Jan's Insight: "What I Did as a Parent, Teacher, and Learning Disability Specialist to Create Successful Adults"

View Jan Kuyper Erland's profile

Jan is a published author, researcher, and assessment specialist, and has a master's degree in Special Education from the University of Kansas, remains enrolled in university coursework for updated current knowledge.

She has taught in seven public school districts in four states, and has also measured, evaluated, and instructed over 2500 students privately, ages 9 to adult. Plus - raised three children to highly successful career heights. See our companion website: www.memexspan.com Mem-ExSpan - Evidence-Based Instruction for High Academic Achievement

For Understanding Virtual Learning, and helping parents beat dyslexia, or any other learning problems, I recommend the 2009 book: "Virtual Schools: A Guide to Optimizing Your Child's Education." by Kanna, Gilles, and Culver, New York: Macmillan

"Frustrated Parents: Creating a Promising Future"

Now, visit our nonprofit parent assessment information website, www.strategytech.com

To find out more about parent advocacy, check "WrightsLaw.com" web site: (2004 Federal Special Education IDEA - "Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act" - P. L. 446-Statute) Quote from Wright's Law advocacy web site: "To accomplish your objective of getting a good educational program for your child, you must have accurate information about your child. This information includes the results of different psychological and educational assessment tests.

Obtain a solid measurement testing assessment for your child or yourself. Dyslexia is a complex, many faceted issue, and is not resolved by meds, which are a short-term, incomplete solution.

A quality diagnostic evaluation by an expert in the private sector is critical to your well-being and your childs. Without it, it will be difficult to develop the appropriate educational program for your child.

School psychologists can be overworked with too many referral requests. So, what options do you have?" in "School Problems: It's the Kids' Fault!" page 8

Click here for this article and information: Wrights Law - regarding IDEA Federal 2004 Statute - a reauthorization of the 1997 law.

Obtain an Outside Independent Second Opinion and use Jan as an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) on school assessments, evaluations, Individual Educational Placements (IEP's), reports, and grade or special services placements. Are you aware that it is a federal law through the 2004, IDEA statute (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) that school districts are required to pay for a second opinion if you are not satisfied with their evaluation results? Do you need assistance with a school referral placement or how to interpret the IEP?

For Example:
"The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written document that is developed for each eligible child with a disability, like a learning disability. The Part B regulations of IDEA specify, the procedures that school districts must follow to develop, review and revise the IEP for each child. The document linked here sets out the IEP content that those regulations require." (4 pages) On page 3, there is a content choice that the child can take an alternate assessment that is selected and appropriate.

Looking at this information will help you prepare a Parent Report for the IEP team in advance of the meeting. Document information will help build a healthy working relationship with school personnel, and you will be able to participate as an equal member of your child's IEP team.

Mem-ExSpan, Inc. and Innovative Learning Stratagems, Inc. as partners, are listed in the "Yellow Pages for Kids" and in the Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI) as affiliates.

Jan Kuyper Erland, CEO, Intervention Consultant
Mem-ExSpan, Inc.
The Bridge To Achievement ®
email: jan@memexspan.com