So, My Child Has Been Recommended for Testing - What Do I Do Now?Written by Sandy Gauvin
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Realize that when you talk about these things with teacher, it does not mean that you are complaining about your child, or that you think he is "bad". What you’re really doing is discussing facts of what is actually going on, or not going on, with his learning. You‘re trying to help him. You’re acting in his best interest. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about anything you don't understand. The teachers will not think you are stupid or inadequate. The area of Learning Disabilities can be very confusing and overwhelming to anyone, and it is best that you understand what is going on right from beginning. That way you can make an intelligent decision regarding your child's future. It is important to find out what will happen once you give permission to have your child tested. The special education teacher will be able to explain referral and testing process to you. Use her as a resource to answer any questions you might have and explain anything you don’t understand. That way you can be informed and help your child through process as well. Know your child’s rights from beginning. When process begins, you will be sent a copy of your child’s rights. If you don’t understand them, or if you suspect that a right is being compromised, don’t hesitate to speak to special education teacher, principal, or special education director. These are things you can do to help your child and yourself through referral process. They are all part of being informed so you can advocate for your child, and so you can make sure he receives best services possible in order for him to have a successful, happy, productive future. Remember, it’s in your hands! For more plain talk about learning disabilities, please visit us at www.ldperspectives.com.
Sandy Gauvin is a retired educator who has seen learning disabilities from many perspectives - as the parent of a daughter with learning disabilities, as the teacher of children with learning disabilities, and as an advocate for others who have diagnosed and unrecognized learning disabilities. Sandy shares her wisdom and her resources at www.LDPerspectives.com
| | Becoming Informed About Your LD Child’s Strengths and WeaknessesWritten by Sandy Gauvin
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Providing an opportunity for positive, open communication with her teachers and other professionals that work with her allow you to get a picture of her strengths and we. There may be times when there will be disagreement, but these issues can always be worked out. Listen to opinions of others on team. And don’t be afraid to add your viewpoints. It is only through this honest, open communication that you will be able to see total picture of your child’s strengths and weaknesses. To get a good picture of her academic strengths and weaknesses, school is place to go. As your child’s parent, you are entitled to have access to her records at school. You have probably received copies of that information, but you do have right to view what is in her records in school office. Past and current report cards give you some information, as do any notes, reports, etc., that have been written by her teachers. The results of special education testing are also great indicators of what she does easily and what she struggles with. All this information should be in her school file. If you don’t understand what those results or reports are trying to say, talk with special education professionals who do understand it. Remember, your child is not just a partial person. She is not just made up of weaknesses. She is a whole person. Her strengths are a large part of her. Value her strengths; work with her on her weaknesses. But you can’t do either of these things unless you know what they are. Take charge. Find out. For more plain talk about learning disabilities, please visit us at www.ldperspectives.com.
Sandy Gauvin is a retired educator who has seen learning disabilities from many perspectives - as the parent of a daughter with learning disabilities, as the teacher of children with learning disabilities, and as an advocate for others who have diagnosed and unrecognized learning disabilities. Sandy shares her wisdom and her resources at www.LDPerspectives.com
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