Texas law creates several requirements and opportunities for students to advance from one grade to the next. Students also have a variety of options regarding how they earn credits toward graduation.
It’s possible to have both, but it would be very unusual for your child to need both. Here’s why: Everything that’s in a 504 plan can be included in an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP can also provide services and supports that would be not available in a 504 plan. So if your child qualifies for an IEP, typically there is no reason to also have a 504 plan. One instance in which a school might want to create a separate 504 plan is if a student who has an IEP breaks her hand. She might need some accommodations for [...]
Aspects of the Special Education Assessment Psychological Assessment (conducted by a school psychologist) – This evaluation may include cognitive assessments, look at emotional and behavioral concerns, and measures of adaptive functioning. Cognitive assessments measure a student’s intellectual abilities. It gives general information relative to other students the same age. The test shows how well he problem solves, how he best interprets information (visual, auditory, etc.), and measures other areas such as memory and speed of processing information. These assessments have an overall IQ score, which is comprised of various scales. Each assessment is different, but often the scales will focus on [...]
Traditionally students with disabilities could enroll in any educational institution (community college, junior college, or four year college/university), trade school or technical institute that would accept them. Recently the Texas legislature passed legislation (Texas Success Initiative – TSI) designed to help postsecondary institutions determine if a student is ready for college level coursework. Students who graduate in Texas must take the TSI assessment and score at a certain level to be accepted by the postsecondary program. Students can be exempt from the assessment, if they score above a certain score on the ACT, SAT, TAKS, have [...]
Making friends can be a challenge for some children and adults with special needs. They may lack confidence or have difficulty developing the necessary social skills. But there are ways you can help teach your child to overcome their fears and make friends. Friendships and social interaction are extremely important for self-esteem. But it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Making friends takes practice, and you can help your child by rehearsing social situations and role playing ahead of time. When you are teaching the social skills to make friendships, try breaking them down into small, easy steps. Give plenty of encouragement [...]
When school staff talk about accommodations and modifications for your child with learning and/or attention problems, are you confused? What do these terms mean in a classroom? Has an alternate assessment been recommended for your child on a state- or district-wide test? What do you need to know when it comes to standardized tests used to make important decisions about your child? […]
