IEPs and testing

[VBCaroline]

I just read the recent posts about documenting disabilities in order to get special accomodations for the SAT. We were recently advised to get an IEP from the public school for my daughter, even though she would not receive any services from them. She has nonverbal learning disability, and she requires extra time to complete work due to slow processing speeds and fine motor issues. This doctor recently had some patients who were denied accomodations because they had no IEP or an IEP that had not been in place for a long period of time.

Assuming that the school would agree to an IEP, would it be worth the effort to get one? Has anyone had success with this?
Thanks.
Caroline

[Dobela]

Personally,I wouldn't want an IEP from the school. In our state and IEP means that we have to meet with the school more and involve them more. I just don't want that.

We paid for psychological testing in part due to realizing our son would need accomodations in standardiszed testing. In her report she has a list of recommendations that include testing accomodations. In our state, all we need is her report. Have you called your state organization or HSLDA for the laws in your area?

[VBCaroline]

No, I haven't called anyone yet. I would rather not get involved with the school again. Just trying to keep all doors open for my dd. We live in VA.
Caroline

[EKS]

Just get a 504. That way she'll get extra time on tests. I'm using my son's 504 to justify extra time on the standardized tests he takes currently (like the ITBS). The College Board requires documentation that shows that the kid not only needs accommodations, but that she has been using them regularly.

[VBCaroline]

Kai,
I've heard of a 504, but I don't know how it is different from an IEP. Would I go through the same channels to get one?
What if using a keyboard is much easier for her than writing? Would a 504 allow for this?
Thanks,
Caroline

[momtotkbb]

Here are some sites you might want to read to see the difference bet/ IEP and 504 plan:

www.slc.sevier.org/iepv504.htm
www.ldonline.org/article/Understanding_the_Differences_Between_IDEA_and_Sec tion_504

Essentially a 504 plan comes from Sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Plan which requires entities that receive fed financial assistance to provide accommodations to persons with disabilities. Under 504 more people are covered than under an IEP which is required under IDEA (formally PL 94-142 Free an Appropriate Public Education). Often times within the pub school setting you will see kids who have been discharged from Spec ED (esp at the Jr. High/High school level) that request a 504 plan. Also, with a 504 plan the parent/student has to make the request for accommodations and frankly the majority of parents aren't informed about the option.

A 504 plan is set up for those individuals who do not require Spec Ed instruction ---they simply require accommodations such as exam readers, extended time for in-class writing assignments and exams, note-takers, sign-language interpreters, the ability to tape record lectures, etc. 504 also includes those persons with medical disabilities --such as people with severe asthma, diabetes, etc. that might require some modifications in scheduling, etc.

Historically 504 plans were more common at the college level and many pub schools did not believe or want to acknowledge that 504 included them. Some people will say that a 504 is not legally binding --however, the Office of Civil Rights would differ with that interpretation as well as those entities that have have complaints filed or been sued over lack of accommodations under 504.

I can tell you how we handle it in our situation --first I will not utilize the pub school ---I've been in the pub schools, I've been a college adm, I've been a private advocate for Ld/ADHD kids within the pub school and I won't utilize them for determining services. So my view may be clouded.

We have an accountability group that I'm required to submit my plans to homeschool and how I plan to address the required coursework. I also include their private evals that show that they have special needs (in our case those that are of compulsory attendance---1 dx gifted/LD/ADHD/SPD; 1 dx LD/ probable OCD). I then make up my own list showing what accommodations they will be provided in our homeschool setting - for example:

____ will be allowed extended time for all in-class writing assignments, quizzes, exams, and standardized testing.
____ will not be penalized for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors for written assignments, tests, etc. when a proof-reader has not been supplied.
____ will be allowed to narrate or tape record longer written assignments.
____ will continue to work on keyboarding skills to gain profeciency needed to allow him/her to type any written work.
____ will be provided books on tape, an exam reader, and/or have material read aloud to him that does not specifically test reading skills.
____ will be allowed a scribe to fill in the answer sheets for tests requiring the completion of "bubble" answer sheets.


You get the idea.

I keep a copy in my files and then I send one in to my accountability group. I also document when my dc take oral exams, do workbooks orally, etc.

[VBCaroline]

Thank you for the links. I see that the 504 would be most appropriate for our situation. I may give it a try with the school and see where we get with it.
I appreciate everyone's responses.
Caroline