Never, Never Ask This Question at a Parent-Teacher Conference
Should You Ask This Question at a Parent-Teacher Conference?
As your child progresses through school, there may be times when they are not advancing as expected. Despite receiving extra support, participating in remediation programs, and attending intervention groups, progress remains minimal. Naturally, you begin considering alternatives. At the next parent-teacher conference, you plan to ask an important question: Does my child need special education? You want what is best for your child and believe smaller classes and specialized instruction might be the answer.
Why Not?
Taking a proactive stance in your child’s education is commendable. However, asking your child’s teacher this question is not advisable. Most likely, you will not receive an answer but rather a referral to the school psychologist.
The reason? Teachers are prohibited from making determinations about a child’s learning abilities. They are not licensed to diagnose or assess whether a student requires special education services. If a teacher were to provide an opinion on this matter, they could face disciplinary action from their school district. At best, they may receive a firm warning, as only a licensed psychologist can make such evaluations. Because of this, a teacher will—and should—refer you to the school psychologist through a written request.
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The Role of the School Psychologist
A trained school psychologist will handle the evaluation process. To determine whether a child qualifies for special education, they consider various factors, including:
The child’s IQ
Past test scores
Classroom behavior
These elements are thoroughly analyzed before any formal decisions are made.
What You Should Do Instead
If you believe your child is not meeting academic expectations and want to explore the possibility of special education services, submit a written request to the school principal or school psychologist. This ensures that your concerns are formally documented and the appropriate evaluation process is initiated.
Final Thoughts
Advocating for your child’s education is crucial, but knowing the proper steps can make the process smoother and more effective. Rather than asking a teacher directly, take the formal route to ensure your child gets the support they need.
Education Staff Writer
Oh, D. D., & Pomerantz, E. M. (2022). Parent–teacher conferences: Teachers’ information provision and parents’ involvement in children’s schooling. Merrill-Palmer Quarterly
