Someone who is familiar with Duval schools & SLD's (middle school, special education)

[cyn2jax]

I need advice. My son is enrolled in Duval County schools and needs to be tested for a Specific Learning Disability. The disability is dysgraphia which manifests in writing but is a learning disability not a mechanical issue that needs occupational therapy alone. When I requested that his middle school test him for the LEARNING DISABILITY, here is the email I received:


[SIZE=2]In the state of Florida students receive Occupational Therapy (OT) as a related service. This means that they have to be eligible and enrolled in another ESE program prior to an evaluation for OT services.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]If a student shows an academic need and is working below grade level standards he or she can be referred to the school’s TARGET team for interventions. If the interventions do not prove successful and the student continues to work below grade level then the TARGET team will refer the student to the MRT team to determine the need for further evaluation.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]All students being considered for the Specific Learning Disabled program must go through the TARGET team process (even those who are tested privately), prior to determining eligibility for placement.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]I pulled up your son’s current report card grades. At this time he has 2.33 grade point average and all his grades are a C or C+, which demonstrates that he is working on grade level. I checked his permanent records and noticed that this is his first year in a DCPS so I can’t review his prior grades to see if he has a pattern of learning difficulties (low standardized test scores, retention).[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]If your son has a history of academic difficulties or his grades drop below average you may request a referral to the school based TARGET team to implement interventions to help with his writing skills.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]If you are not looking for special education and seek a 504 Plan to put accommodations in place for his handwriting you need to speak to 504 Coordinator at Dupont Middle. To be eligible for a 504 Plan, a student has to be working significantly below grade level.[/SIZE]


So basically if he hasn't failed and is average, no matter his potential he does not need services? That isn't how it works. But I need a refresher on my rights and my son's rights. Is it really going to be a fight to have him evaluated? Is there a parents' advocate group that can help? My son has an IQ in the 140 range yet is making C's due to his inability to form good paragraphs, organize his thoughts, etc. It is not going to get better, but worse as he progresses in school. Any help would be appreciated.

[cyn2jax]

No one?

[katfzl]

Originally Posted by cyn2jax

I need advice. My son is enrolled in Duval County schools and needs to be tested for a Specific Learning Disability. The disability is dysgraphia which manifests in writing but is a learning disability not a mechanical issue that needs occupational therapy alone. When I requested that his middle school test him for the LEARNING DISABILITY, here is the email I received:


[SIZE=2]In the state of Florida students receive Occupational Therapy (OT) as a related service. This means that they have to be eligible and enrolled in another ESE program prior to an evaluation for OT services.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]If a student shows an academic need and is working below grade level standards he or she can be referred to the school’s TARGET team for interventions. If the interventions do not prove successful and the student continues to work below grade level then the TARGET team will refer the student to the MRT team to determine the need for further evaluation.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]All students being considered for the Specific Learning Disabled program must go through the TARGET team process (even those who are tested privately), prior to determining eligibility for placement.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]I pulled up your son’s current report card grades. At this time he has 2.33 grade point average and all his grades are a C or C+, which demonstrates that he is working on grade level. I checked his permanent records and noticed that this is his first year in a DCPS so I can’t review his prior grades to see if he has a pattern of learning difficulties (low standardized test scores, retention).[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]If your son has a history of academic difficulties or his grades drop below average you may request a referral to the school based TARGET team to implement interventions to help with his writing skills.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]If you are not looking for special education and seek a 504 Plan to put accommodations in place for his handwriting you need to speak to 504 Coordinator at Dupont Middle. To be eligible for a 504 Plan, a student has to be working significantly below grade level.[/SIZE]


So basically if he hasn't failed and is average, no matter his potential he does not need services? That isn't how it works. But I need a refresher on my rights and my son's rights. Is it really going to be a fight to have him evaluated? Is there a parents' advocate group that can help? My son has an IQ in the 140 range yet is making C's due to his inability to form good paragraphs, organize his thoughts, etc. It is not going to get better, but worse as he progresses in school. Any help would be appreciated.

Sorry to say, but public school is a "wait to fail" system regarding learning type disabilities. It sucks, I know. I have two dyslexic children and a MsEd and special ed license.