Having problems with message search?
Kim,
The “official”
rule is testing every three years or yearly at school or parent request. You are within your rights to request
the testing and the school is required to complete the testing or file due
process. Keep in mind that the
individuals in your IEP meeting only know what they have been
told or what has happened in the past. Gently educate as you pursue getting
what your child needs. Go to www.wrightslaw.com and google “letter
to a stranger.” This will
assist you with putting your request in writing and getting the appropriate
steps taken. Be aware that there is
not a timeline for reevaluations … you will want to make sure you get a
commitment to the timeframe in the meeting minutes or in another form. Initial evaluations have a very specific
timeline of 60 calendar days. In
your situation, I have seen schools indicate that they can take up to two years
to complete. Unacceptable!! I always insist that reevaluations be completed within
the same 60 day timeline.
Feel free to
call me if you want someone to talk to … you are to far from me to
personally assist but I might could give you some
pointers J
I am unaware
of any assessments that have timelines of longer than one year for reassessment
as far as affecting the validity of the testing. No matter the area be assessed, there
are multiple testing measures that psychologists have to choose from to
evaluate the area.
Also, what is the reason you are seeking reevaluation … this is
important if the school does decide to deny your request. In order to write a good request letter .. your reasons for requesting the evaluation need to be
clear and convincing.
(2) Reevaluations.48
(A) In General. A local educational agency shall ensure that a
reevaluation of
each child with a disability
is conducted in accordance with subsections
(b) and (c)–
(i) if the local educational agency determines
that the educational or related services needs, including
improved academic achievement and functional
performance, of the child warrant a reevaluation; or
(ii) if the child’s parents49 or teacher requests a
reevaluation.
(B) Limitation. A reevaluation conducted under subparagraph
(A) shall
occur–
(i) not more
frequently than once a year, unless the parent and the local
educational agency agree
otherwise; and
(ii) at least once every 3 years, unless the parent and the local
educational agency agree that a reevaluation
is unnecessary.50
Sandra Riggs
Advocate
and Educational Consultant
328
Old Farm Road;
770-402-2402
sandrariggs@...
www.advocateandeducationalconsultant.com
CONFIDENTIAL AND
PRIVILEGED
Information contained in this communication is confidential and privileged. It
is not meant to represent legal or medical advice, but rather advice given
based on my knowledge as the parent of four children with disabilities, a trained
Parent Advocate by the GA Advocacy Office, a member of the Council of Parent
Advocates & Attorneys, training received from Pete Wright on Special
Education Law and Advocacy and my experience as a certified teacher in the
State of Georgia for 7 years. Please do not forward without my
permission.
From:
Sent: Saturday, November 08, 2008
9:11 AM
To:
Subject: [opengaautism]
reevaluation for son - question
My son is 7 years old and is autistic. He was last evaluated by the
school he attended in CT in May 2006. We moved back to GA in 2007 (my
husband retired then from the military). According to the local
school, he is not due for a 3-year evaluation until 2010, because that
is 3 years from the time that we had our first IEP here in GA and he
did not have any evaluations done at that time. I thought that the
reevaluation had to be done 3 years from the time of the last
evaluations, which would make the reevluation due by May 2009 not July
2010. I know I may write a letter requesting that this be corrected.
We had an IEP yesterday and I requested that my son be reevaluated. I
was told by the LEA that she would have to ask the school psychologist
because some tests/assessments would not be valid if they were
performed less than 3 years ago. His last testing was done in May
2006. I do not understand this. Will someone please help me? We live
in the southeastern part of GA and have no resources to go to for
help. My meeting with the school psychologist is next Friday and I
want to be prepared. Thank you in advance for your help.
Offline 
Send Email