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[quote=Anonymous]I’m the poster who previously asked about the self-contained math class for my son. My son has been tested twice by the school—once initially and again in 5th grade for re-evaluation. Based on those assessments, he has an IEP for math due to an unspecified learning disability. We asked the elementary school about a specific test for dyscalcuial (they screen for ADHD&lt; dyslexia and other stuff which he doesn’t have) and they said it doesn’t matter – the methods for teaching are all the same (more time, manipulatives, chunking material).

The supports he received in elementary school were helpful: in-class push-in support and a weekly small-group pull-out session (2–4 students). While he’s still at two grade levels behind according to MAP testing, he made strong progress, and his classwork showed he was capable of doing grade level work with support.

Now in 6th grade (middle school), things have taken a turn for the worse. He’s struggling significantly with material, especially with concepts like ratios and units. The pace is fast, there are frequent timed quizzes, and he tends to shut down under pressure. He’s in a general education math class (22 kids) with a learning specialist and also attends a math support class twice a week with about 15 students (a mix of IEPs, 504s, and others who need extra help). Unfortunately, this setup isn’t working.

He can perform operations when prompted, but he has a hard time figuring out where to start—especially with word problems and multi-step tasks. He struggles to identify what the question is asking and which operation to use. He also gets frustrated melts down when tired so after school homework practice is a disaster. We have a tutor for an hour once a week, so we feel there is already a lot math happening but the returns are diminishing.

The learning specialist has suggested a self-contained math class, but I’m concerned this could limit his academic opportunities in the future, especially since he’s on or above grade level in ELA and other subjects.

A friend recommended private testing to get a more specific diagnosis, which she said could help us advocate for more targeted support. Her child has a diagnosed learning disability and attends a public school in Massachusetts, but the state has better resources and schools than DC. 
We’re at a public charter school in DC, and I’m unsure what additional resources are available. It feels like the school is trying to help, but suggesting a self-contained class without first exploring more tailored support seems like they are not really trying.

I know this is a long post, but this board has been a great source of support, so I wanted to ask: Is there a benefit to pursuing private testing? One consideration for us is cost but we are willing to do it if it means getting the services our child needs.

Thanks.
 
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