The 7 Styles of Learning

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Request for Learning Evaluation

Today’s Date (include month, day, and year)

Your Name Street Address City, State, Zip Code Daytime telephone number
Name of Principal/IEP Coordinator Name of School Street Address City, State, Zip Code
Re: Your child’s name
DOB: Your child’s date of birth

Dear (Principal’s name), My name is (your name) and my child, (child’s name), is in the in (__) grade in (name of teacher)’s class at (name of school).

I am writing to formally request that (child’s name) be evaluated for special education services under the Child Find obligations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

As you may know, my child has been struggling with (provide detailed information about your concerns, using supporting evidence such as test scores, teacher communications, work samples, etc.).

I have spoken with (name of teacher) about these concerns and the following things have been tried to help. (Describe any interventions that were tried, including response to intervention [RTI] and informal accommodations in the classroom). I believe it is critical for (child’s name) to be evaluated.

As part of this process and conversation, I also would like to request that (child’s name) be assessed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to see whether (s/he) has a disability as defined by that law. Please note that I am not saying that I am comfortable substituting a 504 assessment for a special education evaluation, only that I think both are appropriate ways to determine (child’s name)’s needs.

I understand that you will send me an evaluation plan explaining the tests that may be given to my child. I would also appreciate any other information you have regarding the evaluation process. If you need more information, please contact me at (your phone number).

Thank you very much for your help. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Your name

Copy given to:
your child’s teacher

________________________

*Adapted from The Everything Parent’s Guide to Special Education (Adams Media, 2014)

Source: understood.org

Inventory Testing and Resources

The 7 Styles of Learning:

This outline of the 7 different learning types by Blue Mango Learning will help you or your child self identify with one or more particular styles of learning.

There are two types of evaluation resources available:

PUBLIC RESOURCES:
Grades kindergarten - 12:

These sources are run by the government so you don't have to pay. If you feel that you would like to have your child tested for any reason, you must put it in writing (see sample letter) and deliver to your child’s teacher who will give it to the school psychologist. They offer comprehensive testing.

College Level:

College of San Mateo DSPS (Disabled Student Programs and Services) office can test you.

1700 West Hillsdale Blvd

San Mateo, CA 94402

College Center Bldg 10 Room 120

(650) 574-6438

NON-PROFIT RESOURCES:
All Ages:

Universal Design for Learning - UDL

UDL is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn.

CAST is a nonprofit education research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning.

PRIVATE RESOURCES:
All Ages:

Lindamood-Bell is a paid resource who does comprehensive testing of children and adults. They will inform you of your child’s predominant learning styles and differences or disabilities. The method they use is emersion in challenge areas until new neural pathways are formed.

Children and Young Adults:

Sylvan Learning Center, also paid, offers the following variety of success boosting resources for children of all learning styles: Robotics, SAT/ACT preparation, academic intervention, tutoring, resources for children and their parents, etc. Locations in Mountain View and San Francisco.

PHYSICAL TOOLS AVAILABLE:
Livescribe Smart Pen:

This pen is designed for children with any degree of A.D.D. or A.D.H.D. More information available here:

https://www.livescribe.com/en-us/smartpen/

Kurzweil Reading Software:

This software is designed for people who experience difficulty reading. More information and a free trial available here:

https://www.kurzweiledu.com/products/k3000-win.html

Survey

https://sfsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0iV6tzRuoO2KhzT

Hypothesis, Assumptions, Delimination, Definition of Terms, Panel of Experts

Persona Daily Scenarios and Most Challenging Activities

User Personas

Persona 1 - Jesus Ramirez

Jesus is 9 years old and in in elementary school. 

He aspires to becomming a reman like his dad. 

He is a popular kid but he never seems to finish

tests or quizzes as fast as his classmates. This is 

the only thing Jesus dislikes about school. Outside 

of school Jesus enjoys Building things out of wood 

and driving remote controlled cars.

Persona 2 - Avery Ross

Avery is 10 years old, hoping to move onto middle

school next year. He struggles to follow his classes and

fears reading in front of the class. He reads fairly slow,

compared to the other students. In hopes of improving

his reading, Avery’s mom drops him o at the library

for a few hours after school each day. During his

free time he draws amazingly detailed action gures

and sports players.

Persona 3 - David Smallwood

David is a retired librarian who helps tutor

the youth that come into the local library.

He has taken a liking to Avery, a boy who is

very bright, but struggles in school. He

enjoys the energy of children and loves to

make a dierence in their lives. He plans to

continue tutoring and mentoring young

people for as long as he is able.

Persona 4 - Mayra Camacho

Mayra is a 13 year old girl who is homeschooled by her

mom. Mayra dislikes being cooped up in the house

and gets jealous when she sees children in the local

school yard playing with each other. In her spare time

she enjoys social networking and meeting up with

friends.

Persona 5 - Michael Roloff

Michael is a 12 year old middle school student. He

enjoys watching car or motorcycle races and sports

games on tv with his dad Harry and uncles. Michael is

always getting into new hobbies. He has a very active

mind. When in school he has trouble paying attention

because of how easy it is for him to become

bored with the material.

Persona 6 - Lacy Roloff

Lacy, a successful young entrepreneur, enjoys spending

time with her son Michael and husband Harry. She is very

passionate about her work and has more than one business

running. She never did well in school and was always

bored with the material.