The results are in!

[katiekat]

And Sean does qualify for special education because of a Specific Learning Disability in Reading!!!!!
Oh I can't wait to type up a nice letter for the CST.
I only have a second so I will give more details later but just wanted to let you all know that he DOES qualify!!

[charliegirl]

Yea that he can finally get help!

[misty]

[jj]

I think I just let out a sigh of relief for you. I'm so happy. Oh I want to be a fly on the wall when you have your next meeting.

[puzzled]

Try reeeeaaaaallllllly hard not to say....'I told you so' when you meet with the school officials next time....

Or not...it is up to you!

[katiekat]

Ok. There is so much info in these reports but basically he scored very low on the reading portion of the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test. I am actually surprised at how many things he scored average on. On The Reading Comprehension subtest it says he had a "standard score of 81, percentile of 10, falls at the lower limits of the low average range." It also says he was "unable to predict events and outcomes, draw conclusions, sequence events, identify fact/opinion, or make inferences."
Written Expression Subtest came back with a "standard score of 90, percentile of 25, falls within the lower limits of the average range, would benfit from increased focus. Specifically on correct formation of letters, writing on the lines, and forming sentences with adequate organization and mechanics."
The Phonological Memory Composite and Rapid Naming Composite also both fell within the below average range
All math scores fell into the average range.
As far as the results of the psychological portion using the Wechsler Intelliigence Scale the composite scores all fell into the average range except for Processing Speed which had a composite score of 85, percentile of 16, falling into the low average range.
Bender-Gestalt Test-II--All subtests fell into the below average range.
CDI scores Functional Problems were above average and Emotional problems were Much above average.
They listed a bunch of recommendations but it does say:
Sean appears to meet the eligibility criteria for special education and related services under the educational classification, Other Health Impaired or Specific Learning Disabitlity due to a deficit in Reading Comprehension. They recommend specialized reading instruction to address comprehension as well as to increase automaticity with vocabulary.
So yeah, can't wait to share this with the CST.

[katiekat]

In all my ramblings I forgot to ask the question I wanted to ask.
When I do write my letter to the CST what am I asking them for? I mean now that the evaluation has been done what exactly is it that I say as far as what we want done now?

[lisacap]

It almost sounds verbatim to Justin's results. I did keep him back in first grade, and is in a regular class room, being taken out daily for reading, OT, and vision therapy. With all the learning disabilities in the phonological area, they called me in this week for an unscheduled IEP evaluation and we are now trying to get him into a sped classroom, with all learning disabled kids. It would be substantially smaller and the ratio of 5 kids to 1 teacher, will hopefully benifit him. I can't beleive the school didn't pick up on this and they kept telling you it was normal at his age... I would ask for a substanitally smaller classroom, and make sure you stress to them, that you want learning disabled, not mentally disabled, you don't want his behaviors to go back into effect if he is in a mentaly disabled classroom, which around here in Boston, they do mix them in. I am really happy for you that you are now at least on the right track of getting him the help he needs.

[lillian]

Aren't advocates part of the center where he was tested? Or doesn't the center refer you to advocates? I thought I remembered something like that. If so, I would confer with one before writing to the school or turning the information over to the school.

[katiekat]

They will help us along yes. She told us yesterday that we should put in writing what we want. Then if they do not agree we should go to mediation. If that does not work we would then go to a due process hearing. She encouraged us to stay in contact with her and call if we need anything. But still I am not sure exactly what I am asking for. Would I just list their recommendations as things that I want to be implemented? Are these things that be can included in his 504 plan or am I requesting an IEP?