Dyslexia is a common learning disability that affects reading, spelling, and writing. Unfortunately, many children with dyslexia go undiagnosed for too long, often due to the "wait to fail" model still prevalent in many educational settings. This approach relies on the idea that students must struggle significantly before receiving support.
What is the Wait to Fail Model?
The wait to fail model suggests that a child should demonstrate significant academic difficulties before qualifying for special education services. This often means that students must fall behind their peers in order to be considered for evaluation or intervention. Unfortunately, this model can lead to years of frustration and failure for children with dyslexia, who may struggle silently as they wait for help that should be available sooner.
How the Wait to Fail Model Hurts Kids
For children with dyslexia, waiting to fail can result in more than just academic setbacks; it can also have profound emotional and social implications. Children may experience low self-esteem, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy as they struggle to keep up with their peers. The longer they go without proper intervention, the more ingrained these negative feelings can become. Additionally, they miss out on critical early remediation strategies that could help them succeed in their academic careers and beyond.
Why Schools Use RTI and Dyslexia Screeners to Delay Evaluations
Response to Intervention (RTI) is a strategy used by schools to identify students who may need additional support. While RTI can be effective for some, it has also been misused as a tool to delay comprehensive evaluations for children suspected of having dyslexia. Schools often argue that children must go through the RTI process before they can receive a full evaluation.
Additionally, many schools implement dyslexia screening tools as a way to assess students' reading abilities early on. While these screeners can provide useful data, they can also serve as a means for schools to delay comprehensive evaluations. By using screeners, schools may claim they are addressing potential dyslexia concerns while postponing the more rigorous and time-consuming process of a full educational evaluation.
However, it’s important to understand that these screeners, while beneficial for early identification, do not replace the need for a comprehensive evaluation. A dyslexia screener may indicate risk factors but cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. Schools may mistakenly believe that conducting a screener is sufficient, thereby neglecting the comprehensive assessment necessary to truly understand a child's needs.
Empowering Parents Through IDEA's Child Find
IDEA’s Child Find mandate is a powerful tool for parents advocating for their children’s educational needs. This provision requires schools to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities who may require special education services. Parents have the right to request a comprehensive evaluation at any time, regardless of whether their child is participating in an RTI program or undergoing dyslexia screening.
When advocating for your child, it’s essential to understand that:
Requesting an Evaluation in Writing: Parents have always had the right to request a full evaluation. To ensure that your request is taken seriously and to establish a clear record, it's crucial to put your request in writing. IDEA specifies that if a request for evaluation is made in writing, schools are required to respond. If a school tells you otherwise, they may not fully understand the law. Referencing IDEA can clarify this right and empower you in your discussions.
RTI and Screeners Do Not Replace Evaluation: While RTI and dyslexia screeners may provide useful data, they do not substitute for a comprehensive evaluation. Schools may use the data gathered from these methods as part of the evaluation process, but the evaluation itself must be comprehensive and should not be delayed.
Use the Law to Your Advantage: Familiarize yourself with the regulations and guidance provided by OSEP and IDEA. This will equip you with the knowledge needed to advocate for your child effectively. For example, the Federal Register commentary clearly states that “RTI does not replace the need for a comprehensive evaluation.”
Conclusion
The wait to fail model is a damaging approach that can prolong the suffering of children with dyslexia. By understanding the limitations of RTI and dyslexia screeners, as well as leveraging the protections offered by IDEA's Child Find, parents can advocate for timely evaluations and interventions. Don’t hesitate to request a comprehensive evaluation if you suspect your child has dyslexia. Early identification and intervention can make all the difference in helping your child succeed academically and emotionally.
For further reading, you can access important resources like the OSEP Memorandum and the Commentary in the Federal Register that clarify these rights. Empower yourself with knowledge, and don’t let schools delay the support your child deserves!