my argument is that when we are testing children for a disability, the child should be in a distraction free environment to truly get a picture of their abilities. testing to see how they would do in an actual classroom environment should be separate. but can you think of anything else i can argue?
First of all - WOW ! I've never ever heard of a district that screens preschooler for early kindergarden - even if they use flawed methods - they are still a WOW in my book. That is amazing.
2nd of all - yes, you do need some kind of accomidation. I'm not sure that early enterance into kindy is really the best place for him next year, even if he is clambering for school. Would you consider homeschooling him or getting a tutor, or even an enrichment center that would let him go at his own pace?
I love the idea of observing the K classrooms and seeing if they would acctually be a good fit for your son.
I would certianly ask for a meeting with the school, bring the private report and a portfolio of his current work in his own handwriting and reading books. Bring the tester if you can. Ask them how they plan to move his learning forward. Listen to what they say. Think of this as the first steps in building a relationship that will last a long, long time. If their answers sound totally crazy, ask questions that will allow them to see how inadaquate their answers are. A really good book is 'Getting to Yes.'
The sad truth is that you school may be under no oblications whatsoever to met your child's educational needs. Your job is to illustrate what the needs are in as simple and persuasive way possible, and to help the school get as creative as possible about how the school can use their resources to help you son grow and develop properly.
Advocacy is a lot more like selling the sizzle than making an airtight case. Sadly! Most people don't want logic, they want to be inspired.
Best Wishes,
Grinity
