Understanding the Evaluation

Know what to expect when your child is tested for learning disabilities.

If your child is struggling and you suspect a pattern of difficulties, rather than an isolated

instance, speak first with your child's teacher and other school authorities about your concerns. Also, have your child's hearing and vision tested (by your pediatrician, and an audiologist or ophthalmologist).

School policies vary, but most districts will first test your child for discrepancy between his IQ (intelligence, as determined by standardized tests) and his achievement in the classroom. If a discrepancy is not found, your child will not qualify for special services. You should, however,

check into remedial or general academic help if you are still concerned about his progress.

If a discrepancy does exist, the next step is the more comprehensive educational evaluation.

Again, this testing is free through the school district, or you can pay to have it done privately.

In some school districts, the wait for testing may be long, and the road could be littered with bureaucratic hurdles and even inaccurate labels that your child can't shake. It may be quicker

and easier (though certainly more expensive) to go the private route.

The Cast of Characters
Test-Day Details
Next Steps

The Cast of Characters
In your quest to make sure your child gets the education he deserves, you'll meet a variety of professionals. Be sure to ask for references from people you trust: other parents who have been down this road; your pediatrician; the school principal; or the school's resource room advisor.

Make an appointment for a consultation. If you don't get the answers you're seeking or are not comfortable with the expert, find another one. You may encounter these specialists:

Test-Day Details
The battery of tests your child will be given evaluate skills such as phonemic awareness,

letter recognition, vocabulary, listening comprehension, and reading ability. Depending on

your child's age, they are usually given over a two-day period, for two to three hours at a time. Parents are not allowed in the room, so set your child's expectations appropriately. Tell her that

she will be meeting with some people who are going to try to help her, and reassure her that she

will not be punished or graded on her performance.

The evaluation doesn't end with these tests. It also includes direct observations of your child's classroom work and behavior, conferences with professionals who work with your child, and reviews of his medical and educational progress to date. After testing is completed, you will

receive a written evaluation that will include summaries of all the results and an analysis of

what they mean. Again, if the results don't answer your questions, keep asking.

Next Steps
Now you will begin to work with teachers and school professionals to hammer out an

Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP outlines a diagnosis, specific short-

and long-term goals, as well as what the school will do to help your child reach them. If the

school can't provide the services your child needs, it is responsible for finding, and funding,

a private school that can.