Last updated on November 26, 2023
Podcast Episode 0072, Season 5, Episode 3; 12 October 2021
Special Education and Independent Evaluations
Susan and I obtained a third-party neuropsychological evaluation for our oldest daughter, Leigh, to ensure she receives the public education supports mandated by federal law. Many parents don’t realize you can obtain and submit an independent evaluation to a school district.
What are the benefits of an independent evaluation? Should your family consider requesting a “second opinion” if you’re unsatisfied with a school-provided evaluation?
Dr. Jerry Turner, the president of IEP, Inc., is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (#2966), Consulting Psychologist (APA), former Special Education Director and lead school psychologist. He’s also an author, private pilot, Marine combat veteran, and adjunct college professor. He has been a middle and high school teacher and guidance counselor.
Links Mentioned:
- Dr. Turner and IEP, Inc. online at https://www.drjerryturner.com
- My Child Learns Differently: The Parent’s Guide to Special Education
- Special Education Guide: for Teachers and Administrators
- So, You Are a School Psychologist: A Guide for Interns and First Year Psychologist
Transcript
Three years ago, pre-pandemic, I was a full-time university instructor. When I spoke about autism and education to groups, I was telling families and students that we need to shape Individualized Education Programs and 504 Plans with transitions in mind. At each university where I taught, I met Neurodiverse students struggling because the supports they had come to rely on were no longer provided after high school.
We need to prepare students for what comes after the K12 years.
Welcome to The Autistic Me Podcast. I am Christopher Scott Wyatt.
In this episode, I’ll be discussing IEPs and 504 Plans with Dr. Jerry Turner, founder of IEP, Incorporated.
Before we begin, I want to take a moment to mention my family’s current situation.
Our local school district just announced at least 17 elementary classrooms are on ten-day COVID-19 quarantine. Staffing shortages continue, especially within special education and student support services. Welcome to the start of the 2021-22 school year.
Special education for some students simply isn’t feasible with the virtual learning model.
As the parent of two Neurodiverse children, I want them to have every support possible. Legally, disabled students are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) possible.
Unfortunately, neither of my daughters has received school-based services since March 2020, and I doubt they will anytime soon.
Taking our current reality into account, and with a hopeful look towards the future, I want to welcome Dr. Jerry Turner to podcast.
Dr. Turner is a Licensed Educational Psychologist in California and the founder of IEP, Incorporated. Dr. Turner has almost two decades of experience in school psychology and independent consulting.
Dr. Turner’s books include a Special Education Guide for Teachers and Administrators (2020), My Child Learns Differently: The Parent’s Guide to Special Education (2018), and So, You Are a School Psychologist: A Guide for Interns and First Year Psychologist (first published in 2012).
For more than a decade, Dr. Turner has mentored aspiring school psychologists through California’s state-mandated 1,200 hours of in-service training for interns. Dr. Turner is also a former member of the board of directors of the California Association of School Psychologists.
Welcome to the podcast, Dr. Turner.
Transcription in Progress
Thank you.
The Autistic Me
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