First of all, the school does not want to Pay for an evaluation. Personally, I had the school psychologist do an evaluation, and went to my pediatrician for evaluation at the same time for comparison purposes. I was lucky. They both agreed and were very thorough. Not always the case after the 1st time son was in K. Since then, I have had evaluations, but they wouldn't do an IEP, only 504 (which didn't do much to get homework home, done, and turned in; or tests completed and/or passed).

Schools try to get out of doing anything extra for our 'special' kids because they can. The regulations/laws for NCLB (No Child Left Behind) state by law that the school has a responsibility to provide an in-district psychological review when requested (in writing--keep copies) by parent/guardian within a 60-day period of request. Remind them it is the law (NCLB §§300.XXX all).

Insert NCLB & IEP & 504 into search area under Google and you can find law in sites listed there.

If they think you know all that the law entails (whether or not you do at this point) (it's actually interesting reading what schools are required to do for our kids), it is usually a kick in the pants to get them moving.

If you can, go to your local Learning Disabled center or AD(H)D group and see if there are advocates that can help you. I have more knowledge than most administrators and teachers that I have dealt with. They don't believe, don't want to actually implement the adjustments, and under §504 (don't have to). If you can get an IEP for your child, they have to -- by law-- follow the requirements for your child.

I finally have an advocate and am learning even more as meetings are held. What a difference when the administrators, counselors, psychologists, teachers have to deal with someone who is actually aware of how much power parents can wield in these meetings!!! The school will beg you to put your child on an IEP in the end.

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Insist on an assessment - it is your right. On the other hand, if you can afford it, private is always faster and often better. In order for your child to do well, everyone has to be on the same page. An assessment will tell you what needs your child has and what strategies are most likely to help. To go without one is like saying that you know your child doesn't see that well but not going for an eye test because you don't believe it will change anything. Give your child every possible advantage by learning as much as you can.

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