Cynthia: 3rd grade son has ADHD diagnosis and a 504 plan. However, his grades have progressively gone down, he has anxiety, and also alot of challenges with executive functioning, processing speed, and a speech delay. He is in outside speech therapy. Yet the school is saying they do not have anyone to do a “pull out” to help him. I requested that if they do not, then could someone from the district help him? They are doing nothing, and I am watching my son’s anxiety increase, he is not learning, and his grades are getting worse. What do I do as I am in “mama bear” mode as he is slipping through the cracks.
After reading your description of your son’s problems, it sounds like he needs more help than he is getting with a 504 plan, especially since the school is not providing needed help. Two thoughts.
First, write a short letter to the school that documents what is going on with your son, your requests for help, the school’s response. Be polite. Facts, not emotions.
Second, I agree with Chuck re: making a written request for a comprehensive evaluation for special education services. That request requires a second letter. We have sample letters in our book, Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy and on the Wrightslaw.com site.
This article, “What to Expect from an Evaluation” will give you an overview of what to expect – http://www.fetaweb.com/help/eval.expect.meyer.htm
Here is a sample evaluation so you can see what one looks like: http://alpha.fdu.edu/psychology/jiffy_evaluation_center.htm
You can make a written request for special ed testing to the principal & the special ed director. They must respond in writing. If they say no, they must give the reasons for this. Your state parent training & information center can assist you. http://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/