Testing Credentials Testing Credentials Kathy Root completed the equivalent of a semester-long graduate-level course in Diagnosing Dyslexia, offered through the University of San Diego and taught by Susan Barton who is recognized internationally as an authority in the fields of Dyslexia and AD/HD. During this course, Kathy learned the research-based method of diagnosing dyslexia as described in Dr. Sally Shaywitz's book, Overcoming Dyslexia.
After completing that course, Kathy then applied what she learned by testing a child suspected of having dyslexia. After scoring the tests and writing up her diagnostic report,she submitted her report and all of the scored tests to Susan Barton, founder of Bright Solutions for Dyslexia, LLC. Susan reviewed each of the tests to make sure they were scored accurately and read through Kathy's approximately 36 page report to make sure it was complete and thorough, yet written in parent-friendly language.
At that point, Kathy earned her certification as a Dyslexia Testing Specialist.
Also, Kathy conducts an in-depth interview of the parent BEFORE she tests the student, plus a thorough review of all prior testing, the educational records, and schoolwork samples BEFORE she agrees to test a student – searching for signs that would hint of other disability issues that might be impacting a child. If she get hints of anything other than dyslexia (along with ADD), she does not accept the child for testing.
According to federal educational law, Kathy qualifies as an expert. Legally, an expert is any person who “by knowledge, skill, experience, training or education” possesses “scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge that will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a face in issues . . . “ Fed.R.Evid. 702.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (hereinafter “IDEA”), 20 U.S.C § 1414 (d)(1)(B)(vi) allows parents to consult with experts and include experts on their child's Individualized Education Program (hereinafter “IEP”) team.
Experts can offer opinions based on their personal observations and/or testing of the child. While the IEP team must consider the opinions of any expert procured by the parents (20 U.S.C. § 1414 (d)(3)(A)(i)), the team is not bound by these opinions.
If a district decides on a course of action that is at odds with the recommendations of the expert retained by the parents, the parents are entitled to “prior written notice,” a written explanation from the district that specifically states:
• a description of the action proposed or refused by the agency;
• an explanation of why the agency proposes or refuses to take referral for evaluation, the means by which a copy of a description of the procedural safeguards can be obtained; and
• sources for parents to contact to obtain assistance in understanding the provisions of this part.
Parents may request a Due Process Hearing and ask an impartial Hearing Officer to determine whether the district was correct in disregarding their expert's advice. An articulate, well-reasoned expert opinion that is supported by objective data is extraordinarily beneficial to an advocate who is attempting to obtain a particular action or prevent an action by a school district on behalf of an eligible child.
Any questions about Kathy's training or the certification process, can easily be answered by calling Susan Barton, founder of Bright Solutions for Dyslexia, LLC ( www.BrightSolutions.US ) at 408-559-3652 ext. 5.
