LD referral

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Home : 2005 : October : 12

LD referral
By LisaM

I teach K, so we are usually the gatekeepers when a child enters formal schooling. In our district, if we suspect any problem, we start with a Student Study Team Level 1. That is where I meet with the parents, and let them
know that I have some concerns. I have usually collected samples of the child's work so that I can show them specifically what I am worried about. We work out a plan of things I need to do at school (preferential seating, using visual aids, etc.), things the child needs to do, and things the parents need to do. We set a goal of where we'd like the child to be in, say, one month, and

then see where we are. If at the end of that time, I am still not satisfied with the child's progress, we call a Level 2 SST, with myself, the principal, the parents and our RSP teacher, sometimes the school psychologist as well. We talk with the parents and let them know that we still have some concerns, we listen to their concerns and get permission to begin testing so we can "gather more information." During the time between Levels 1 and 2, we have been communicating so that none of this should be a shock to the parents. We don't offer any type of diagnosis (even if we're pretty sure what's going on, based on our experience); we just let them know that we are trying to figure out what is going on.
Most parents want the best for their kids. Some will be in denial, some will get angry. But the majority know in their hearts when something isn't right and trust us to work with them to help them and their child.

Good luck!