Navigating School Testing and Support When Your Child is Struggling
When a child is having difficulties in school, it can be a stressful and overwhelming time for both parents and students. If the school suggests testing, many parents feel a surge of anxiety, fearing that it could signal something fundamentally wrong with their child. However, testing is a valuable tool for understanding how best to support your child’s unique learning needs. The goal is to help your child succeed, and testing can be a positive step toward identifying the right strategies and resources.
Educational experts like Pamela and Pete Wright of WrightsLaw.com emphasize that schools are legally obligated to support students who may have a disability. When school staff suspect a disability, they have a duty to act on behalf of the child. Here’s what you need to know about the laws governing school-based testing, what to expect during the process, and how you can advocate for your child.
Key Laws Protecting Students with Disabilities
Two primary laws protect students with disabilities in the United States and ensure they receive appropriate support:
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504)
Section 504 ensures that public schools provide a “free appropriate public education” (FAPE) to every student with a disability. This law is broad and applies to any student with a disability, regardless of the type or severity.
Under Section 504, schools must offer accommodations and modifications that enable students with disabilities to access the general education curriculum. Accommodations might include things like extended time on tests, modified assignments, or preferential seating.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA provides a framework for schools to identify, assess, and support children with disabilities. For children under the age of 2, this might involve early intervention services, while for students between the ages of 3 and 21, IDEA mandates access to special education services when appropriate.
IDEA also requires schools to use a structured assessment process to determine whether a child has a disability that qualifies for special education. The definition of disability and what qualifies can vary, but once a child is eligible, the school must provide an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Taking the First Steps: Communicating with the School
When the school recommends testing, your first step is to have a conversation with them about their specific concerns. Here’s what to focus on in that discussion:
Understand the School’s Concerns: Ask for specifics about what the school has observed and what types of testing they are considering. Testing can range from assessments of academic skills and intelligence to evaluations of behavioral or emotional challenges.
Know the Types of Testing Available: Schools conduct various tests, such as cognitive tests to assess learning strengths and weaknesses, achievement tests to measure academic skills, and behavioral assessments to understand social or emotional difficulties.
Consider Classroom Interventions: Not all testing leads to a formal diagnosis or a label. In some cases, classroom-based interventions may be enough to help your child succeed without further special education services.
Moving Forward with the IEP Process
If the school’s testing determines that your child has a disability that requires special education, they will work with you to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP process is a collaborative effort, and parental involvement is crucial to ensure your child receives appropriate support.
Participate Actively in IEP Meetings: The IEP meeting includes teachers, special education staff, and, often, other specialists who have assessed your child. Your input as a parent is essential.
Understand the Interventions and Goals: The IEP will specify the types of interventions your child will receive, such as small-group instruction or physical therapy, depending on their needs.
Ask Questions and Advocate for Your Child: Feel free to ask for clarification or express concerns if certain parts of the IEP don’t seem suitable for your child.
Parent Rights and Options
As a parent, you have rights throughout the testing and support process:
Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE): You have the right to seek a second opinion through an Independent Educational Evaluation if you disagree with the school’s assessment.
Right to Refuse Testing: You are not obligated to agree to any testing. However, testing can provide insights that may help your child succeed in the classroom.
Support for Private School Students: Even if your child attends a private school, they may still have access to certain supports through the state.
For more information on your rights and advocacy resources, the Center for Parent Information and Resources offers helpful guidance. Additionally, most states have Parent Centers that can provide answers about the IEP process, Section 504, and other aspects of special education.
Next Steps and Long-Term Success
The goal of school-based testing and interventions is to help your child learn in the most effective way possible. Keep the following steps in mind:
Maintain Open Communication: Stay in regular contact with your child’s teachers and the special education team.
Monitor Progress and Reassess as Needed: Be involved in IEP reviews to determine whether goals are being met.
Advocate for Your Child: If you feel additional supports or services are needed, don’t hesitate to speak up.
Conclusion
School testing can initially feel intimidating, but it’s a step toward understanding and supporting your child’s unique learning needs. By knowing your rights, communicating openly with the school, and participating actively in the IEP process, you can help create a positive and empowering educational experience for your child. Remember, the ultimate goal is to foster an environment where your child feels understood, supported, and capable of reaching their full potential.
Education Staff Writer
U.S. Department of Education. (2017). A guide to the Individualized Education Program (IEP)
