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Hi!

Finally spoke to the director of Major Achievement Program, and even tho this program doesn't begin in our district until 4th grade, this woman is the first district rep who seems to understand our issues and concerns. After more than 3 hours of phone conversations, she said she is advocating for a 1st grade placement to start. We still need to find him a school, because testing will not happen until he is enrolled. This woman was very familiar with the Ruf estimates and when I told her that all we were hearing was "why do you want your son tested?", she responded, "so you can best guage his educational needs.". Had I been with her in person, I would have kissed her! She also questioned the experience of the psychologists who may be testing our child and was told, in a rather brusque manner, "my psychologists have multiple masters!". Yet, the simple yes/no answer to experience specific to g/t or 2e was not answered. When we get closer to actual testing, my husband and I will make sure we get these answers.
One "interesting" thing that happened during these phone calls was when I asked her who was responsible for defining "appropriate" under FAPE. She became rather uncomfortable and cut that particular call short. HMMMM, wonder what that was all about?

Ariadia,
Well that is wonderful news. It sounds like you have found a real ally - a wonderful asset. I particularly like that she is aware of the Ruf estimates and this:

"I told her that all we were hearing was "why do you want your son tested?", she responded, "so you can best guage his educational needs.""

As for insuring that the tester is experienced, I would reccomend dropping that if you are going through the public school. I'm one of the biggest advocates for "Travel Testing" but that is on your dime.

If your child is Level III or more, I would be willing to bet a dollar that there isn't anyone at your school's district level who is experienced enough to get a "appropriate" assesment of your child, so why antagonise them by asking for that? Still, any school assesment is a good start, and you may find that it's adaquate to your needs, and the best private assesment may be ignored by the school, so sit tight, and make nice, ok?

As for FAPE, in most states that doesn't include the needs of gifted children, unless then have some other issue. In my state, even if there is another issue, it doesn't count unless
a- it is pulling performance below grade level
and (this had me so mad back then)
b- they have a program that is expected to benifit a person with this kind of issue.

((sigh))

Remember - when it comes to getting a public school education, they are the "house" you are the "gambler." do everything you can to increase your odds, but remember - the set up is that the house always wins.

Love and More Love,
Trinity