HUHM?

[lcdc1]

I gave my physc my oldest daughters testing information a week ago and he asked me where the WISC test results were, so I called the school to get the testing summaries and stuff thinking maybe I misplaced that one. Well came to find out they did not do that one, the used another shorter type. My physc said they should have done the WISC something something for her age and for more detailed information. I asked why they might have used the other one and he said it is easier to administer and takes less time. So I wondered if anyone had input to that? My daughter is under an IEP now, was found eligible for a math LD finding and all that. I am wondering why I would want to request the other testing? Will it make a difference to help her?

[charliegirl]

Apparently the psych feels the other test isn't comprehensive enough.

The WISC measures many different areas of learning and breaks them down with subtests so each area is covered. Even if you have a normal average in an area, you can have a significant difference between the different areas. If you score average in something, looking at the subtests scores will tell you whether the child is totally average or whether there is a strength that is high enough to cancel out the lower score of a learning disability in the other. If one is canceling out another, the child isn't going to learn well because it takes both areas. When one is weak, part of the problem can't be answered.

Its like when she took the key-math test. She has areas of math that are stronger than others. They only knew what she needed help with after they could pinpoint what they were by breaking her ability to do math into smaller segments they could isolate as being a problem for her.

[lcdc1]

ok, thanks and that makes sense sort of to me. I had an eamil the other day from the math specialist in the district telling me they made some changes to Ran's IEP and she said she was going to meet with the new school physcologist to review Ran's folder and IEP, so maybe they will contact me after that and I can talk to them about it then. I just wonder if she is already done with eligibility and has an IEP, if they would consider doing it and why?

Maybe it is something I have to pursue outside of school? IT is complicated, but my physc seems to think it is what I need to do and I will have to ask him why he thinks that again.

[charliegirl]

A child who has an IEP due to an evaluation is supposed to have a follow up evaluation every three years. Since it hasn't been that long, I wonder if it could be that the specialist has noticed something else that may be impeding Ran's educational progress and whether that would warrant further testing or at least changes to her IEP.

I don't remember. Does Ran have ADHD or do you think she may have but it hasn't been diagnosed? The WISC is an excellent tool for looking into ADHD and possibly the psych thinks that possibility should be explored. He also may think the WISC would shed more light on her dyscalculia in some way.

Whatever their reasons, I'm glad to see a school that is being proactive in helping her. I wish every school was as concerned about every child as yours seems to be with Ran.

I almost missed this. They can't make changes in her IEP without an IEP meeting with everyone, including you, present, then you have to sign off for it to be in effect.

Did she say they made changes or were going to make changes? If she said they made them, you need to ask for an IEP meeting pronto and let them know you expect the original to stand until after the meeting when you can be part of the decision as to whether to change anything and what it would be.

Hopefully any changes they want to make will be for the best but you can't know that until you have a meeting and consider each change carefully.

[lcdc1]

oh really on the IEP? yeah it is my physc that is telling me this stuff, not the school physc!

Mine suspects, not confirmed, ADD innatentive in both my kids from things that I tell him and her other testing stuff. Cause I am like why and when would you see if a kid is that if it is not apparently a problem? He said it is better to check as a kid even if they do not need some help with it, harder for adults to learn and deal with later in life.

[misty]

Hmmm...my district likes to do IEP re eval's every year rather than every 3 years & I like it that way. Especially since Shannon's needs seem to change so much from year to year. The entire team has to be present....or at least invited.If a member needs to be excused from the meeting then YOU have the right to rescind his excuse if you want him there. Matter of fact, Shannon's meeting is next week & there is one member needing excused & I HAD to sign off that it was OK. They also send me all proposals for any changes they want to make so that I have time to think about them & I'm not blindsided at the meeting.

[lcdc1]

well that math specialist is supposed to call me or email me, I have it all documented by email. I will look at her emails again, but I swear that she said they added some stuff we talked about in email, the cc's were going to the whole team, maybe that is why she did that?

So, if you were me or Ran, would you do the Wechsler stuff now or wait a couple years?

[misty]

I would do it, simply because the more you know & the sooner you know it, the more tailored help she can get NOW.

[lcdc1]

I see my pyhysc monday again. so I will ask him some more stuff about it and make a decision, then I have to see what it involves to get it done and insurance and stuff. I will let you know then if I have more insight and what I decide and stuff.

[charliegirl]

First, they can't change an IEP without having you sign it stating you agree with it. You can e-mail them all you want to but until you have signed the IEP, its not a legal IEP.

Many kids don't hit the wall and have noticeble problems from ADHD until they get into the upper grades in school, college or even start their adult life. Ran's intelligence and ability to develop coping skills may be working fine for her now but at some point in the future they may create problems. She may even be having problems now that you don't realize stem from ADHD because you are assuming they are part of her dyscalculia.

I would definitely want to have her do those tests now rather than wait. Its always best to be proactive where our kids are concerned.