Lillian - about previous testing

[unicorn]

This goes along with your comment in the report card thread. I have had private testing done before. It was done March thru April 2005. So Tiff would have been 5. The reading tests were done in '06. The tests in '05 were done by a psychologist with expertise in this area. Some of the tests she did were verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, processing speed, intelligence test, reading composite, math composite, written language composite, oral language composite, a wide range achievement test, and a behavioral assessment. She has had audiological assessments, speech/language evaluations.

So with all that everyone has always said she doesn't need an IEP. Are these the same tests that she should have done again? And do I just submit something in writing for the school to test her? Or what exactly should I ask them to do now?

[jfla]

Before exiting someone on an IEP, I would ask for updated testing. I haven't read the reprt card thread but happened on this one. In our district, I think they can't test more frequently than two years. Private psyches have said that too.

[charliegirl]

Lillian isn't ignoring you, she started her vacation a couple of days ago. If you can hold on for a week or so she will be back and then I'm sure she will answer you.

[unicorn]

Thanks I knew that but forgot if that makes sense.

I had a conference with Tiffanys teachers this morning. They said it is like Tiffany has gotten so frustrated that she has given up. They said they can even see it in her eyes. They said if she can hold her own, even if she comes out with all C's last quarter that she will be ok. One of them did suggest thinking about having her retested and possibly some modifications in writing for 4th grade. So I am going to look into it with the Special Education teachers that I have relationships with so far.

[misty]

Uni, When I wanted Shannon retested I sent a letter in writing to the school. I sent it return receipt requested so they could not procrastinate. I actually sent it to the district's special ed dept. They actually caught the 2nd LD (the lang arts LD), which the private testing a year & a half before, hadn't caught.

[charliegirl]

I think its a great idea to share what you have with the SPED teachers you know and ask their advice.

Its so hard on a child when things have gotten to the point that they give up. Did the teacher say why she has waited until the end of the school year to tell you this? She must have noticed it was happening before now.

[unicorn]

Both her teachers said that they just noticed recently that Tiff isn't the same in class. They were chalking it up to Spring Fever and having the time off for Spring Break, but since I mentioned what I have been seeing, they decided that it maybe frustration and just giving up on things. Who knows, they most likely would have never said anything if I didn't request a conference!

[lillian]

((((First, many hugs to Tiff and you))))

I find it interesting that Tiff appears to have given up after summer school has been mentioned. I wonder, if she was told she didn't have to go to summer school, would she perk up again? When my son was Tiff's age, this was the worst time of year. We dealt with out-and-out school refusal his third grade year, then a lot of somatic complaints, whining, crying, throwing away homework, etc., his fourth and fifth grade years. His sixth grade year, he would come home exhausted and sleep, sleep, sleep after school, but he did not complain and ask to stay home. This year, his seventh grade year, he recently said, "I am so sick of all this. The schools have it backwards. They should do the really hard stuff at the beginning of the year when the kid has the energy for it, not at the end of the year, when the kid is burnt out." It's amazing when your child with a history of struggling in school finally reaches an age where he can verbalize those struggles!!!

As far as testing is concerned, by law it is supposed to be done every three years. In addition, for a child to get an IEP for a Specific Learning Disability at the age of five, when Tiff was first tested, the child often has to be very, very low. Personally, I've never met a child who was labeled with an SLD at five, so part of me wants to say it doesn't happen, but "never say never." The amount of academic knowledge Tiff will be tested on today compared to what she was tested on at five is huge.

As far as writing is concerned, beware! You want her to be given The Test of Written Language (TOWL) and a thorough OT evaluation, which should include an assessment of letter formation and spacing, copying off the overhead and board, taking notes auditorily, pencil grip, eye tracking, and a good norm referenced visual/motor integration test, like the Beery. Do not let them use a standard achievement test alone, for it is a minimal assessment, particularly at her age.

[bugsmom]

lillian said:

As far as writing is concerned, beware! You want her to be given The Test of Written Language (TOWL) and a thorough OT evaluation, which should include an assessment of letter formation and spacing, copying off the overhead and board, taking notes auditorily, pencil grip, eye tracking, and a good norm referenced visual/motor integration test, like the Beery. Do not let them use a standard achievement test alone, for it is a minimal assessment, particularly at her age.

Thanks for this infor Lillian...I would have never known to request a specific test. I will be getting testing for LD's for Josh over the summer and this was very helpful.

Uni, my Josh also had a school year where he had just given up. In his 4th grade year our life was a nightmare. He had an evil teacher with no idea how to deal with an ADHD child, work that was getting harder by the day, and by the end of the third quarter he had just given up. I understand your concern and feel your anxiety. I think Lillian is on to something with the summer school factor. She probably feels that this year of school is never going to end.

Hang in there...I know that it is hard. Your doing all the right things. Tiffs a lucky girl! (((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))))))

[lcdc1]

My oldest in 7th grade is also being hammered with a lot of homework and work in class because the teachers have to cram everything they were supposed to cover in. It is crazy for the kid right now and she is also exhausted with school.

Lillian is so right on the testing thing from my perspective. I had my child tested by the school and they use that general test. When there was not enough discrepancy showing up, I requested in writing, that they perform a more thourough test involving only math and that is when everyone's eyes were opened to her issues in school, hence the IEP she is on now.

You as parents know where your child might struggle, so I would advise that you are specific and share this up front and talk about the different testing and what it means. Good Luck.