Understood Explains

What happens during a school evaluation? And what role do families play? Host Dr. Andy Kahn and school psychologist Brittney Newcomer explain who’s on the school evaluation team, what they do, and how you can help shape the evaluation plan for your child. Parenting expert Amanda Morin also offers tips on how you can help your child get ready for the evaluation. (Hint: The answer does NOT involve any studying!) To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at podcast@understood.org.  Related resourcesPreparing for an evaluationThe school evaluation process: What to expectWho’s on the evaluation team at your child’s schoolShould your child study for a special education evaluation?Download: Sample letters for things like accepting or rejecting an evaluation planVideo: Inside a dyslexia evaluation   Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

School evaluations are free — and you can ask for one at any time and for any reason. But the details you include when you ask can make a big difference. Host Dr. Andy Kahn and education advocate Christina Gutierrez explain how to request an evaluation and how soon the school needs to respond. Parenting expert Amanda Morin also shares tips on what to say to your child about requesting an evaluation — and what not to say. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at podcast@understood.org.  Related resources6 steps to requesting a free school evaluationDownload: Sample letters for requesting evaluations and reportsWhy your child’s school may deny your evaluation requestParent training centers: A free resource in your state   Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

What rights do families have in a school evaluation? This episode highlights five key ways that special education law protects your rights during the evaluation process. Host Dr. Andy Kahn talks with lawyer Andrew M.I. Lee about what to do if you think the school isn’t following the rules. And parenting expert Amanda Morin gives tips on what to avoid saying to your child about any disputes with the school. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at podcast@understood.org.  Related resourcesEvaluation rights: What you need to knowYou disagree with the school’s evaluation results. Now what?Independent educational evaluations: What you need to know10 smart responses when the school cuts or denies servicesDownloadable letter templates and talking pointsSample letters for requesting evaluations and reportsSample letters for dispute resolutionSample scripts for dispute resolution  Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Julian Saavedra, an assistant principal and co-host of The Opportunity Gap, shares his expertise on special education in this engaging discussion. He breaks down common myths surrounding evaluations that can mislead families. Insights include the importance of collaboration between schools and parents and how to determine the right time for an evaluation. Plus, parenting expert Amanda Morin offers practical tips on communicating with children about these processes, ensuring families feel supported and informed in their decisions.

Is your child struggling in school? Are you wondering what supports might help? This episode explains the basics of how schools evaluate kids for special education. Host Andy Kahn is a psychologist. He talks with educator Julian Saavedra about looking for kids’ strengths as well as their weaknesses. Andy also trades tips with parenting expert Amanda Morin on what to say to your child along the way. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at podcast@understood.org.  Related resourcesWhat is an evaluation for special education?6 benefits of having your child evaluatedDifferent terms you may hear for evaluationsParent training centers: A free resource in your state Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Listen to the trailer for Season 1 of Understood Explains, which covers the ins and outs of the process school districts use to evaluate kids for special education. Host Dr. Andy Kahn is a psychologist who spent nearly 20 years evaluating kids for schools. He explains each step of the process and gives tips on how to talk with your child along the way.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at podcast@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about Understood Explains and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts.Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.  Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give