Several months ago my 9-year-old daughter was evaluated for a learning disability. The test revealed that she has severe deficiencies in math and memory. The school does not want to give her an IEP because they say she reads on grade level and that her teacher will give her extra math help if she needs it. What should I do?
A student can be a good reader, but still have specific learning deficits in certain areas, such as mathematics. Identifying this problem area at such a young age is an important step to helping her manage more complex mathematical requirements in future years.
Although it is helpful when a teacher provides extra assistance, it is not the same thing as remediating a learning deficiency. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a written document that binds the school system to provide specific teaching strategies, modifications, assistive technologies and services to meet the needs of a particular student. It is a tailor-made document that specifies goals and progress milestones that must be met throughout the school year. It is in the best interest of your child to insist on an IEP, which the school must provide, by law, to all eligible students.