I am dreading tomorrow UPDATE - I survived

[mom2boys]

We did follow-up testing for my 3rd graders learning disablilty. Tomorrow we have interpretive. The psy has asked his academic therapist of 2yrs to be present. The school is giving us a hard time about him leaving class for his sessions - even though it is clearly stated in his IEP. DH cannot possibly go becuase of work, so I feel like I am on my own. DH wants a different AT - but the one he wants is 40 miles away. I just sat down to make notes on what I want to go over at the meeting & my stomach is in knots.

 

[JohnTBap]

{{{HUGS}}}

Stand firm. Don't let them railroad you with educational-ease. You can do it!!!

 

[jan/cape]

If you aren't happy with the way the meeting goes ask for another and hire an advocate. Many time your special education office can give you a name. Good Luck. Remember You are entitled to more than they will sometimes tell tou ....push the issues politely if necessary.Again Good Luck!!

 

[Serena]

Goodluck and try to relax a little.

 

[browneyes]

Good luck.

Why is the school is giving you a hard time about him going to his sessions?

 

[JasonLyons]

I feel for you, Im still a scared of teachers

 

[mom2boys]

Actually we had the testing done privately. We choose this group because they follow through with advocacy. The teacher feels my son misses too much instructional time. She is frustrated because she can't keep track of what he was & was not present for. She doesn't want to hold him accountable for things he was not present for. She was very upset when he missed he intro to matter in Science. DH & I worked with him & helped him he knew the material in the book. Previously this teacher said she didn't care when he went to AT as long as it wasn't during Language Arts. Now she's does not want him out of the room at all during the day. I can see her frustration BUT he has a lifetime to learn about about the states of matter. If he doesn't master reading, he will not stand a chance in school, let alone out in the world.

 

[lisajl]

Good luck.
I have my meeting in a couple weeks!
My son's LD has his third grade teacher sweating the proficiencies..sorry about the spelling.
I asked her what about this year? She said, we need to worry about him passing the test!

Definately stand firm. This is your child, and you have a right to fight for him. Remember there are lots of moms in the same position as you. We all have to stand up for our kids.
Good luck. Let us know how you do.
Lisajl

 

[minniecarousel]

I agree with you, I would want him to master certain skills in third grade, rather than let him slide on into upper grades ill-prepared. Try to relax - hang in there!

 

[jamsmom]

Stand strong and always be your son;s advocate. Unfortunately, the school can't/won't always be.

 

[Dan Murphy]

My best for you, mom. You'll do great, it is for your son.

 

[PKK/MJK]

Definitely advocate for your child but, if at all possible, try not to be too confrontational. Go into the meeting prepared but with an open mind and be sure to really listen to what is being said. It never helps to antagonize the other people in the meeting. Get them on your side and you'll have more success. The child study professionals work very hard to try and help the children while dealing with an incredible number of legalities.
I agree with you--that mastering reading is the key to understanding other subjects. At the same time, I feel sorry for the teacher who is under incredible pressure to make sure all of her students do well!! I substitute teach frequently in elementary schools. It is absolutely incredible how disjointed some days can be for the teacher. Children are pulled out for special ed., for speech, and OT among other things--and at different times on different days. Add to that children who are sick or children whose parents pull them out for vacations. It is almost impossible--even for the best teacher--to remember which students did or did not learn something. Frustrating is an excellent way to put it.
Stay calm!! Good Luck to you. I hope all works out well!

 

[mom2boys]

Actually, things went much better than expected with meeting. My son is making progress. We are setting up a meeting with the school to include his current teacher & both 4th grade teachers. Having the 4th grade teachers involved will give us better input whether 4th grade at the current school is the best place for him. I was dead set against retention (& am still not for it) but the clincial psy. did provide some info on instances where it might be appropriate. This issue is futher complicated by the fact that he has a brother one year behind him who would then be in his grade - Psy indicated we would have to move one of them to a different school if we retained the older one. Next week I am going to check out the new charter school in town. It has a Montessori cirriculum but is only in its 1st year.