Just write a letter to the administrator and/or school psychologist of your assessment request and outline your concerns.

It does not need to be a well-researched masterpiece; you want to get the ball rolling.

You can also request an outline of the district's policies and procedures in this regard - it will allow you to make sure you are speaking the same language and understand, in their own documentation, what they should be doing.

Cite the doctor's diagnosis, but understand, that without formal assessment data, it will not necessarily be given a lot of weight. If the doctor provided assessment data, it will be more powerful.

I like to send things Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation. I know when it was delivered, but I don't need to wait for a signature --- I can just check online.

By law, there needs to be a response within 15-days.

Given the age and as a 1st time referral, a referral to Response-to-Intervention (RTI) program is a legal, ethical, and appropriate response.

What will be the critical question is if their Student Study Team (SST) - or whatever they call them - actually uses a really viable RTI program... or if they just shuffle paperwork and delay the inevitable.

In my area, the elementary schools vary greatly. We have a few model, pilot RTI programs... and some that are pretty worthless.

http://askdreric-schoolpsychologist.blogspot.com/

Quote

Hi all and thanks SO much for all the advice! I wrote a letter using the one a couple people suggested on this site and combined it with another I found on the internet. I sent them to the principal, teacher and director of special education services at the district. The NEXT DAY the principal left a message on my voicemail saying the school psych will be calling me soon. Let's hope they are that quick during the whole process. If anyone ever needs a sample letter feel free to ask me. I think mine was pretty good and specifically outlined what my concerns are and what I want.

Quote