May 8, 2017 | By: Becky Tarwater
Categories: Education & Schools
Every school district is required to assess children for school services. Many children with disabilities or special health care needs qualify for services through Special Education or Section 504. Here are ways families can work with their school district to get educational services for their children, starting with an evaluation.
If you think your child qualifies for school services, you may ask for an evaluation. It is best to make the request in a letter. The letter should include your request for an evaluation and a limit of 5 school days for the school to set up an appointment for you to sign a consent. The timeline starts once you have signed the consent. The school has 60 calendar days to complete the testing. If you do not agree with the results, you may ask the school for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)—to be paid for by the school.
You will meet with the school in an ARD meeting to decide if your child qualifies for special education services. If you and the school do not agree, you may ask for mediation or due process through Texas Education Agency. If you have questions about that process, call the TEA Parent Hotline number at 512-463-9720. If the school district asks to stop your child’s special education services, and you do not agree, you may also request mediation or due process.
It is important to learn ways to help get your child get what they need. These quick tips may help.
Remember that schools and families can work together and that parents are the best experts on their children.
For more information about Texas Special Education Legal Framework to framework.esc18.net/display/Webforms/LandingPage.aspx.
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