The Lamphere Schools uses a Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses Process for the determination of a Specific Learning Disability for all buildings and all grades in the district and includes the following:

• The student does not achieve adequately for the student's age or to meet State-approved grade level standards in one or more of the areas identified at 34 CFR 300.309(a)(1)(i) when provided with learning experiences and instruction appropriate for the student's age or State-approved grade level standards; and

• The students exhibits a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in performance, achievement, or both, relative to age, State-approved grade level standards, or intellectual development, that is determined by the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) to be relevant to the identification of a SLD, using appropriate assessments, consistent with the IDEA Evaluation Procedures and Additional Requirements for Evaluations and Reevaluations.

In making a determination as to whether a student has or continues to have a specific learning disability, The Lamphere Schools will also comply with all applicable federal regulations and State rules, including those addressing comprehensive evaluations, determination of the existence of a specific learning difficulty, specific documentation for SLD eligibility determination, and reevaluation requirements.

Parent Advisory Committee members play an important roll in the implementation of Special Education Services and Programs.  To learn more about what PAC parents do, please view the Fact Sheet developed by the Michigan Alliance for Families.

Parent Advisory Committee Fact Sheet

Maria Kramer is a graduate of Lamphere High School. She moved back to Madison Heights 4 years ago and has 1 son at Page Middle School and 2 sons at Simonds Elementary School.  

Maria has represented Lamphere Schools as a Parent Advisory Committee representative at Oakland Schools for 2 years. As a parent of 2 children with different learning abilities, Maria has the unique experience of navigating different levels of special education. Maria is passionate about arming our parents with resources to help educate them to learn the ins and outs of special education or sharing programs that may enhance the public school curriculum.  

Please feel free to contact her directly at maria.m.kramer@gmail.com or (248) 417-6788.

What is autism?

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that is characterized by difficulties in communication, forming relationships, and understanding abstract concepts.  

Autism is a vast spectrum, encompassing many variations and degrees of severity.  With appropriate supports, people with autism can live successful lives. It is important to identify and diagnose autism as early as possible.

What are the signs of autism?

At your child’s well visits, your child’s doctor monitors developmental growth. Between 18 – 30 months, children are screened with an M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) assessment to identify delays that may be associated with autism.  It is important to share your concerns with your child’s doctor. Your doctor may direct you to get a more detailed evaluation.

A list of signs and characteristics of ASD:

Signs And Characteristics of ASD

Helpful video regarding signs of ASD in young children:

Signs of ASD

Who do I contact if I think my child may have autism?

If you child is under the age 5 or not in school please contact Early On Oakland at 1-800-EarlyOn.

Or

Call Lamphere’s special education department at (248) 584-0168 and ask for a child find coordinator.

Helpful links and resources:

• Autism Speaks - Autism Speaks

• My child has been diagnosed with autism?  What now?- Autism Speaks

• 100 Day Kit for Young Children - 100 Day Kit Young Children

• Link for a list of signs of ASD - Learn Signs

• Helpful video regarding signs of ASD. - Signs of ASD