son diagnosed with dyslexia - need IEP v. 504 advice

My son who has inattentive ADD was recently diagnosed with dyslexia and mild anxiety. His cognitive score was 120 and his academic achievement score was 90. The doctor said that is a huge difference. He is making straight As and can comprehends well when reading silently but his reading fluency is extremely low and he has great difficulty with his phonemic skills.

The doc recommends an IEP, a summer Ortin-Gillingham class, etc. The school refused to test him because they said he was at grade level so we had it done privately. I am now waiting for the school to schedule an IEP/504 meeting but they already said they don't do stuff in the summer. However, from researching it seems like they might be obligated to.

This is all new and I would appreciate any advice on the pros and cons of 504s and IEPs. And what is reasonable to expect the school to do. The summer program the doc recommends is at a private school and costs $1,200 which we can't afford.

She also recommend he be allowed extra time and an alternate place for testing. His current teacher says he probably doesn't need that but the doc said he is going to need it when it comes time for SATs, etc.

I also don't want him taken out of his regular class for special instruction. He did that last year and missed so much.

This is all so overwhelming. Please fill me in on my options. I just want what's best for my little guy.

Thanks.

The school's stance is probably that there is "no educational need" for special education if your son is making A's. But, he does seem to have a diagnosis that has an effect on his learning, which when you bring that to the school's attention, they have the responsibility to look into. He may very well qualify for 504 modifications. As the other person stated, put all of your requests in writing. I wish you and your son success! It can be a frustrating process.

efrank- Might I suggest that you start a new thread wtih this information. That way more LDonline members will have an opportunity to see it and respond.

In the interim, I would recommend that you put your request for him to be evaluated in writing to the school for him to be evaluated. This thread should be of assistance:

http://schwablearningforumarchive.greatschools.org/thread/17246.html

In addition, There is much to substantiate that retention is not usually an effective strategy for students with learning disabilites. See the following attached articles:

http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/health/repeating-a-grade.gs?content=659

http://www.ldonline.org/article/23376?theme=print

http://www.ldonline.org/?module=uploads&func=download&fileId=591

http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/retain.index.htm

http://www.wrightslaw.com/heath/teach.retain.htm

http://www.greatschools.org/elementary-school/community/discussion.gs?content=38444

http://www.readingrockets.org/articles/22580

http://www.cdl.org/resource-library/articles/grade_retention.php

http://www.education.com/reference/article/grade-retention-role-response-to-intervention-RTI/

Best Wishes.