Officially requesting testing from the ps

[Cadam]

I can't afford the IQ testing and our insurance won't cover it because they say it's "educational" so the ps is my last shot. There is about a 98% chance they will turn me down because we homeschool but.... How do I officially make the request? Anyone done this before?

[hsmamainva]

I have another option for you to pursue!

When my oldest was 4 years old, we lived in Maryland, and I wanted to have her IQ tested and I contacted the local health department. They had a psychologist on staff who was willing to administer the test at no charge (I had a referral / recommendation from my daughter's pediatrician that it be done)

Therefore, I didn't have to deal with the public school system at all.

I'm not sure if this is an option for you, as I'm sure state laws differ, but it would definitely be worth a phone call to ask about it.

[Jenny in Florida]

Our local district told us they wouldn't put forth the effort and expense to pay for IQ testing unless we promised we would enroll our daughter in the school's gifted program.

We had no intention of doing so and didn't want to lie, so we didn't get the testing done.

[JFS in IL]

Use the tips here: http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/Letter_to_Stranger.html

this is from Wrightslaw website - they are the mavens of navigating Special Ed. law and standing up for the rights of your kidlet. Great, dense website. I linked you to the page on how to write a letter that can get results. You may find more info you can use at Wrigthslaw.

[Mandamom]

tested by the public schools and we continued homeschooling for another couple of years.

I called my local middle school that he would have been attending and spoke with one of the guidance counselors. She then gave me the name of the coordinator that worked with alternative education (including home and hospital, child find, infants and toddlers, etc.) and I gave him a call and explained my situation. Since according to IDEA a verbal request for testing is enough he collected my information and we began the process.

DS had to go to the local middle school for testing and they did IQ and achievement testing. He later attended the school as a student.

If he had qualified for services I would have had to enroll him in school but since all I wanted was testing I just did the testing and listened to them explain the results (which was my only problem with the whole thing). I ended up getting someone else who was experienced to review the results (happened to be my mom) and I was able to get information from that which explained what things I needed to put more effort on and what things he was way ahead on that I could relax.

That was my experience. I hope yours is similar.

[Cadam]

So a verbal request is enough? What do I ask for? She has SPD but the IQ testing would be in regards to possible giftedness. I emailed the TAG secretary but haven't gotten any response.

[JFS in IL]

So a verbal request is enough? What do I ask for? She has SPD but the IQ testing would be in regards to possible giftedness. I emailed the TAG secretary but haven't gotten any response.

A verbal request is to easy for the school to ignore. SEND A LETTER and keep a copy - also send it return receipt requested OR walk it into the school and hand deliver it.

Please visit the Wrightslaw website before you do much else. You need to start a good paper trail.

[elizam]

I have been told the school does not test for giftedness or LDs unless the child is enrolled. I've also been told that is illegal and that I probably wasn't talking to the right person!

Definitely request it in writing!

[Cadam]

I have been looking at wrightslaw but I can not easily tell if the ps is legally required to test children not enrolled. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I left a message today and I will write a letter but I want to know what exactly I am asking for and what they are legally required to do. Am I just at their whim or do they really have to test her?

[Kathy in MD]

I have been told the school does not test for giftedness or LDs unless the child is enrolled. I've also been told that is illegal and that I probably wasn't talking to the right person!

Definitely request it in writing!

My understanding is that is a federal law that all toddlers and preschoolers be offered some testing upon WRITTEN request and corrective therapy (ST and maybe a few others) if needed.

It is left to the state or the local school system's discretion whether they'll offer it to private school and home school students.

[Cadam]

If they are not required to test her then I will bet they won't. It's worth a letter though.

[EKS]

In the letter I would stress that you are seeking testing because of "issues" rather than giftedness. At least in Washington, they are required to test any child residing in the district if the parent suspects that the child has problems. I have actually heard that it can be for any reason but don't know that for a fact.

[Cadam]

In the letter I would stress that you are seeking testing because of "issues" rather than giftedness. At least in Washington, they are required to test any child residing in the district if the parent suspects that the child has problems. I have actually heard that it can be for any reason but don't know that for a fact.

I will keep that in mind. She already has been dx. with SPD so maybe that will help.