Parent/ Guardian Checklist for Specialized Instruction or Support
Parent/Guardian Checklist
STEP 1: TALK WITH YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER ABOUT YOUR CONCERNS
Your child's teacher will be able to let you know if there are some of the same concerns in the classroom environment. The teacher can provide strategies and information regarding what is being done currently in the classroom. You can also ask if the student is currently receiving MTSS services.
STEP 2: IF YOUR CHILD IS NOT IN THE MTSS PROCESS AND YOU FEEL YOU NEED ADDITIONAL SUPPORT, ASK FOR A TEAM MEETING TO DISCUSS A PLAN.
Your child’s teacher will contact the school psychologist, grade level team members and other support staff. The team will discuss how to best support your child through the MTSS Process.
STEP 3: DURING THE MEETING DETERMINE IF ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE CLASSROOM OR INTERVENTIONS ARE APPROPRIATE.
During the MTSS process, it may be appropriate to determine if accommodations such as extended time, reduced homework, preferential seating, oral presentation of directions or test questions, provision of a copy of class notes will assist as well as other possible interventions such as reading, math or social and emotional supports.
STEP 4: FOLLOW UP ON THE RESULTS (Teams will need 4-8 weeks to implement interventions and to monitor progress. The process may have an additional 4-6 week cycle based on the outcome of the intervention).
Check in with the teacher and make sure you are receiving frequent communication on how your child is progressing through the MTSS process. Are the accommodations working? Are the interventions working?
STEP 5: ATTEND A TEAM MEETING TO DETERMINE IF YOUR CHILD WILL CONTINUE IN THE MTSS PROCESS OR MOVE TO A SPECIAL EDUCATION EVALUATION
The Individual problem solving team will reconvene to determine if the interventions were successful or if a special education evaluation is needed. If a special education evaluation is necessary, the school psychologist will schedule a “domain” meeting. After that, the school team will have 60 school days to complete the evaluation. Please see the FAQ on special education evaluations for more information.
STEP 6 : WORK WITH THE SCHOOL TO SET GOALS FOR YOUR CHILD
Whether or not your child qualifies for special education services, make sure to work with the school to determine how to get your child up to the grade-level benchmarks you are concerned about. Keep in mind that the District is NOT required to provide additional support services to get your child above grade-level benchmarks.
Make sure to ask what the goal will be and what types of supports will be put into place to make sure they will be able to reach the goals you would like to see achieved.
*REMEMBER: You are the EXPERT on your child. You are a valuable member of the team.
STEP 7: CELEBRATE WHAT'S WORKING AND EVALUATE WHAT'S NOT WORKING
Remember that supporting your child needs to be an ongoing and fluid process. Talk with your child and celebrate what is working. Be open to making adjustments or shifts as things change.
Recognize that it may be necessary to enlist some support outside of the school. If you have concerns that are not related to school and/or are related to your child’s health or social emotional well being, please contact your physician or outside provider immediately.
Our school district can collaborate with health care providers to gather more information. If your child is experiencing social emotional concerns, please reach out to our school psychologists or social workers.
Questions: Contact Dr. Janine Gruhn, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services at jgruhn@district31.net.