Parents are often told that their child does not qualify for special education services due to adequate academic achievement, despite behaviors that impede educational performance. According to federal guidelines under IDEA, the need for specially designed instruction is based on finding an adverse impact on educational performance, which includes more than just academic performance. For example, to the degree that a health condition (such as ADHD) impacts the student’s ability to engage in and profit from the overall educational experience, he/she may be eligible for special education. Clearly. behavior may also impede a student’s ability to make progress in the general education curriculum. Most certainly a student who is on par academically can also be found eligible for special education if his or her behavior is a factor that needs attention through individualized support.
If you have been told that your child does not qualify for special education services based solely on academic achievement, contact our Parent Advocate for assistance.