Does your high schooler have an IEP that allows use of an Ipad or laptop?

[deegack]

From a high school teacher, for me to be willing to allow it in my classroom it would have to be a stripped down version with just a word processor and NO internet capabilities. Even without internet access there is so much that can be put on a laptop or ipad to give a child an unfiar advantage that I just cannot see allowing it in any sort of assessment situation without careful and frequent scrutiny of what is actually loaded on the machine, and NO access to the internet.

You do realize that you have no say in this. An iep committee determines what a child needs. If you prevent a child from using his approved accommodation you are breaking the law.

 

[torinsmom]

I don't know much about dysgraphia, but I know about IEP's. I don't think that he will be able to get it. The state has it that if the IEP paper work says that he needs it then yes one should be given. HOWEVER if they have someone there to help with his writing in the classies and to help with testing then no they will not do it.

As someone said there is programs out there that will type out the spoken work on the computer where you can print it out. He could get that on a computer for home and at school along with the help of the IEP aid could take notes or get a recorder and when he gets home put it into his computer and print out.

But like I said if they give him an aid that writes for him then no I don't think they will. As someone else said if the laptop ONLY had a word program on it then the school MAY go for it, but because the school is still done manually I an with that person that said giving him a laptop with internet and such would not be right. It is some what unfair to the other students to give one child a computer with everything on it and no one else in the class has a laptop. And yes that child could go on the internet and do what ever and get distracted from his education.



That is the key word...RECOMMENDS. It does not have required on it so it is the schools call. Like I said as long as they give him the extra testing time and someone to write for him then they are meeting the IEP's recommendations.

It sucks that that is how it is, but they are already following the IEP's recommendations, so there is not much that can be done. It is worth a try to ask for a word program computer only, and hopefully they would go for it, but with everything on it I don't think so. Maryland is still a little in the '90's when it comes to tech in the schools like computers for every child. But as a Marylander and kids in the school system you just deal with it. Both of my nephews have been going to MD blue ribbon schools/National blue ribbon school (some of the best in the state) from the time they started Pre-K and even those 4 schools do not have computers for every child. And both of them have IEP recommendations.

Good Luck helping the child.

LOL, so you seriously think they are going to get a one on one aide to do all the child's writing? That is the most expensive option. They can disable whatever functions they want disabled on a computer or laptop, and that will be more effective. In testing situations, there is no way the child can sit there and tell someone what the answer is so they can write it, without someone else hearing it. Copies of teachers' notes may help in some classes, but in other classes where the child has to write a journal every day(English), the child will have to write. My son chooses to write many times over using the computer. His teachers get good at reading his writing in a few weeks, and they know to ask him if they need clarification. He is in 12th grade and his writing looks like a 1st-2nd grader. It is neurological, not physical.

OP, if it is private testing and he doesn't have an IEP, the parent needs to request a meeting to address her child's needs with the Exceptional Children's Dept. IN WRITING. They may have to do other testing before deciding on accommodations. I wouldn't offer him bringing his own laptop, as the school should provide something. Most schools have something called an AlphaSmart, which are word processors without any other function. The child writes and then sends the document to a printer wirelessly. My son used one of these in middle school. Good luck! Dysgraphia is one of those learning disabilities that is very misunderstood.

 

[princessmom29]

In my experience laptop use is NOT dictated by one teacher.

If the IEP includes "technology", then the IEP "team" is responsible for determining what the student needs. One teacher can not refuse to allow the student to use the device.

To the OP- Assistive techology is becoming more common in the classroom and can be helpful to assist various students with needs.

You can google "Laptops and IEPS" and find some good resources for helping your argument.

Yes, I realize that I could be forced to accept it, but we are usually at least asked about our specific classroom and what would be appropiate in this situation because every teacher's classroom is different and the team SHOULD be working to make the IEP work for everyone.

Guess you wouldn't be a good fit for the school my son just graduated from (fountain-fort Carson), as every high-schooler had a lap top assigned to them, had Internet access, and were allowed to bring them home every day. Maybe since everyone had the same capabilities, there wasn't any unfair advantage? even being smart enough to look something up on the Internet shows some type of initiative. We chose carefully which school district we wanted to live in, and loved the progressive thinking of the High School. Actually his junior and senior year he spent 1/2 day at the college, and graduated HS with 17 college credits. . ( we found out this particular HS had more ACP slots available than any other school district too.) When we moved the end of his Sophmore year, we decided that we could move anywhere in the city after he graduated, but those 2 1/2 years were all about him....it was the least we could do after uprooting him in the middle of HS. The only thing he asked for when we moved was to have a good Internet connection, so he could still play x-box with all his buddies from home.

To the bolded: So you would be ok with your child googling the answers he didn't know on a test? I wouldn't be, for either my students or my child. Schools that provide laptops to students have stict polices on their appropiate usage and police it very carefully. We are talking about an IEP mandataing that one student be allowed to use a laptop rather than writing. I would have to see that the internet was disabled and only specific programs were loaded to be comfortable with it being used on an assessment in my room. I don't think the assessment has any valididty when the child has the capabilities to look up every answer.

You do realize that you have no say in this. An iep committee determines what a child needs. If you prevent a child from using his approved accommodation you are breaking the law.

Actually, in our school, the child's teachers are typically consulted by the IEP team for imput. I realive that if the team mandated it I couldn't block it, but I would definitely be voicing my concerns, loudly if nevessary. I don't think it is at all fair fo a child to have the opportunity to cheat becuase they need acccess to technology. I am saying that for me to be comfortable with it in my classroom I would need to know that cheating isn't a possibility.

 

[mrsmom]

My son has disgraphia and ADD and he was tested by the school and i had him tested to privately The school gave him an ipad to use . He used the teachers last year in middle school. In high school they gave him a choice of a computer or ipad, since he had been using the ipad alot he stayed with that. His grades went from D's to straight A's!! It was written in his IEP to use some sort of computer ,I offered to buy one for him and they said no since it was needed for his classes in school they have to supply one for him..He does use a scribe for test.

 

[livndisney]

Yes, I realize that I could be forced to accept it, but we are usually at least asked about our specific classroom and what would be appropiate in this situation because every teacher's classroom is different and the team SHOULD be working to make the IEP work for everyone.

No, the IEP doesn't have to "work for everyone". The IEP is for the individual student. The team "may" consider others opinions, but the goal is to help the student. (Which should be the goals of the teachers as well). I can't imagine denying a student a tool he needed to learn (just because of what he "might" do).

 

[princessmom29]

No, the IEP doesn't have to "work for everyone". The IEP is for the individual student. The team "may" consider others opinions, but the goal is to help the student. (Which should be the goals of the teachers as well). I can't imagine denying a student a tool he needed to learn (just because of what he "might" do).

An IEP hes to implementable to be helpful to the student, so yes, the setup of a particular teacher's calsroom HAS to factor into what accomodations are used in that class. I don't think it helps the student at all to be able to look up all of the answers rather than actually learning anything, and it is all too easy to do just that with a computer/ ipad that is not being closely monitored. I have no problem with allowing use of word processing, ect, but as a teacher I would want to know what was on the computer/ ipad. I would definitely ask to be allowed to see it and all files stored on it prior to allowing a student to use it on ana assessment. It does the child no favors to provide them with a tool to cheat. If it is used properly, I don't have a problem, but I would definitely stand up agianst it being used for access to information on an assessment. The sad but true fact is that given the chance, many students would avail themselves of the features on the devices that allow them to store and retrieve information wether they are supposed to or not. All that teaches them is how to cheat. I don't support that.

 

[IDoDis]

My son has disgraphia and ADD and he was tested by the school and i had him tested to privately The school gave him an ipad to use . He used the teachers last year in middle school. In high school they gave him a choice of a computer or ipad, since he had been using the ipad alot he stayed with that. His grades went from D's to straight A's!! It was written in his IEP to use some sort of computer ,I offered to buy one for him and they said no since it was needed for his classes in school they have to supply one for him..He does use a scribe for test.

I'm curious how he used an iPad since that device is mainly for web browsing with no word document programming, no document file-saving, no printing, and no memory card slot to save something to and print off of a different computer?

 

[livndisney]

An IEP hes to implementable to be helpful to the student, so yes, the setup of a particular teacher's calsroom HAS to factor into what accomodations are used in that class. I don't think it helps the student at all to be able to look up all of the answers rather than actually learning anything, and it is all too easy to do just that with a computer/ ipad that is not being closely monitored. I have no problem with allowing use of word processing, ect, but as a teacher I would want to know what was on the computer/ ipad. I would definitely ask to be allowed to see it and all files stored on it prior to allowing a student to use it on ana assessment. It does the child no favors to provide them with a tool to cheat. If it is used properly, I don't have a problem, but I would definitely stand up agianst it being used for access to information on an assessment. The sad but true fact is that given the chance, many students would avail themselves of the features on the devices that allow them to store and retrieve information wether they are supposed to or not. All that teaches them is how to cheat. I don't support that.

Who said anything about a student "looking up every answer"? I think you are faulting a student for something they have not even done based on an assumtion.

Based on your statement "The sad but true fact is that given the chance, many students would avail themselves of the features on the devices that allow them to store and retrieve information wether they are supposed to or not", can I take that to mean that you personally have had an issue with a student using an assistive device in your classroom to look up answers? And the result of the child having the device was due to an IEP or is this just "guessing" on your part?

To the op-regardless of one teachers opinion-if the IEP states a device can be used the student can use the device. (Who pays for it is another thing LOL). Good luck in getting the student what he needs to help him be successful!

 

[DisMomme]

I'm curious how he used an iPad since that device is mainly for web browsing with no word document programming, no document file-saving, no printing, and no memory card slot to save something to and print off of a different computer?

I have an iPad2 which may be different but I have 2 word processors on it. One app I downloaded for free, the other (Pages) I downloaded for less than $10. I can print from it because my school offers wireless printing. I can also save documents in several forms and e-mail them to anyone. If I have trouble printing something, I e-mail it and print it from another device. HTH

 

[torinsmom]

An IEP hes to implementable to be helpful to the student, so yes, the setup of a particular teacher's calsroom HAS to factor into what accomodations are used in that class. I don't think it helps the student at all to be able to look up all of the answers rather than actually learning anything, and it is all too easy to do just that with a computer/ ipad that is not being closely monitored. I have no problem with allowing use of word processing, ect, but as a teacher I would want to know what was on the computer/ ipad. I would definitely ask to be allowed to see it and all files stored on it prior to allowing a student to use it on ana assessment. It does the child no favors to provide them with a tool to cheat. If it is used properly, I don't have a problem, but I would definitely stand up agianst it being used for access to information on an assessment. The sad but true fact is that given the chance, many students would avail themselves of the features on the devices that allow them to store and retrieve information wether they are supposed to or not. All that teaches them is how to cheat. I don't support that.

The school disables applications that would be unfair for the child to use. And I know for my son, he is not allowed to use the computer for tests anyway, at least not multiple choice or fill in the blank tests. For those, he writes the answer and the teacher has him read any answers she can't read to her and she notes them. Maybe for essay tests, and I don't think he would find any help for those even on the internet. The teachers walk around the room during tests, so they would notice if the child was doing something they shouldn't.

 

[SueM in MN]

I have an iPad2 which may be different but I have 2 word processors on it. One app I downloaded for free, the other (Pages) I downloaded for less than $10. I can print from it because my school offers wireless printing. I can also save documents in several forms and e-mail them to anyone. If I have trouble printing something, I e-mail it and print it from another device. HTH

I aree.
Some people may use the iPad only for web browsing, and it is very good for that. But, using it for that only is not taking advantage of its full potential. Kind of like saying a microwave is only good for reheating coffee.

Pages is a great, full featured word processor and, if you don't want to buy one, you can also find them for free.
There are dictation apps that allow someone to speak to the iPad and the words are typed out.

Files can be easily shared with Internet access by using a program called Dropbox

I view files in iBooks - kind of an electronic bookshelf built into the iPad. I have PDF and Word files in my iBooks. That one is part of the iPad and is free.

There are thousands of apps that do all sorts of useful things. Many, such as schedules and reminder apps are used a lot by people with disabilities. I've got about 250 apps on my iPad. Most were free or less than $2.

Edited to add - a very quick google search came up with a number of resources about apps for people with learning disabilities. This one has 5 great app suggestions for people with dysgraphia and dyslexia.
http://dyslexicadvantage.com/profiles/blogs/ipad-apps-dyslexia

Here's another with suggested apps.
http://www.smartkidswithld.org/at-bytes/ipad-apps-for-kids-with-ld

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

Yes, I realize that I could be forced to accept it, but we are usually at least asked about our specific classroom and what would be appropiate in this situation because every teacher's classroom is different and the team SHOULD be working to make the IEP work for everyone.

To the bolded: So you would be ok with your child googling the answers he didn't know on a test? I wouldn't be, for either my students or my child. Schools that provide laptops to students have stict polices on their appropiate usage and police it very carefully. We are talking about an IEP mandataing that one student be allowed to use a laptop rather than writing. I would have to see that the internet was disabled and only specific programs were loaded to be comfortable with it being used on an assessment in my room. I don't think the assessment has any valididty when the child has the capabilities to look up every answer.

Actually, in our school, the child's teachers are typically consulted by the IEP team for imput. I realive that if the team mandated it I couldn't block it, but I would definitely be voicing my concerns, loudly if nevessary. I don't think it is at all fair fo a child to have the opportunity to cheat becuase they need acccess to technology. I am saying that for me to be comfortable with it in my classroom I would need to know that cheating isn't a possibility.

Classroom tests were written exams....no cheating unless the old fashioned way....

 

[princessmom29]

Who said anything about a student "looking up every answer"? I think you are faulting a student for something they have not even done based on an assumtion.

Based on your statement "The sad but true fact is that given the chance, many students would avail themselves of the features on the devices that allow them to store and retrieve information wether they are supposed to or not", can I take that to mean that you personally have had an issue with a student using an assistive device in your classroom to look up answers? And the result of the child having the device was due to an IEP or is this just "guessing" on your part?

To the op-regardless of one teachers opinion-if the IEP states a device can be used the student can use the device. (Who pays for it is another thing LOL). Good luck in getting the student what he needs to help him be successful!

Yep. I have caught a student using an "adaptive device" cheating with it. Had all of their notes stored in a sperate word processing document and was clicking between that and the test while he was filling in answers. Upon further inspection, much of what was on his "notes" page was copied and pasted there from the web. It is really easy to access multiple documents using tabs in Word and really hard to catch becuase they can switch over so quickly. Unless you disable access to notes taken on the device, you cannot elimenate the possibility.

The school disables applications that would be unfair for the child to use. And I know for my son, he is not allowed to use the computer for tests anyway, at least not multiple choice or fill in the blank tests. For those, he writes the answer and the teacher has him read any answers she can't read to her and she notes them. Maybe for essay tests, and I don't think he would find any help for those even on the internet. The teachers walk around the room during tests, so they would notice if the child was doing something they shouldn't.

Disabling apps is not enough to stop cheating. See my above posts. I thin the answer is what you guys are donig. I don't think that they should be used on tests.

 

[princessmom29]

Classroom tests were written exams....no cheating unless the old fashioned way....

That is not true in every case. I have been required to provide a test in word format so that a child can type in the answers on thier laptop.

 

[angwill]

The thing I am finding ironic in the worry a child will cheat and be given an unfair advantage is that since my son was in 6th grade all I ever hear is we can't do this or that because we are preparing him for college where they will not provide those things. Then when asked for a child to use a computer that is allowed and encouraged in colleges everywhere it no longer matters that they are preparing him for college they just don't want to allow it period. I would think a child at high school level that will be in college in a couple years would be old enough to handle the proper use of a laptop in the classroom and it would prepare him for college.

 

[LMC]

This is the second year my DS is using a netbook. We did have testing done (three times now since he was 8yo) to support the use. He is a Junior in HS. I elected to provide the netbook because the laptop they gave him to use could not come home and it caused lots of confusion. He only uses a paper notebook for math. Everything else is on the netbook with folders set up for each class. He has learned to maintain a calendar on outlook to remind him to turn in assignments and track homework assignments. They do not have internet access througout the school so accessing the internet when he is not suppose to is not a problem. My son has loads of executive functioning issues, dyspraxia, ADD, his handwriting is completely illegible, etc, etc. After two years of having to re-do assignments because they couldn't read it and he has a documented disability!!! I told them he would no longer be re-doing assignments. They could provide a scribe or he would be using a computer for everything but math (that's a little hard to do on the computer). His math work is attrocious and he puts about 3 problems on a page but he circles the final answer and that is all they really look for. This has worked out really well for us since we got the inital kinks worked out last year (post the school provided laptop). Any questions, please ask.

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

That is not true in every case. I have been required to provide a test in word format so that a child can type in the answers on thier laptop.

I didn't realize you worked For my son's school....as I said, all his exams were written.

 

[kimberlym322]

LOL, so you seriously think they are going to get a one on one aide to do all the child's writing? That is the most expensive option. They can disable whatever functions they want disabled on a computer or laptop, and that will be more effective. In testing situations, there is no way the child can sit there and tell someone what the answer is so they can write it, without someone else hearing it.

Did not know MD schools had kids bused in from out of state everyday to go to school here!! But then again nothing suprises me anymore! Just because your school does not have this don't mean that others do not!!!

Both of my nephews from the time they were in 1st grade when their disablitlys came out have had IEP's. With theirs they get extra time on tests and that someone else can write for them, with the child giving the writer the answer. When the test(s) are given they are put into another room so that the child (in this case my nephews) can speak to the writer without the other students hearing what his answers are. They have done this with test from the teacher, state mandated test and even national testing. It is what their IEP paper work says, so if they are not given that person to write for them and the extra time for the tests it is violating the ADA act and the school board can be sued over it. Both of my nephews have 5 or more students in each of their class years that have IEP's and the school has to budget for each one of their accomadations. I also know in my nephews school distric that they get grants to help with the IEP children.

But then again what do I know about the school system I have been through it with an IEP (was called something else years ago) myself and I have sat for the last 12 years watching my nephews go through the same school system I went through with the same things I delt with!!!

 

[torinsmom]

Did not know MD schools had kids bused in from out of state everyday to go to school here!! But then again nothing suprises me anymore! Just because your school does not have this don't mean that others do not!!!

Both of my nephews from the time they were in 1st grade when their disablitlys came out have had IEP's. With theirs they get extra time on tests and that someone else can write for them, with the child giving the writer the answer. When the test(s) are given they are put into another room so that the child (in this case my nephews) can speak to the writer without the other students hearing what his answers are. They have done this with test from the teacher, state mandated test and even national testing. It is what their IEP paper work says, so if they are not given that person to write for them and the extra time for the tests it is violating the ADA act and the school board can be sued over it. Both of my nephews have 5 or more students in each of their class years that have IEP's and the school has to budget for each one of their accomadations. I also know in my nephews school distric that they get grants to help with the IEP children.

But then again what do I know about the school system I have been through it with an IEP (was called something else years ago) myself and I have sat for the last 12 years watching my nephews go through the same school system I went through with the same things I delt with!!!

LOL, I have been through it for 12 years as a teacher and 12 years as a parent, so I know what I am talking about as well. My son has access to a computer in all his classes, as well as dictate to scribe for some tests. I'm not sure if you thought I was against the accommodations. All I was saying was that in order for my son to get as much help with writing as from using a computer, he would need a one on one aide writing for him in every class every day, which is not feasible.

If the IEP says dictate to scribe FOR TESTS, what you're saying would work, but does the child not need help writing notes, doing daily work in class, etc? These are the things that most kids with dysgraphia use a word processor for, not tests. There may be kids without dysgraphia who have the dictate to scribe accommodation. DS also has an accommodation where he marks in his book on standardized tests and then a teacher bubbles in the bubbles. The $$ to help with exceptional children's accommodations comes from a different pot that can't be touched for other things, so it drives me crazy when people say my son is taking money that could be used in the classroom for all the kids. Actually, the computers are already in the classroom, so the school pays nothing for his accommodations.

 

[DisMomme]

I am going through this now with my son. We have not officially started the IEP process, we are currently having testing done. I am gathering information and am finding this thread useful for the most part.

I am curious to know more about speech to text apps available. Has anyone had a child use this for notes? I would think that with all the side conversations, etc in a HS class that this would be difficult to use. Does the teacher wear a wireless microphone hooked up to the computer or does the computer sit closer to the teacher? I would imagine that the app would have some of the same issues with distractions that my son has

How does the scribe work? I am a teacher in a PreK through 3rd school and at this age there is no stigma attached to leaving the classroom for different reasons. Kids are in and out all day so being pulled out during the written part of an exam is nothing different, but at HS I can see him being singled out because of this. Also, since this has never been an issue before it is very out of the norm for him also.