Teachers can also institute strategies to help in the classroom based on specific problems as well as provide ideas for parents to help children at home. Teachers can provide information on how your child is doing in school compared to other students, however, teachers are not able to diagnose learning disabilities.
Request an Evaluation
A parent has the right to request an evaluation of their child for learning disabilities. This request should be in writing and should be directed to the principal of the school. (If your child is in a private school, you are still eligible for an evaluation to be completed by the school your child would attend, if he or she attended a public school).
A request for an evaluation should include:
- Your child’s name, age and grade
- Your specific request (such as “I am requesting the school district evaluate my child for learning disabilities.)
- Why you are requesting an evaluation
- Examples of your child’s work
- Any additional information you believe would be helpful
Once the school receives your request for an evaluation, the school is required to respond and let the parent know if they believe an evaluation is warranted. If an evaluation is deemed necessary, special education professionals will complete it. If an evaluation is not considered to be necessary, you will receive information regarding the reasons for the denial, as well as information on how to appeal the decision.
Private Evaluations
Parents have the right to have a private evaluation done at any time. This can be costly, however, some parents feel it is necessary, prefer the evaluation be done outside of school or have a private evaluation done because they do not agree with the results of a school evaluation.
Developing Strategies
Based on specific areas a child is struggling, parents can work together with teachers to help develop strategies to help a child succeed. Many teachers are willing to make modifications and accommodations in the classroom, even before an evaluation is completed. Some strategies can include: