IEP Approval Process

[Anonymous]

OP, can you post what kind of testing the psychologist did? What achievement tests were done and what were the results? Was IQ testing done and what was the result?

Frequently what happens is that the team compares IQ and achievement score. Average IQ and average achievement -- OK. Average IQ and sub-average achievement -- that's a clue that there is something else (i.e. ADHD or LD) causing a disparate impact.

If there are significant differences in subscores in IQ or achievement or between the two, then that is also a red flag for some kind of issue (i.e. disorder) causing adverse impact.

To get an IEP you must show three things -- 1) disorder which has a 2) adverse impact on education and 3) necessitates special instruction. A PP is right when she says at this point you might choose not to get hung up on whether the Connors by itself is diagnostically accurate. From the point of the school psychologist, it is. School psychs will give an ADHD diagnosis based on the Connors alone, if the Connors ratings fall within the diagnostic band. If the school psychologist is acknowledging that there is ADHD, then the school is admitting point 1 (disorder) of your case.

It sounds like the school is arguing there is "no adverse impact" -- that the school is saying your DC is "average". Check -- are the scores "average" or "low average"? Are there any significant differences (15 points or more) between IQ and achievement scores? That's evidence that there is adverse impact. Is your DC not meeting countywide benchmarks for reading and math or writing? You must gather this data from the teacher and via homework and tests. Failing any tests? scoring basic or below on the annual state NCLB tests? Do you know what your DC's reading level is and what the corresponding overall 1st grade benchmark is for reading, as well as sub-categories like fluency, accuracy and comprehension? The answers to these Qs may prove the "adverse impact" part of your case.

Finally, on the timeline -- you can offer to waive the timeline in order to continue to discuss or gather data on the IEP evaluation decision. OR you can gather more data (private testing and school samples) and re-file again at any time.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like they wanted to categorize the child as ADHD and offer services under that label but OP rejected that. ? ???

[Anonymous]

Is that true, OP? I didn't get that impression. Very confusing.