The basics of special ed law

Did you know that when your child starts achool, you as the parent, can request that the school (public or charter) test your child for any suspected diagnoses? The first step is to draft a letter requesting the testing by the special education department. You can even write what you are concerned about and ask for specific testing in that area.

The school has 10 days to respond to your request, 45 days to do the requested testing, and 30 days after that to have an ARD meeting for you where the special accommodations are listed in an IEP (individual education plan). This is free.

If you disagree with the diagnoses, you can get your own private independent educational evaluation which can be later given to the school for them to use as a guide to re-draft the IEP. This testing can cost up to a couple thousand dollars or more, depending on whether the provider takes insurance.

Around the age of 14, it is a good idea to repeat testing so the school can begin to transition its approach in how to make the most opportune educational/vocational pathways available to the student by providing parents with resources specifically helpful to your child.

These are laws under IDEA that protect students with special needs. If you are needing extra guidance in this area, there are several types of professionals, like educational consultants, school psychologists, lawyers with expertise in this area, that can help. The Disability Rights Texas website is also a great starting point.