FAQ: Requests for Testing
I think my child has ADHD/dyslexia/etc. I would like the school to test my child so s/he can be diagnosed.
Volusia County Schools does not provide students with medical diagnoses, such as ADHD and dyslexia. Testing and diagnoses for these can only be obtained through your child's doctor. If the doctor does provide a diagnosis for any disability, please provide the school with a copy of the paperwork so that it can be recorded in your child's file. Also, please keep your child's teacher updated on any significant events or issues regarding your child that you may become aware of, as this will allow them to make any necessary adjustments to interventions or approaches as they continue to work with your child. Students who are struggling significantly will be referred to the Problem Solving Team (PST) by the teacher.
I have been told that my child needs an IEP. What is it? How can I get one?
IEP stands for "Individual Education Plan." It is provided to students who have qualified for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services. Students may be considered for ESE services if they meet the criteria of one or more of the categories of disabilities and/or meet eligibility criteria for gifted services. Students may be identified with intellectual, behavioral, physical, medical, sensory and/or communication exceptionalities. The student must show a need for special education and related services as a result of his/her disability or disabilities.
The first step of this process would be to meet with the PST committee to discuss the situation and put in a request for testing. After this is a completed, a staffing meeting would be scheduled to determine whether or not the student has met eligibility requirements. For more information on this process, please contact your child's teacher or Mrs. Noga, our PST chairperson.
I have been told my child needs a Section 504 plan. What is it? How can I get one?
Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public and private programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Section 504 guarantees students a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and the right to full participation and access. The goal of a Section 504 plan is to remove barriers that limit a student's ability to fully participate in the general education curriculum due to a condition or disability by providing accommodations for the student.
Just like with IEPs, the first step in the process would be to hold a PST meeting to review the data and evidence provided by the parent and the teacher. For more information on this process, please contact your child's teacher or Mrs. Noga (our Section 504 contact person and PST chairperson).
I think my child could qualify for the Gifted program. How can I go about getting him/her tested?
Volusia County Schools students take the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test - Third Edition (NNAT3) screening test for the Gifted program during 2nd grade. If they achieve a qualifying score, the parent or guardian will receive a letter from the Gifted department with instructions on how to proceed with the process for formal testing with the school psychologist to determine eligibility for the Gifted program. Please note that Deltona Lakes Elementary does not house the Gifted program on our campus, so students determined eligible for the Gifted program whose parents would like them to participate will have to be enrolled at Timbercrest Elementary.
If your child is not eligible to continue through this process through the school, you have the option of having your child tested privately through a psychologist at your own cost. If you would like more information, please contact Mrs. Lindfors. Click here to learn more about the Gifted program at Volusia County Schools.
Volusia County Schools does not provide students with medical diagnoses, such as ADHD and dyslexia. Testing and diagnoses for these can only be obtained through your child's doctor. If the doctor does provide a diagnosis for any disability, please provide the school with a copy of the paperwork so that it can be recorded in your child's file. Also, please keep your child's teacher updated on any significant events or issues regarding your child that you may become aware of, as this will allow them to make any necessary adjustments to interventions or approaches as they continue to work with your child. Students who are struggling significantly will be referred to the Problem Solving Team (PST) by the teacher.
I have been told that my child needs an IEP. What is it? How can I get one?
IEP stands for "Individual Education Plan." It is provided to students who have qualified for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services. Students may be considered for ESE services if they meet the criteria of one or more of the categories of disabilities and/or meet eligibility criteria for gifted services. Students may be identified with intellectual, behavioral, physical, medical, sensory and/or communication exceptionalities. The student must show a need for special education and related services as a result of his/her disability or disabilities.
The first step of this process would be to meet with the PST committee to discuss the situation and put in a request for testing. After this is a completed, a staffing meeting would be scheduled to determine whether or not the student has met eligibility requirements. For more information on this process, please contact your child's teacher or Mrs. Noga, our PST chairperson.
I have been told my child needs a Section 504 plan. What is it? How can I get one?
Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public and private programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Section 504 guarantees students a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and the right to full participation and access. The goal of a Section 504 plan is to remove barriers that limit a student's ability to fully participate in the general education curriculum due to a condition or disability by providing accommodations for the student.
Just like with IEPs, the first step in the process would be to hold a PST meeting to review the data and evidence provided by the parent and the teacher. For more information on this process, please contact your child's teacher or Mrs. Noga (our Section 504 contact person and PST chairperson).
I think my child could qualify for the Gifted program. How can I go about getting him/her tested?
Volusia County Schools students take the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test - Third Edition (NNAT3) screening test for the Gifted program during 2nd grade. If they achieve a qualifying score, the parent or guardian will receive a letter from the Gifted department with instructions on how to proceed with the process for formal testing with the school psychologist to determine eligibility for the Gifted program. Please note that Deltona Lakes Elementary does not house the Gifted program on our campus, so students determined eligible for the Gifted program whose parents would like them to participate will have to be enrolled at Timbercrest Elementary.
If your child is not eligible to continue through this process through the school, you have the option of having your child tested privately through a psychologist at your own cost. If you would like more information, please contact Mrs. Lindfors. Click here to learn more about the Gifted program at Volusia County Schools.