Statewide Parent Training Information Center (PTI)

My child is struggling in school. When I asked the school district to test him for dyslexia, they said they do not do that. How do I get help for him in school?
Dyslexia is a specific type of learning disability. School districts test children for learning disabilities in: basic reading skill, reading comprehension, mathematics calculations, mathematics reasoning, written expression, oral expression and listening comprehension. Their evaluation determines whether or not the gap (or discrepancy) between the child's ability and performance in those areas is large enough to require the specialized instruction of special education or the modifications and accommodations of a 504 plan. There is no category (in school district evaluations) titled "dyslexic'. A child who has dyslexia could qualify for services under one or more of the types of learning disability listed above. Write a letter to the school district and ask for a complete evaluation in all areas. Cite the ways you see your child struggling with his education and learning, both in and out of school. Remember that social skills and behavior are also relevant to education. Send your letter by certified mail or hand deliver it and have the person who receives it sign and date your copy of the letter. This receipt starts a timeline for evaluation.

PAVE | 6316 So. 12th St. | Tacoma, WA 98465
(253) 565-2266 (v/tty) | 1-800-5-PARENT (v/tty) | Fax: (253) 566-8052
E-mail:pave@wapave.org

PAVE has a policy of nondiscrimination. In the event you, as an employee or recipient of services, feel that you have been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, marital status, disabled or Vietnam era veteran status, sex, disability, religion, creed, age, sexual orientation, or HIV/AIDS status, you have the right to file a complaint with the agency´s 504 Compliance Officer.

Please contact PAVE´s Compliance Officer: Heather M. Hebdon,6316 South 12th. Street; Tacoma, WA 98465-1900, Phone:(253) 565-2266 (v/tty); 1-800-5-PARENT (v/tty); Fax: (253) 566-8052, E-mail:hhebdon@wapave.org