An academic assessment looks at the areas of learning including math, reading, and written expression to see if the students is working at their expected grade level and if there are gaps in their knowledge.
"The cognitive assessment is useful to test for cognitive impairment—a deficiency in knowledge, thought process, or judgment. Psychiatrists often perform cognitive testing during the Mental Status Exam. However, when cognitive impairment is suspected, the cognitive assessment can obtain a more detailed analysis by surveying the neuropsychological domains. This detailed investigation of cognition can diagnose major cognitive impairment (i.e., dementia) and mild cognitive impairment, evaluate traumatic brain injuries, help determine decision-making capacity, and survey intellectual dysfunction."
"If a parent suspects their child has a disability (or has a diagnosis) and needs special education, he/she may make a referral to the school or LEA (local education agency, which is another term for the “school district”). "
"Accommodations remove learning barriers in the classroom to provide every child with equal access to learning. An example is offering an audio version of classroom text for a student with dyslexia or visual supports for children with ASD."
"Due process is a formal way to resolve disputes with a school about your child’s education.
You can file a due process complaint only for special education disputes, not for general education issues.
You have the right to an impartial hearing officer and to present evidence and witnesses at the due process hearing."
"Students with disabilities have a legal right to a free appropriate public education (called FAPE). The right is guaranteed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Download a one-sheet explanation of FAPE."
"IDEA is the nation’s special education law.
Schools must find and evaluate students thought to have disabilities — at no cost to families.
Having a diagnosis doesn’t guarantee that a child qualifies under IDEA."
"Least restrictive environment (LRE) isn’t a place; it’s a principle that guides your child’s educational program.
Special education law says your child should be learning with peers.
When LRE comes up, so do the words mainstreaming and inclusion."
"Modifications are changes to what a child is taught and expected to do in class. For example, a student who struggles with spelling may be tested on a different set of words than his peers."
"The school must give you written notice before it changes your child’s special education experience. This includes when the school wants to add or deny services. It must tell you what it proposes to do and why. "
"Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), you and your child have legal protections during the evaluation and IEP process.
These protections are called procedural safeguards.
The school must provide you with a written explanation of your rights under IDEA."
Related services help children with disabilities benefit from their special education by providing extra help and support in needed areas, such as speaking or moving. Related services can include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
speech-language pathology and audiology services
interpreting services
psychological services
physical and occupational therapy
recreation, including therapeutic recreation
early identification and assessment of disabilities in children
counseling services, including rehabilitation counseling
orientation and mobility services
medical services for diagnostic or evaluation purposes
school health services and school nurse services
social work services in schools
parent counseling and training