Advice welcome dealing with son & his school ***HE'S BEEN MOVED!***

I wanted to call her and scream at her that she was a MORON!! My son has a nuerological disorder...he CAN"T SIT STILL!! He can't control his impulsivness!! This is HIM!!! I am still livid about it, and tempted to write to the superintendent that this teacher needs to be spoken to, re-trained, no 504/IEP kids or just fired!!


Some people REALLY shouldn't be working with children. Doesn't matter how much of a college education they received or pieces of paper they have to back it up. They lack the human component of working with people who are other than perfect.
 
Thanks to all who are on this thread and new to this thread and still coming on to it. I've gained so much more knowledge and bit more confidence that will help me through this process. I can't reply to every post, but I've read and reread and reread again most of them.

Do you know if I can have his 504 revised? Can't I ask that he be taken out of that math class, at least for awhile and taught by resource? Or without an IEP will this request be shot down? Can I request a nonverbal cue to him, without having to shout "strike!" over and over in front of the class?

I think you can request this regardless of special needs. This "strike" system is seriously flawed, and since this particular teacher has no interest in teaching your son, I would request he be in a different class (whether you request it as a 504 accommodation or just because this is not a good place for him to be).
 
Some people REALLY shouldn't be working with children. Doesn't matter how much of a college education they received or pieces of paper they have to back it up. They lack the human component of working with people who are other than perfect.

And not that it makes anyone feel any better...but dealing with this kind of "teacher" as a colleague is among the most frustrating things about working in education.
 
First, I am sorry that your son is going through this. It is hard on your family, he is your "baby" and you want to protect him.

However, he is growing older and going to be more responsible for his actions/reactions and it might be time to look at some other options, such as medication and outside evaluations, that before now may not have been as necessary. You need to start preparing him for life away from the safety and security of your family. You will not be with him at college or when he is at work. You will not be able to"make things right" forever or run interference when he is on the job.


Right now, though, I would docoument what the teacher has said--both from your son and the other boy. What she said, if that is truly what she said, is not right and needs to be addressed. I would have each boy write it out and sign it. Ask for a meeting with the principal to discuss this issue. Remain calm and matter of fact as you state your case. The teacher should apologize to your son for this statement and refrain from doing it anymore, to him or any other student.

I do not think it is unusual to ask if your son is on medication. I work at an alternative high school and that is a routine question that we ask. We find that as kids grow and develop, their medication needs change. sometimes parents/guardians are on top of this and sometimes they aren't. Sometimes parents are hesitant, like you, to put their child on medication until someone can actually document behaviors that occur on a regular basis. We can tell when our students miss their meds as there is a drastic change in behaviors, in class and to other kids as well.

Please look into medication for your son. As others have said in many ways, if your son had a broken arm you would treat it, if he had pneumonia you would treat it. He has adhd and odd with anxiety, so why are you not treating these? Medications could help stabalize him and allow him to function better. You will have to pick which condition to start with as they will generally not start to medicate for both at the same time. Then they don't know which is working and which isn't. They must get one stabilized and working before they can start on another one. Also, your child is reaching puberty which throws a whole lot more into the mix. They may also suggest a different diet or a behavior modification plan as well.

Another poster suggested an outside evaluation from a psychologist. While this may be hard for you to think about, please do talk about it with dh. You want to do what is best for your son, and sometimes it means doing things that are hard to do. The evaluation may reveal some information that will greatly help your son, both medication wise, behavior wise, etc. It cannot hurt to have it done.

I would ask for a reevaluation of his 504 plan. He is older now and there may need to be changes made. Before this is done, it would be worth it to have the outside evaluation done and talk with your personal physician about medication options. If there are no learning disabilities present, he will not get an IEP, so the 504 is the way to go.

Good luck.


I agree with everything but your last part! My son has an IEP...he has no learing disability...he just has ADHD. His IEP is medical other, if I am not mistaken.
 

This is probably the way his teacher feels and this why she's NOT giving him help. I am the OP. We were honest in telling her that we do help with homework, but some of the math we simply don't understand ourselves, so how can we guide him? He admits he was following along at the beginning and understanding, but he started to get lost and gave up. His problem? Yes. Does she care? No. He's acting out because he feels inferior to the other kids and put down - if that's not a cry for help I don't what else is. She has a right to feel how she does, but at the end of the day, he's still clueless and he cares less and less each day.:sad2:

Putting aside the inappropriateness of the teacher's name calling, is your son in counseling? After reading the whole thread, it seems to me that he needs some coping tools. Medication, accommodations, and changing teachers will all help, but they don't address his behavior or his reactions to things. As he gets older there will be more and more frustrations for him and more expected of him. He needs the tools NOW to help him deal with that.
 
Sounds like a lot of excuses-there must be examples in the book along with the notes the teacher has provided in class of how to do the work as long as the child is taking the notes, which often times they are not especially if they are a behavior problem- 6th grade math is not that difficult or different from years ago- it is only the beginning of the school year, most of it is still review from 5th grad-there are also plenty of tutors that are knowledgeable along with learning centers- if my child were having that much trouble I would sure be figuring out what I could do to help him at home-


Veering WAY off-topic here...
How long ago were you in school? What was you favorite subject? Your least favorite?
OK, let's play "Put yourself in someone else's shoes".
You have a son. He has some various behavior and learning issues. It is fairly early in the school-year. You have had a meeting with your son's teacher and some school administrators, the meeting did not go well. This son's teacher subsequently said to your son in front of at least one witness "you're a jerk."
Now, guess what? Your son is struggling in that very same subject you never did at all well in.
Does he have some type of dyslexia? You don't know *yet*.
Does he have some previously undiagnosed processing issues? Again, you don't know *yet*.
You've just started down the road to get this solved, you're a mom who loves her son and is trying to do her best.

Oh, and by the way, since you don't have a perfect kid *AND* you admit to it?...good luck, you're going to get judged a lot.

agnes!
 
Is there an option for your son to be moved to another SS and Math class? That would probably be my first step to help him feel safe, comfortable, etc. in class. It's unfortunate, but I work with some people that take it out on kids worse when their parents complain. I got involved in something last year because a new "teacher" was treating some of my students very poorly. We switch classes and the kids would come back to me crying or beg me not to make them go when it was time to switch. Their parents complained, I complained and the person got nastier. It's sad that they let people like this continue to work with children, but they do.

As a teacher, if I acted and reacted the way you are saying these teachers did in a meeting with a parent and the principal, I would have been reprimanded afterwards. Especially the comment about being medicated. That's a no-no in my district. We can't mention medication and we can't suggest that kids are ADD or anything else.

MTE. It doesn't sound like a good fit at all.

The jerk comment. Unacceptable. Your DS heard it. His classmate heard it. The principal should hear it. It sounds like your DS is dealing with this kind of attitude towards him daily. No wonder he is having a hard time learning! In addition, the math teacher stating elem. children get these math concepts was a dig at you as parents and your DS. She probably tells your DS this also, especially if she isn't afraid to say it to your faces directed to you (in front of the principal no less!). Terrible attitudes. I wouldn't want a child of mine in either of their classes under any circumstances.

At the very least they are part of the problem. But frankly, I think think it sounds like they are expanding your DS's problem by their attitude and unwillingness to help your DS learn the material. What is he doing in those classes but idling his time away? If he says anything, he gets a cue (?). How is that helping him to be in there? Oh, I'd make another appointment and get to the bottom of it. Bring a pad and pen. Take down the names of those in attendance, take notes during the meeting. It will get their attention.

Make sure you have goals in mind for what you want for your son and follow up dates in mind. There should be strategies in place to help your DS improve his grades. That should be the thrust. I would approach the issue as the academics comes first and the rest will follow. And I'd be firm. It appears your DS is just in a holding pattern right now! Prison. That would have to change. The teachers should be helpful, not holding him down.

In the meantime, I'd get your DS to document the insults hurled his way. Just the facts. And if someone over hears, write their names down too. Do it outside of class. Don't let the teachers have any possibility of catching wind to it.

Good luck. Keep us posted.
 
Polyfan,

I went back and reread that you were a teacher and had to revise my post. (Critical reading skills needed to kick in on the second reading.) You replied before I revised. I hope you read my revised and repost.

I too have a masters and have been teaching 15 years - I am veteran too.
 
Since it is apparent many posters are without the correct knowledge - to the original OP- first , a 504 plan does not fall under special education- therefore there is not a resource class for these students as there is for those with a special education label-

ADD/ADHD can also be eligible under special education under the category of OHI, which means the childs attention/behavior is significantly impacting his education- this is entirely different than a learning disability- with an IEP the child would have alternative classroom placements available to him unlike the current 504 plan- a behavior plan could be added to the 504 plan also-

a 504 plan can be revised with a 504 meeting called, as long as the team feels the revisions are appropriate

These are all options the parent should be aware of and looking into

Someone postedabout looking into goals for the 504- there is no such thing-a 504 provides accommodations/modificactions only-totally different than an IEP with goals


For those with sarcastic remarks please gain educational insight before slinging mud-there are always two sides to a story and as an educator you would be amazed at the lack of effort on the parents part
 
Some people REALLY shouldn't be working with children. Doesn't matter how much of a college education they received or pieces of paper they have to back it up. They lack the human component of working with people who are other than perfect.


Tell me about it! SHe might be fine with a class of kids without any issues! I am glad this is my youngest child though!! :)
 
Since it is apparent many posters are without the correct knowledge - to the original OP- first , a 504 plan does not fall under special education- therefore there is not a resource class for these students as there is for those with a special education label-

ADD/ADHD can also be eligible under special education under the category of OHI, which means the childs attention/behavior is significantly impacting his education- this is entirely different than a learning disability- with an IEP the child would have alternative classroom placements available to him unlike the current 504 plan- a behavior plan could be added to the 504 plan also-

a 504 plan can be revised with a 504 meeting called, as long as the team feels the revisions are appropriate

These are all options the parent should be aware of and looking into

Someone postedabout looking into goals for the 504- there is no such thing-a 504 provides accommodations/modificactions only-totally different than an IEP with goals


For those with sarcastic remarks please gain educational insight before slinging mud-there are always two sides to a story and as an educator you would be amazed at the lack of effort on the parents part

I don't know if you meant me or not, but I mentioned having goals for the OPs DS as a student. Not as part of a 504.
 
Thanks to all who are on this thread and new to this thread and still coming on to it. I've gained so much more knowledge and bit more confidence that will help me through this process. I can't reply to every post, but I've read and reread and reread again most of them.

Do you know if I can have his 504 revised? Can't I ask that he be taken out of that math class, at least for awhile and taught by resource? Or without an IEP will this request be shot down? Can I request a nonverbal cue to him, without having to shout "strike!" over and over in front of the class?


YES...most post was really long, so you might have msised it. You may request in writing a meeting of the child study team to revist your child's 504 at ANY TIME!! They have 30 days to respond to you! GO FOR IT!!! :)

Also before the meeting please meet with an experienced therapist to help you with suggestions for your son's 504!
 
YES...most post was really long, so you might have msised it. You may request in writing a meeting of the child study team to revist your child's 504 at ANY TIME!! They have 30 days to respond to you! GO FOR IT!!! :)

Also before the meeting please meet with an experienced therapist to help you with suggestions for your son's 504![/QUOT

A childstudy team is for special education not a 504 plan- totally different group of people
 
Sounds like a lot of excuses-there must be examples in the book along with the notes the teacher has provided in class of how to do the work as long as the child is taking the notes, which often times they are not especially if they are a behavior problem- 6th grade math is not that difficult or different from years ago- it is only the beginning of the school year, most of it is still review from 5th grad-there are also plenty of tutors that are knowledgeable along with learning centers- if my child were having that much trouble I would sure be figuring out what I could do to help him at home-


Hmmm...you are really off base. First of all I have a BS and had to take several years of calculus...so I know my math. Now I have had issues of the past few years helping my kids with their math, since when I start doing it my way..they say...NO...it has to be the way the teacher showed us. ANd for many years they don't bring a book, they have these stupid work sheets...with 1 example that shows you NOTHING!!!

ALso...hw is to reinforce what they learned in school. It is up to the teacher to TEACH THE CHILD, not the parent!!

When my child has hw I can't even udnerstand what they want, I send it back with them with a note!
 
Since it is apparent many posters are without the correct knowledge - to the original OP- first , a 504 plan does not fall under special education- therefore there is not a resource class for these students as there is for those with a special education label-

ADD/ADHD can also be eligible under special education under the category of OHI, which means the childs attention/behavior is significantly impacting his education- this is entirely different than a learning disability- with an IEP the child would have alternative classroom placements available to him unlike the current 504 plan- a behavior plan could be added to the 504 plan also-

a 504 plan can be revised with a 504 meeting called, as long as the team feels the revisions are appropriate

These are all options the parent should be aware of and looking into

Someone postedabout looking into goals for the 504- there is no such thing-a 504 provides accommodations/modificactions only-totally different than an IEP with goals


For those with sarcastic remarks please gain educational insight before slinging mud-there are always two sides to a story and as an educator you would be amazed at the lack of effort on the parents part

Thank you Poly for answering my question, I appreciate it and I am saying to you respectfully, that we are not uninvolved or uninterested parents who like to cast blame where it doesn't belong. My son has to commit to wanting help for his own behavior and we are working on that, but I do think she needs to be held accountable for just labeling him a behaviorial problem and not caring at all. She came off very crass and defensive and I didn't even ask to meet with her, the asst principal asked her to come down.

I really don't want this thread to get ugly and locked, because I really need this info available to me right now and my printer is acting up. These posts are invaluable to me including yours.
 
YES...most post was really long, so you might have msised it. You may request in writing a meeting of the child study team to revist your child's 504 at ANY TIME!! They have 30 days to respond to you! GO FOR IT!!! :)

Also before the meeting please meet with an experienced therapist to help you with suggestions for your son's 504![/QUOT

A childstudy team is for special education not a 504 plan- totally different group of people


Reallly??? Well, where I live in NJ, for my DD who has a 504, we have been meeting the child study team since 1st grade! She is in 8th grade now. And when we started dealing with my DS for his evaluation...2 years ago...guess what..it was the same child study team!! For DD they said 504...for DS IEP. Same people...same group.
 
Lori-


with the diagnosis ADHD,ODD and anxiety- I would professionally suggest you request a child study team meeting and ask for your child to be reevaluated with a full evaluation- there are too many factors in play for just a 504 plan- I have not read every post- alot of skimming so I may have missed things you put, but your son may qualify for an IEP based on the OHI (other health impairment)category- let them know you want a psych, educational, social and medical eval done- the school has 10 days to meet with you and then will have 65 days to test- in the mean time- ask for the 504 team to meet- I know alot of meetings- see what adjustments can be made to that and add a behavior plan- the child study team can also give you suggestions to put in place to try in the mean time- they cannot come come out and say medication,however many times this can make a world of difference in a child- I am not a fan of medication, but honestly it does work for some-you can PM me for additional info or if you have questions aboutwhatyou are told by the school
 
Thanks to all who are on this thread and new to this thread and still coming on to it. I've gained so much more knowledge and bit more confidence that will help me through this process. I can't reply to every post, but I've read and reread and reread again most of them.

Do you know if I can have his 504 revised? Can't I ask that he be taken out of that math class, at least for awhile and taught by resource? Or without an IEP will this request be shot down? Can I request a nonverbal cue to him, without having to shout "strike!" over and over in front of the class?

Yes, you should be able to revise the 504. In our district, our guidance counselors manage the 504's. I think you might be able to revise the 504 to include small group math instruction which might allow for the move to a special education class. I don't know if I would recommend that, though. This might make your son feel "dumber." It would be better if your son has a (regular ed) different math class.

I wish I could give you sound advice about the law and the 504, but I don't have the information. Do you have anyone in your circle of friends who can speak to a local administrator regarding the law of the 504. In my district in PA, we treat the 504 the same as an IEP. I am required to follow it. I do find that parents who are well versed have an easier time.

Regardless of the 504 or IEP, the teacher's method of yelling strike is not an acceptable technique in this situation. I am not saying that it isn't a acceptable technique. I sometimes "buzz" my kids when they are wrong, like a game show host. I know my audience, though. For some other kids, I say, Good try; thank you for trying; etc. (in a kind, loving voice - not dripping with sarcasm like one might misinterpret. :cutie:) When they are misbehaving, however, I am less inclined to call further attention to it. (Usually, that makes it worse; the kid then acts out more to save face. Or, the kid hates me more and learns less. :confused3)

It is absolutely appropriate for you to ask for a nonverbal cue; heck, it is okay to ask for a list of them.

If you have other questions, please post them. Many of us want to help.
 
Question: What is a 504 plan?
Answer: The "504" in "504 plan" refers to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which specifies that no one with a disability can be excluded from participating in federally funded programs or activities, including elementary, secondary or postsecondary schooling. "Disability" in this context refers to a "physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities." This can include physical impairments; illnesses or injuries; communicable diseases; chronic conditions like asthma, allergies and diabetes; and learning problems. A 504 plan spells out the modifications and accommodations that will be needed for these students to have an opportunity perform at the same level as their peers, and might include such things as wheelchair ramps, blood sugar monitoring, an extra set of textbooks, a peanut-free lunch environment, home instruction, or a tape recorder or keyboard for taking notes.

Question: How does a 504 plan differ from an IEP?
Answer: A 504 plan, which falls under civil-rights law, is an attempt to remove barriers and allow students with disabilities to participate freely; like the Americans With Disabilities Act, it seeks to level the playing field so that those students can safely pursue the same opportunities as everyone else. An IEP, which falls under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, is much more concerned with actually providing educational services. Students eligible for an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan, represent a small subset of all students with disabilities. They generally require more than a level playing field -- they require significant remediation and assistance, and are more likely to work on their own level at their own pace even in an inclusive classroom. Only certain classifications of disability are eligible for an IEP, and students who do not meet those classifications but still require some assistance to be able to participate fully in school would be candidates for a 504 plan.
 














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