Testing question mcps re learning difficulty

[Anonymous]

Hi. Could someone tell me what MCPS can test for in elementary school if a child is struggling with academics? I know they cannot diagnose anything, or do a neuropsych evaluation for example, but what exactly can they identify to get any additional assistance in school related to learning? I asked the principal and she did not clarify. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi. Could someone tell me what MCPS can test for in elementary school if a child is struggling with academics? I know they cannot diagnose anything, or do a neuropsych evaluation for example, but what exactly can they identify to get any additional assistance in school related to learning? I asked the principal and she did not clarify. Thank you!

The fact we have principals who can't ask basic and essential questions like this is pathetic. MCPS admin criminally get away with being incompetent in core areas of their job. This has to change.

[Anonymous]

What sort of struggles? Are you suspecting some kind of disability?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi. Could someone tell me what MCPS can test for in elementary school if a child is struggling with academics? I know they cannot diagnose anything, or do a neuropsych evaluation for example, but what exactly can they identify to get any additional assistance in school related to learning? I asked the principal and she did not clarify. Thank you!

The fact that we have principals who can't answer basic and essential questions like this is pathetic. MCPS admin criminally get away with being incompetent in core areas of their job. This has to change.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What sort of struggles? Are you suspecting some kind of disability?

Appears to need a lot of help with writing answers/answering reading comprehension questions. Getting started on a writing assignment, needs the teacher to sit with them to get started and a lot of guidance. Also does not do great in math.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What sort of struggles? Are you suspecting some kind of disability?

And still struggles at times in "decoding" words

[Anonymous]

OP, you will probably get more helpful info on the special needs forum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi. Could someone tell me what MCPS can test for in elementary school if a child is struggling with academics? I know they cannot diagnose anything, or do a neuropsych evaluation for example, but what exactly can they identify to get any additional assistance in school related to learning? I asked the principal and she did not clarify. Thank you!

The fact we have principals who can't ask basic and essential questions like this is pathetic. MCPS admin criminally get away with being incompetent in core areas of their job. This has to change.

+1. Or the counselors. They will just tell you to get a NPsych eval. We all know that but the question is regarding additional assistance in school.

[Anonymous]

You write a letter to the principal requesting an IEP meeting to start the process due to a suspected learning disability. If the letter is in writing, they are required to hold a meeting.

They will call a meeting quite quickly (I think they have 30 days). At the meeting prepare to show them your data- old report cards, writing samples, math samples, emails from last year' teacher about not being able to start without her, etc... This will be your time to make your case and teams can be challenging so do not call the meeting until you've had time to do your homework!

At the meeting, you will come to a team decision (with the school's opinion weighing stronger than yours whether you like it or not) as to whether there is enough evidence that there is a potential learning disability to move forward.

If you move forward, you will discuss what type of testing the school team will complete. This is done completely free of charge.

After any testing, you will come back together to determine if the testing showed a disability and how to move forward with support.

All this said, it is a lot quicker and easier to get support with private testing, so consider the best way forward.

[Anonymous]

If you request an evaluation for special education, the school psychologist can assess for educational disabilities. There are 13 categories, including specific learning disabilities. This evaluation will determine if your child qualifies for special education.

Also in response to another poster - I disagree that's its "quicker and easier to get support with private testing." Waitlists for private evals are much longer than the timeline schools are required to complete their evals in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you request an evaluation for special education, the school psychologist can assess for educational disabilities. There are 13 categories, including specific learning disabilities. This evaluation will determine if your child qualifies for special education.

Also in response to another poster - I disagree that's its "quicker and easier to get support with private testing." Waitlists for private evals are much longer than the timeline schools are required to complete their evals in.

Do you know what the 13 categories are?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You write a letter to the principal requesting an IEP meeting to start the process due to a suspected learning disability. If the letter is in writing, they are required to hold a meeting.

They will call a meeting quite quickly (I think they have 30 days). At the meeting prepare to show them your data- old report cards, writing samples, math samples, emails from last year' teacher about not being able to start without her, etc... This will be your time to make your case and teams can be challenging so do not call the meeting until you've had time to do your homework!

At the meeting, you will come to a team decision (with the school's opinion weighing stronger than yours whether you like it or not) as to whether there is enough evidence that there is a potential learning disability to move forward.

If you move forward, you will discuss what type of testing the school team will complete. This is done completely free of charge.

After any testing, you will come back together to determine if the testing showed a disability and how to move forward with support.

All this said, it is a lot quicker and easier to get support with private testing, so consider the best way forward.

Do both of these. Request and iep and get private testing at the same time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you request an evaluation for special education, the school psychologist can assess for educational disabilities. There are 13 categories, including specific learning disabilities. This evaluation will determine if your child qualifies for special education.

Also in response to another poster - I disagree that's its "quicker and easier to get support with private testing." Waitlists for private evals are much longer than the timeline schools are required to complete their evals in.

Do you know what the 13 categories are?

Autism, deaf, deaf-blind, developmental delay, emotional disturbance, hearing impaired, intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impaired (includes ADHD), specific learning disability, speech language impairment, visual impairment (includes blindness)

[Anonymous]

My insurance does not cover private testing when I've inquired

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My insurance does not cover private testing when I've inquired

MCPS testing is free- no insurance needed.