Would you request educational testing...

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The gifted study is very targeted.  It is a cultural study.  They will be giving an IQ test and that other test (I forget what it is called- it is an above age level test that you can't hit the ceiling) and then taking surveys about the child's environment.  It was was a neuro study when we signed up.  They were looking at lobe activity in kids and drawing comparrisons. Comparing activity patterns in those gifted in math, music, and language and looking at similarities and differences.  That study has been cut because of a funding issue.  There were 24 kids signed up who had adhd dx. One of the researchers was going to pull those 24 spects and look at them comparing the spect images- and see how they are dif/similar based on sub-category of adhd.  Too small of a study to prove anything but it would be interesting.    When the study was cut they informed us and gave us a chance to take part in the cultural study.  I said okay because at least I will get a free iq test and it is good to be on the mailing list for future studies.

In MD they are obligated to test her if I request- but they are not obligated to provide services unless she is struggling.  Would you request the testing.

Yes- it is Johns Hopkins.  It must be a different study because this one wasn't about adhd- it was just for gifted kids (who may or may not have adhd.) Mine just happen to be hyper.  They were supposed to get a spect image on these kids. 

Lillian- I am really surprised that school districts aren't obligated to perform educational testing if the parent requests it in other places.  I know in MD and MA the parent puts in the request and school district is obligated to start testing within 30 days. 

so why not?

Just because a lot of parents choose private testing right off the bat because they fear the school's testing may be biased in the direction of the child not needing services.  Even though you can proceed with private testing later if you don't agree with the results the school testing/results/conclusions will always be on record and part of consideration during ARD or team meetings. 

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My question- which may have been unclear- is "Would you use the system in place for ed. testing to find out all you can about your child's learning style even if you know there is no way services would be granted?"  It is free but I have 2 concerns. 1. Is the dept. of ed.'s testing process too biased to be helpful? 2. Would I be jeopardizing my case in the future when she actually may qualify for services.  I thought things were the same all over the USA as far as testing goes so I thought you would be very familiar with this parental quandry but since things are so different in tx you haven't had to think about this type of scenario.

(No, I am not fighting for services- the school says she won't qualify now and I don't totally disagree.  The school has made some very generous provisions for her in her 504 and has been pretty good about executing the 504 plan.  I have no need to fight with them- they are working with us. I feel that if I knew of a specific ld she has -which I am almost certain she has- I could learn about that ld and provide her with the specific type of tutoring she needs.)

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Would you request sped testing even if you knew it would not lead to special services for your child.  (School has told me regardless of test results she won't qualify for 1 on 1 or resource in math because her acheivment is acceptable.)

PRO: Testing is free.  May learn about specific learning styles and may lead to an accurate dx and information about child's learning style.  (Hoping this information will lead me to find her the help she needs privately.)

CON: Testing likely to be biased, it is less likely to show lds... (Bias leaning toward the school not needing to pay for services.)  If she does qualify for sped later on the school's (possibly biased) test will be considered in the team planning procees which may minimize the level of services that will be granted.

OTHER OPTION: Pay for private testing (about $1100) to find out what is really going on with my daughter.  The testing would be expensive but unbiased and more accurate.

I would definitely go with private testing.....your kid has to be REALLY REALLY REALLY academically low for it to show up in school testing. The school testing is pretty basic, and you will not find out about learning styles and all that.

I think you should shell out the money and then call for a TEAM meeting if you end up with the proof of services needed.

 I would never give school testing a second thought.  My son will be privately tested when the need arises.