Hi First name / friend, 

 

It’s that time of year.

PSAT.
SAT.
M-STEP.
NWEA.

 

Testing season is in full swing. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, this is often when questions start bubbling up.

 

Are accommodations in place?
Are they being provided consistently?
Does my child know how to use them?
Will these scores reflect their actual ability?

 

Take a breath.

 

Testing does not redefine your child; it is  just one data point.

 

But this is a good time to quietly double-check a few things:

• Are testing accommodations listed clearly in the IEP or 504?
• Have they been used consistently during instruction — not just saved for testing?
• Does your child understand how to access their supports independently?

 

If something feels unclear, this is a calm moment to ask for clarification from the special education department at your child's school — not from panic, but from preparation.

 

This is the time to remind these beautiful, smart kids that they are capable, prepared, and more than a score.

Send them into school with a full night’s rest.

A steady breakfast.
And a little extra Mom love.

 

 

Yes, these tests become data.
Yes, they may show up in meetings but they are one snapshot — not a definition.

 

We do not make this bigger than it needs to be.

 

 

Then we let them do what they have been working toward all year.

 

While I’m preparing the next round of newsletters, I wanted to remind you that there are already tools available to support you during moments like this. If you don't see one that helps your situation, respond to this email. I love getting suggestions for new resources that can help parents feel supported!!

 

If you need help reviewing accommodations…
If you’re unsure what testing language in the IEP actually means…
If you’re preparing for end-of-year meetings…

 

You can find resources below.

No urgency.
No pressure.

 

If you’re unsure whether accommodations are clearly in place for PSAT, SAT, M-STEP, or NWEA, here’s a simple, collaborative email you can use.

 

Fill in your child's name and send it off without the stress!! 

 

 

Subject: Quick Question About Testing Supports for [Student’s Name]

 

Hi [Teacher / Case Manager’s Name],

 

With upcoming state testing, I just wanted to quickly check in about [Student’s Name]’s supports.

 

Can you remind me which testing accommodations will be in place for [Student’s Name] during the upcoming state assessments? I would appreciate a quick refresher on how this will look in the classroom on testing days.

 

If there’s anything I should remind [Student’s Name] about ahead of time, please let me know.

 

Thank you so much for your help!

 

Best,
[Parent Name]

Michelle’s Special Education Advocacy

Serving Families and Districts across the nation from Oscoda, MI

In Person within 100 miles of Isoco County, MI, and virtually

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