Stopping The Runaround

Testing For Dyslexia

Stopping the Runaround (Tips from a Parent Advocate)

IF SCHOOL OFFICIALS GIVE YOU AN EXCUSE OR REASON THAT SOUNDS SUSPICIOUS:

School authorities may tell you that they cannot do something for your child because it is their "policy". For example, they might say that they can not provide services for "dyslexia" because it is a medical condition, or that they cannot consider the results of a private assessment that you have arranged for your child.

Paula Flower, Parent Advocate, suggests the following response:

Request to see a hard copy of the "law" or "regulation" which states whatever the school official is claiming. Accept nothing your school district just tells you. You want to *see* that regulation, law, code, or whatever they're claiming it is that sets a particular "rule."

My favorite phrase to use with school district people is, "May I see the School Board's official written policy on that please?" Sometimes I change it once in a while for fun, so when they say something outrageous which sounds like they just made it up on the spot I'll say, "And you will be able to provide me with the School Board's official written policy on that, right?" And then of course, hold them to it.

Give them a week or so to get you a copy of that policy, and if they don't (and don't worry, they won't), then write a separate letter regarding just that issue. Dear Mr. Wayne, This is my second request for a copy of the school district's official policy regarding special education services being denied to a student because [whatever reason or excuse you were given].