At Ability Allies we are passionate about helping Hoosier children succeed in school. Success in school is often measured by assessments and attendance.
Assessments
The school year is in full swing! It's likely that your student's school has administered various assessments at the beginning of the year to determine your child's skill level. Indiana law requires schools to administer a universal screener to all kindergarten, first, and second grade students annually to identify students who may be at risk for the learning characteristics of dyslexia, a reading disability. If your child’s assessment demonstrates they are “at risk” or at “some risk” for characteristics of dyslexia, the school will seek your consent to conduct further assessments. See the reference link below to the Indiana Department of Education Memo regarding this assessment.
If you have any concerns with your child's reading skills, please feel free to contact us!
Attendance
You may also have received notice from the school regarding the importance of school attendance. Indiana has mandatory attendance laws for school age children. A new law, effective July 1, requires schools to refer parents to the county prosecutor's office when an elementary school student (Kindergarten through 6th grade) has accumulated 10 or more unexcused absences. At that point, the student is considered “habitually truant”, and schools must meet with the parents to discuss the student’s absences and offer services to help improve their attendance.
Sometimes parents have difficulties enrolling their child in school due to local school district policies. The Indiana Department of Education has issued a memo reminding schools of their enrollment obligations. See the reference link below for more details.
If your child is struggling academically or behaviorally in school, feel free to contact us!
Reference Links:
IDOE Memo - Barriers to Enrollment
IDOE Memo - Dyslexia Screening
Please reach out to Ability Allies with any questions. We are happy to help!