Stephanie: My son’s (grade 2) school does not have a special ed classroom. He has an IEP and is “supplemental support” He has several accommodations such as pull out sessions and part time paraprofessional support in the regular ed classroom but things just really aren’t getting any better. The work is too difficult for him. At his latest IEP meeting they have offered us to keep doing what we are doing which is not working, or 2 other options, both of which would mean changing schools and turning his entire world upside down. Both of these schools are in our district and have classrooms that would fit his needs but the closest is at least 20 minutes away by car and the other at least 30. My question is, has anyone else experienced a situation similar to this and what was the outcome?
While you’re waiting for the evaluation date to arrive:
Have you observed him in his current setting? You can observe him in the pull-out setting, in the classroom, in the lunchroom, on the playground, in the library, in art class, etc. (Probably not all in one day — observing is hard work!) You may get some ideas about what would help by observing.
You can visit the two proposed schools without committing yourself. As a parent, seeing how things are done at the other schools will tell you a great deal.
You needn’t limit yourself to those two schools for visits. If you can find a school or a classroom in your area where inclusion is being done well, that will make it easier to know exactly what you need to ask for, to enable your child to be more successful.
Stephanie: Most kids with disabilities need more than accommodations and “supports” in order to learn. In 2nd and 3rd grade, teachers told my husband’s parents that he was uneducable, mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed. My husband is Pete Wright, attorney, co-founder of Wrightslaw.com, and co-author of several books.
After his parents had him evaluated by a child psychologist, they learned that he has dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. He needed one-on-one tutoring every day before he could learn.
Do you know exactly what your child’s problems are and what he needs? Before you decide to change his school, you need to know the answers to these questions. Suggest you consult with a child psych in the private sector for a game plan.