Samantha: My 2 oldest daughters are 8 and 10. They are Dyslexic. They have current IEPs in Nebraska where they were extensively tested about 10 months ago. We moved to Louisiana and the SpEd department told me a few curious things. A.) Dyslexic students in this school district are all on 504s. B.) “According to Louisiana state law” Dyslexics do NOT receive IEPs because they have a couple of “Dyslexia laws” and their laws trump IDEA C.)Their IEP from Nebraska isn’t valid because they (Nebraska) use a different method for determining the presence of a SLD. D.) I was also told I cannot even request and IEP over a 504.
I was under the impression that parents had a choice. They’re implementing RTI in the form of “Interim Placement” instead of scheduling for them to be tested, saying, “They’ll get them tested.” I requested the official form to initiate child find but they seem to have NO IDEA what I’m talking about.
I know that SO MUCH of this is just plain wrong but I don’t know where to start addressing it. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks in advance!
I’ve been thinking about your dilemma. The school wants to limit help to a Section 504 Plan. So how will a 504 Plan of accommodations ensure that your children learn to read, write, spell and do math?
Re LA state laws: federal laws, including IDEA, ALWAYS trump state laws. Always.
Agree with Chuck. Your state Parent Training and Information Center can help you prioritize what to do first, next, and explain the school’s responsibilities.
The LA parent training & information center will know what your rights are regarding the LA Dyslexia laws & rules. http://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/