Special Ed Advocate Newsletter, January 14, 2004 (Issue 243)

At Wrightslaw, our goals are to help you gain the information and skills you need to navigate the confusing world of special education. In this issue, we focus on evaluations and testing.

Highlights: States send millions in education funds back to feds; what to expect from an evaluation of your child; what you should know about evaluations; exam copies of Wrightslaw books; working with evaluators and educational consultants; tests to evaluate reading problems; help from Yellow Pages for Kids; put a Wrightslaw training program on your "to-do" list.

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1. States Send Millions in Education Funds Back to Feds!

Sue Heath, author of the popular Doing Your Homework column about creative advocacy strategies, was astounded to learn that states returned millions in education funds to the federal government in 2002.

Armed with this information, Sue tackles the oft-repeated argument that states cannot afford to implement No Child Left Behind.

How much money did your state send back to Washington? To find out, read "States Send Millions Back to Feds! Lack of Federal Funds? Not Really."

More Doing Your Homework columns.

2. What to Expect from an Evaluation of Your Child

A good evaluation for a disability is not as simple as "having your child tested". You must choose an appropriate professional, provide a clear statement of your (or a teacher's) concerns, and produce records for review.

In What to Expect from an Evaluation of Your Child, Marianne Meyer walks you through the process of gathering information and participating in the evaluation process:

* Qualities of the Professional Evaluator
* Examines School Information
* Refines Referral Question, Administers Targeted Tests
* Answers Question: Why is difficulty occurring?
* Synthesizes Results, Gives Clear Diagnosis
* Makes Focused, Prioritized Recommendations
* Discusses Intervention Options
* Provides Support and Hope

What to Expect from an Evaluation of Your Child

Learn about Evaluations, Assessments, Tests

3. What You Should Know about Evaluations

Parent attorney Bob Crabtree writes, "As a parent, you must make sure that all areas of possible need are assessed as quickly as possible. While some parents would rather not allow their school system to evaluate their child, a refusal to cooperate at this stage of the process can backfire . . . "

In What You Should Know About Evaluations, you learn about:

* Your Rights
* Your Never-ending Role
* Due Process
* Selecting an Independent Evaluator

What You Should Know About Evaluations

Learn about Evaluations, Assessments, Tests

4. Exam copies of Wrightslaw Books

Teachers in colleges and universities around the country use Wrightslaw books in education, special education and special education law courses. These teachers want to ensure that their students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the No Child Left Behind era.

How to Order Exam Copies of Wrightslaw Books

List of Colleges & Universities by State

Information about Wrightslaw Books:

Wrightslaw: Special Education Law (ISBN 1-892320-03-7)

Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy - The Special Education Survival Guide (ISBN 1-892320-08-8)

Wrightslaw: No Child Left Behind (ISBN: 1-892320-12-6)

All Wrightslaw books are reasonably priced ($29.95) - easy on tight student budgets.

Internet Orders l Mail, Fax, Phone Orders l Bulk Discounts l

5. Working with Independent Evaluators and Educational Consultants

If you need help in developing goals and objectives for your child, consult with a psychologist, educational diagnostician, or consultant. A consultant will give you valuable information and help.

Working with Independent Evaluators and Educational Consultants is a short article about:

* Types of Consultants / Evaluators
* Strategies and Tips on Finding a Consultant

Learn about effective Parent Advocacy.

6. Tests Commonly Administered to Evaluate Reading Problems

Most children with disabilities have deficits in reading. The child's special education program should target these reading problems to ensure that the child learns to read.

Here is a short list of tests commonly administered to evaluate reading problems.

Learn about Reading and Research-Based Instruction.

7. Visit Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities

We built the Yellow Pages for Kids site so so you can find information and help in one place. When you visit your state Yellow Pages, you will find many different resources - evaluators, therapists, tutors, special ed schools, and parent support groups. You will also find information about government programs, grassroots organizations, and support groups.

To get the word out about the state Yellow Pages for Kids, we designed flyers for each state. These State Yellow Pages flyers are printer-friendly - great handouts for meetings and conferences.

Strategies: Ask your school, public library, day care center, and support group to post your state flyers on their bulletin boards and Websites.

Ask your PTA or SEPTA to distribute the flyer. State Yellow Pages Flyers are great to distribute at conferences, seminars, training programs, and workshops.

Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities

State flyers

8. Put Wrightslaw Training on Your To-Do List for the New Year

Wrightslaw special education law and advocacy programs focus on four areas: special education laws, rights & responsibilities; how to use the bell curve to measure progress & regression; SMART IEPs; and tactics & strategies for effective advocacy.