LD Teachers & Parents - I need a shoulder

[LiLPrincess]

I'm so frustrated with our school I don't know where to begin. I'm sure those of you with LD children are all too familiar with the frustrations of IEP's and mainstreaming.

I won't get into the long details but the short story is there is only one modification being made for him. Extra time for assignments is on the IEP but that is too subjective. One teacher feels an extra 10 minutes is long enough. He has dyslexia, dysgraphia and processing deficits. Most of his tests placed him in the 1 percentile for his age. We only learned of this 2 years ago when I took him outside the school system for independent testing. He is in 10th grade but around 3rd grade academically.

I don't know where to turn for help. I've talked to his teachers throughout the year, they tell me their classrooms are overcrowded and they don't have the time, or knowledge to accommodate him.

I asked if they would like some material on the various disabilities and they weren't interested.

What do you do when the school tells you they are making enough accommodations? They have also told me if they place modifications in the IEP they do not have the resources to make sure they are being followed.

Thank you for letting me cry and vent. I just seem to be hitting a wall over and over. He's frustrated and about to give up. I can't let that happen but I don't know where to turn next.

 

[jamsmom]

I would contact the State Education Agency or whatever state agency you have. My son is ADHD/OCD with dysgraphia and so many teachers just don't understand.

 

[JohnTBap]

This must be so hard for you. I am sorry. It is my understanding that modifications are NOT an option. The teacher is more than likely overworked, but that goes part and parcel. Have you tried to schedule an emergency ARD?

 

[glo]

I am so sorry. As a teacher and former LD teacher I have to be completely honest. There is no way the things are right now in MA that any child is getting a fair shake. This new mainstreaming laws, have caused children who need more help to be put into regular classroom, students in bilingual classes are going into regular classrooms. Teacher just are not capable of being everything to everyone. There is no way you can help everyone when you have two special needs kids in the class, and two or three bilingual student as well as 20 regular ed students at varying levels. I do not know about where you are, but here we don't always have up to date books, and never workbooks as they are not cost effective If you do not have the eduquate time, help, and equipment everyone gets hurt. That being said, you are the parent and your childs best advocate. Believe me the teacher wants to help your son, and everyone else, but she is probably at wits end trying to make sure everyone passes whatever the state's mandated test is. Her job depends on it in the long run.

Get on the phone, and start looking at organizations that can help. The Schools for the blind will help people with dyslexia by providing books on tape. Researh your state laws. Go look for info on your Dept of Education site...also look on the "net" for learning disabilities. If something is written in the IEP(which you can demand as a parent) it has to be provided. No way around that it is a federal law. Many places will help....See if there are student advocates in your system...Do not be afraid to speak up.


Remember, teachers are the bottom of the barrel. They can not provide your child with any special equipment, books,or therapy. That comes from higher up. In the long run no one can force you to agree on an IEP...you do not have to sign it, and you can request an independant outside evaluation, which can be paid for in some instances by the system. Could you maybe come into the classroom and help him...work as a helper in the class? How about asking for books so you can help him with stuff at home too...



Don't give up, but remember what it feels like when you have your kids all asking for something at the same time...Or one of your children can't quite do something, and everyone else wants to move on...We experience that everyday, and feel the same way you do...We do not go into this profession for the money, we want to help kids and make a difference...we just don't always have the means to do it...we are only human.

 

[BrerMom]

Sent you a PM.

 

[janette]

This is a good website about the rights you have for education. http://www.wrightslaw.com/

My 8yo DD is dyslexic and qualifies for special education as reading disabled. We are in a school district that does main stream but has a pull out program for special needs. She's in a regular 2nd grade except for reading / language classes. This has been great for her, it meets her social needs but gives her the extra help and individualized instruction in reading.

She does received some modifications in other subjects due to the reading difference.

Many children with learning disablities have multiple issues.

I learned that talking to the principal wasn't the best place to start but rather the special education department. The principal at the school wasn't as familiar with how IEP's, evaluations and everything work as well. If they cannot provide an education for your son they may have to give you the option of private school. If you are in a large enough community there are private schools that maybe better able to deal with his needs.

 

[DNSDisney]

I know how you are feeling. I have a daughter who is dyslexic , and I am dyslexic. I have been in your shoes as far as wanting the school to have modications which I deemed were important that the teachers , even LD teachers deemed weren't.
What it took for me to say something and become an advocate for my daughter was realizing that NO one else would. You are the only advocate your son has and probably always the best. For one simple reason you know what your son needs. DEMAND they put things you deem important into the IEP. If they don't have the resourses they will have to get them because by law they are required to fullfill the IEP to the letter.
For a long time I felt well they must know best they are professionals. That opinion has changed. No one knows your child like you do! I realize teachers have a lot on their plates but the way I look at it in this case is that is my child and everything she learns just adds to her ablity to be a successful person in life. I want her to succeed in school therefore I advocate for her, demanding it if I must because this is what she needs and deserves. She was put into the LD program in the 3rd grade after a terrible 2nd grade yr. She was reading at 1st grade level in 3rd, now she is about to graduate from 5th grade and is on 6.3 grade level reading and 7.6 in Math with mods in every subject accept electives. We have all worked our butts off .
Don't feel like you are being unreasonable . Remember this is your child and demand what he needs!

 

[LiLPrincess]

Thanks everyone. I have been busy pouring over websites and gathering information.

I asked for an IEP meeting in March. It has been postponed several times due to state testing, or teachers not being available, etc. In the meantime, I see the end of the year getting closer by the day.

I have been told so many times over the years that they just don't have resources or funds to help him. He can't read his textbooks, he gets lost in lectures because he processes slowly and the teacher is frustrated because he's not turning in work. Given the right tools I know he could do well.

If you have modification ideas that have worked for you please pass them along. I have read a lot of suggestions on websites, but am wondering what really works well in the classroom.

Thanks again for the support and shoulder to cry on. Time to roll up my sleeves and get back to work finding some help for him.