Helping Your Child Succeed in School During Changing Times

School can be challenging, especially when rules and policies keep changing. Recent political debates have led to new school policies, book restrictions, and changes in how students with learning differences receive support. As a parent, it can feel overwhelming to keep up, especially if your child is neurodiverse and struggling with a learning disability. But there are ways to help your child stay on track with their education and thrive in school, including educational testing and focusing on advocacy.

Why School Policies Matter

Changes in school rules can affect the help your child gets. For example, if schools change how they test students or how they fund special education programs, your child might not receive the same support as before. That’s why it’s important to stay informed and advocate for your child when needed.

How a Psychoeducational Evaluation Can Help

A psychoeducational evaluation is a test that helps you understand how your child learns. It can:

Identify strengths and challenges – Show where your child excels and where they need extra help.
Support school requests – Provide a clear report to share with teachers and school staff when asking for additional support or accommodations.
Offer learning strategies – Help create a plan to make school easier and less stressful for your child.

What Parents Can Do

If your child struggles in school, here are some ways to help:

Get an evaluation – Early testing can help your child receive the support they need.
Stay informed – Learn about education policies and how they affect your child.
Work with teachers – Communicate with your child’s school to ensure they are receiving appropriate assistance.

Helpful Resources

Here are national and Colorado-specific resources to help you navigate education laws and advocacy for neurodiverse students with learning disabilities:

National Special Education and Advocacy Resources

Wrightslaw – Reliable information on special education law for parents, advocates, teachers, and attorneys.
Center for Parent Information and Resources – Explains IDEA and Section 504 to help parents understand their rights.
U.S. Department of Education – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) – Details parents’ rights regarding access to student education records.
Special Needs Alliance – A national organization of attorneys dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities and their families.
National Center for Learning Disabilities – Provides resources for students with learning disabilities and their families.

Colorado & Local Advocacy Resources for Learning Disabilities

Colorado Department of Education – Special Education Rules and Regulations – Provides information on special education laws, including IEPs and student accommodations.
Disability Law Colorado – Offers legal advocacy for students with disabilities, ensuring they receive necessary school services.
PEAK Parent Center – Provides training and resources to help families of children with disabilities advocate effectively.
AdvocacyDenver – Supports students with disabilities, offering legal guidance and school navigation assistance.
Individualized Education Program (IEP) – Colorado Department of Education – Explains how to develop and implement IEPs in Colorado.
Specially Designed Instruction (SDI), Standards, and Accommodations – Colorado Department of Education – Provides guidance on instructional accommodations and state standards for students with disabilities.

Education Is Changing – What Resources Are Available for Parents of Children With Learning Disabilities?