request and when it was made.

Special ed teacher here - yes, she can write a letter to force the process, but I'd also suggest a phone call/meeting with the teacher and school psychologist. Is the child failing? Are there any interventions in place? Is there data being collected on progress? Has this mom let the teacher know her concerns and vice versa? Simply writing a letter to request testing is skipping a few steps, IMO. I'd request a meeting first to do some problem solving and then see if an evaluation is warranted.

We as educators are being mandated (rightly so, I believe) to make sure we are putting general education interventions in place for children and tracking their progress over time before heading to a special education evaluation.

She has tried all these things. From her accounts, the teacher is basically ignoring her requests for a conference and blaming the failing grades on the child being lazy. He is at the age where LDs begin to really show up, in my experience(3rd-4th grade).

I'm a teacher(regular ed) and I know all about the process, but sometimes a lot of time is wasted that could be used to help the child. I know interventions may help, but after 12 years of teaching, I can almost always tell when a child has an LD that requires more than I can provide. I have referred a child in October and had them finally tested in March. That is way too much time, IMHO. I cannot suggest a parent go this route at my school, but this friend is in another district.