Taking standardized assessments in small group - no 504/IEP

[Anonymous]

My DD (5th) took a standardized state assessment in a small group with the school psychologist today. She does not have a 504 plan or IEP. She told me this. I asked the teacher and the teacher said that she seems to do better in a smaller group and we want to give her the best chance of success.

Is this ok? I'm not mad, necessarily, but it took me by surprise.

[Anonymous]

Schools often provide what seems like a 504 accommodation without a 504 because it’s considered best practices. Sounds like a good teacher.

[Anonymous]

That sounds great. If kid does better in a smaller setting, why not give her a chance to do that?

[Anonymous]

It sounds like the school was being proactive which is great!

Do you see your child doing better in small groups? If so, this might be a good time to talk to the teacher in more depth to explore whether she has any additional needs that need further discussion. If she does need formal support, getting them in place before middle school might benefit her.

My daughter continues to use small group testing through high school to help her with her anxiety. She much prefers it.

[Anonymous]

Best practice but I doubt it was the school psychologist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Schools often provide what seems like a 504 accommodation without a 504 because it’s considered best practices. Sounds like a good teacher.

This.

[Anonymous]

Agreed with PPs. Schools can elect to give accommodations that might otherwise be protected under 504 without a 504. For example, my kid broke their leg and needed extra passing time in the hallway, access to the school elevator, and to be excused from PE. The school can formally offer this under a temporary 504 but just told us they would take care of it. It felt easier for all of us to do it informally, but if the school had fought us we would have asked for a temporary 504.

I think the bigger question to me would be why your child does better in a smaller setting and if you should ask that they formalize it in a 504 so this stays with her over time.