Polly--you're not stealing the thread. The more info that comes out, the better for anyone going through this (incl. me). Unfortunately I have no idea how to answer your question. I thought I could just say I want DD's workload cut if she is having problems with speed and that could go on the 504. If it cannot, then what is the teacher going to do? Keep her in from recess so that she has enough time to finish her work or tests? I don't think what the school is telling you sounds correct, but I'm not an expert. I can't believe how everything has to turn into a huge battle at some schools. When DD's teacher told me that DD is slow, I told her that it is probably due to her ADHD and she may need accommodations like cutting the amount of work...so for instance if she is slow with reading worksheets, she could do half the questions instead of all of them. The teacher could have said "Ok, that' wouldn't be a problem." Instead, she just grunted and stared at me so I feel it's necessary to go through the official process.