If you are like us, taking a test isn’t your favorite thing to do. Your children probably don’t want to take tests either.
However, there is a kind of testing that you want to have done for your child, and on a regular basis.
That testing, or rather a series of evaluations, is called educational testing. Subcategories include psychological and educational, as well as specific evaluations for areas of need, such as speech language evaluations.
School teams may tell you once your child is eligible, no further assessments are necessary, because testing is just for eligibility. This isn’t true. Tests and evaluations are (and should be) used to measure progress, the effectiveness of educational programs, and whether a child may have other undiscovered or unnoticed disabilities. They will often suggest you waive your rights to testing.
Do not.
These tests are the only truly objective measures of your child’s progress. And that’s what you want, an objective assessment on a regular basis.
The IDEA requires schools to test every three years (the “triennial”) unless the parent agrees to waive such testing. These are presented by schools as an obligation to be provided every three years, which is partly true.
However, the IDEA also states that if a parent or teacher requests it, they must conduct tests on an annual basis. You can require a school to do evaluations far more frequently than “triennially”, and you should.
Objective evaluations are how you can get a true read on your child’s academic progression, whether their programs are effective, and whether their educational needs are being addressed. Don’t rely on subjective or input like how a teacher might feel your child is doing. If progress is real, it’s measurable.
So, let’s measure it.
And once a school conducts these types of assessments, you are entitled to an independent educational evaluation. And you should always get one as they are of great value!
We’ll have more on this topic in the future.