Yes. A child with dyscalculia can qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if their disability affects their ability to handle math problems or related skills such as telling time, counting money, and measuring.
This article explains how New York parents can get an IEP for a child with dyscalculia. It also answers common questions about dyscalculia and the IEP process. Finally, it explains how a therapeutic school in NYC might help.
What is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects the ability to learn and perform number-related tasks, such as math and other number-based tasks.
While struggling with math problems is an obvious symptom, dyscalculia can affect other number-based skills, including:
- Counting
- Number sense (accurately connecting a number to a size or quantity)
- Place value
- Counting money
- Measuring
- Estimating quantities
- Memorizing math facts (e.g., times tables)
- Learning to tell time on an analog clock
While most people are familiar with dyslexia, far fewer know about dyscalculia. As such, many parents understandably believe that their children’s math struggles stem from laziness, disinterest, or math anxiety. However, children with dyscalculia have a legitimate disorder that prevents their brains from processing numbers properly. So, the issue isn’t motivation, it’s neurology.
Does Dyscalculia Qualify for an IEP in New York?
It can. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) uses a two-step process for IEPs. First, the student must have a qualifying disability. Second, the child must need special education services due to the disability.
Step 1 – Qualifying Disability
There are 13 categories of qualifying disabilities in the IDEA. One of these is “specific learning disability.” The IDEA regulations include disorders that affect the ability to do mathematical calculations. Because dyscalculia causes difficulties with math calculation, parents should not have difficulty meeting this portion of the test.
Step 2 – Need for Special Education Services
Parents must also prove that their child’s dyscalculia is so serious that the child requires individualized instruction. There are several ways to demonstrate this, including evidence that the child:
- Consistently transposes numbers or confuses similar numbers
- Seems to understand math concepts one day but not the next
- Uses their fingers or objects (manipulatives) to help with counting or math when it is not grade-appropriate
- Has difficulty memorizing math facts (e.g., times tables)
- Confuses math symbols
- Puts numbers in the wrong place value column
- Has difficulty showing their work on math problems
- Struggles with word problems
- Has difficulty with “mental math”
- Takes longer for them to finish their math homework than other children
These and other math troubles can support your IEP request.
Note: While most commonly associated with math, dyscalculia can affect other subjects as well. Science classes often require students to perform accurate measurements or memorize complex formulas. Numbers and dates are crucial to history courses. So, if you suspect that your child may have dyscalculia, it’s best not to wait.
How Do Parents in New York Request an IEP for a Child with Dyslexia?
There are several steps in the NYC IEP process: referral, consent, evaluation, and eligibility determination.
Referral and Consent. The IEP process begins when a parent, teacher, or other person refers the child for an evaluation.
Shortly after the referral, NYCPS will ask you to consent to the evaluation process. You must sign the consent form even if you made the referral.
Evaluation. Evaluators will give your child several types of tests. When dyscalculia is suspected, the tests will likely focus on mathematical reasoning and problem-solving.
Eligibility. In this phase, the IEP team (which you are a part of) will review the test results to determine whether your child has a qualifying disability. While the assessments are important, you can bring additional evidence to support your case, such as old report cards or tutoring reports.
Plan Development. Once the IEP team agrees that your child has a qualifying disability, the team must decide how the school should change its academic program to help your child. You can request changes such as:
- Reducing the number of math problems for homework
- Allowing the student to complete math topics at a slower pace than the class
- Changing the math objectives for a unit to meet the students’ current abilities
- Allowing a student to work below grade level temporarily
- Permitting teacher support when independence is expected
- Breaking large concepts into smaller skills
The IEP team will also set goals to measure your child’s progress. You’ll be able to provide input on whether the goals are reasonable or too ambitious at this time.
Step 5 – Annual Review. New York law says that your child’s IEP must be reviewed at least once each school year. The review meeting is an opportunity to address any concerns you have about how the IEP is working.
Frequently Asked Questions About IEPs for Children with Dyscalculia?
- Can dyscalculia be part of a twice-exceptional profile?
Yes. Children with dyscalculia can be gifted in other areas, making them twice-exceptional.
- Can a child with dyscalculia stay in general education classes?
Generally, yes. The IDEA says that a child must be educated in the least restrictive environment. This means that they should stay in the general education classroom unless there is a reason to move them.
- Can my child get an IEP for dyscalculia if they are not failing math?
Yes. A failing grade is not a requirement for an IEP. A child can qualify for assistance well before they receive a failing grade.
- Can dyscalculia show up for the first time in middle school or high school?
Yes. Most cases of dyscalculia are diagnosed in early childhood, but it is not uncommon for the disability to go unrecognized until adolescence or even adulthood.
How Can Therapeutic Schools Help Students with Dyscalculia?
Many parents express frustration about how the provisions of their child’s IEP are implemented. It can be difficult for
traditional public schools to fully comply with IEPs. For example, large class sizes make it difficult for teachers to give students individual attention or adapt lessons to each child’s needs.
However, therapeutic schools are designed with students in mind. Flexible schedules and smaller class sizes help teachers adjust the lessons as needed. Many students with academic and emotional challenges benefit from more direct instruction and attention.
If you think that your child with dyscalculia might benefit from a new school, consider Academics West. Our school is dedicated to equipping each child with the tools they need to embark on their own Hero’s Journey. Learn more about our school by booking a call with an admissions coordinator or scheduling an in-person visit.