Public School Testing

If the local REACH team has determined that further evaluation is needed, it can be obtained from the public school district. The parent or guardian must send a written request for evaluation to the local school or district/county office. The classroom teacher should follow up this referral with a phone call to the school district special education office.

US Federal law requires 90 days maximum to assess, determine the presence of a disability, and write an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan. Remember, you are an advocate for the student. Also realize that the public school special education staff is very busy. Therefore, polite assertiveness on the part of the REACH team is essential.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, free services are available to qualified students. Services such as speech/language and occupational or physical therapy vary from county to county. Adaptive equipment, such as an AlphaSmart keyboard which facilitates word processing and assists in notetaking, may also be available. (More information about AlphaSmart can be found at alphasmart.com.) Check with your Special Education District office to see what services and other supports are available. Services in Canada are limited and vary from province to province. Check with your local conference office to determine what services are available.

Upon completion of the evaluation, parents will be invited to meet with the public school team to review their findings and develop an IEP or 504 Plan. It is important that the parent invite the child’s teacher to attend the meeting so he or she can better serve the student. The information obtained will be used to modify the MAP for Adventist school implementation.