Something is really, really wrong. Your child is busting their butt trying at school, but just isn’t learning or making progress.
It’s not a secret. Everyone knows. They’ve all been watching this unfold for a good while now.
But you’re still stuck on the hamster wheel of in-class fixes without anything really ever getting better. You know your child needs more, but it’s just not happening.
Why is Getting an IEP So Darn Hard?
Seriously though, why is this the case? At least, why does it seem like getting an IEP is so freaking hard?
It’s not like the teachers aren’t aware of the issue. You know they are more than aware…and you’ve got the emails to prove it.
And yet…nothing is getting done.
Your child has been stuck on the Response to Intervention (RtI) hamster wheel for what feels like forever. They’ve tried so many regular classroom supports you’ve lost count.
But those grades aren’t coming up, no matter how much blood, sweat, and literal tears your child is pouring into their studies.
You can feel your child giving up inside. And, honestly, you’re right there with them.
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But did you know that you can possibly skip right to the testing part?
True story: parents have the absolute right to request IEP testing for their child. (Schools have the right to deny, but we’ll get to that later.)
And all you have to do is ask!
Okay, it’s a little harder than just asking. If everyone who asked nicely was granted permission, special education would be spending all their funds on testing alone!
There’s a little bit of a process to the whole thing.
Find the problem
First, you need to identify your main concern(s). Get super specific. “Trouble with math” just won’t cut it!
Get into the nitty-gritty with grades, test scores, learning standards, and work samples. Be ready to explain and show how these documents might indicate a bigger issue that requires the tests.
Ask in writing
Once you know what’s going on and have some supporting evidence, it’s time to ask. But there is a very particular way you need to ask.
In writing, preferably with an actual letter.
Sometimes an email will do, but I tend to want to stick to something I can lay my hands on.
Send your letter request to the school by registered mail (so that they need to sign for it). Or hand-carry it to the office to turn in. Make sure to get it time and date stamped!
Then you wait
The school will come back with their decision in a few weeks (10-15 school days usually). If they say yes, testing can go ahead.
If they say no, well, you’re not quite out of options yet. I’d love to give you some pointers to help you get back on track!
Schedule a FREE consult with me today to learn about your options when IEP testing is denied.
Have you ever requested IEP testing? Share your story with us!
