Question for teachers

[ElizK]

DDs started school today! DD11 (6th grade) has a minor LD (mild dysgraphia), but her 504 was discontinued last year. All of this, of course, is in her file, but will her new teacher go through files for each child? I'm just wondering if or when I should speak to her teacher about this. Though she's no longer considered 504 she does still have a problem with writing (mostly sloppy writing and very poor spelling and slow writing speed).

Thanks for any advice you can offer???

 

[peacelovemickey]

Some teachers look at the files before and some feel they want to meet the students first. That way their judgement is not clouded by anything a previoius teacher may have said. I don't think it would hurt to mention it. As a teacher, I appreciate a heads up from the parents. Just my $.02.

 

[ElizK]

That makes sense. Thanks!

 

[daisyduck123]

I agree....let the teacher know.

I've been teaching for 16 years & have never once looked at files before school began. Sometime during the 1st week of school, I receive IEPs/504s/ for the students that have them. The other students, I never look at their files unless a problem arises.

 

[horseshowmom]

I agree with the others. It's would be a good idea to let the teacher know what's going on.

I didn't go through the folders either unless some kind of problem came up.

 

[horseshowmom]

Board posted twice

 

[Daxx]

I don't think it would hurt to mention it. As a teacher, I appreciate a heads up from the parents. Just my $.02.

Kdg. teacher here and I agree. I usually don't get IEP's b/c I'm the one who usually initiates the eval. if there's a need. Every once in awhile, I will have a student w/an IEP due to needs detected before entering school (ie: hearing or speech problems).

However, I am always grateful for the heads up from parents!

 

[ElizK]

I really really really appreciate your responses! Now, will an email suffice, or is a visit in order?

 

[Purrrrfecta]

It would be a good idea for you to phone the teacher at school so she can call you back. That way she can get to know you and develop a rapport with you. That is the most important thing. This way if there is any concern that may arise, she will feel more comfortable approaching you with that concern.

I always find it easier to get to know a parent when I can talk to them on the phone rather than email. It allows me to have an understanding of their wants and needs.

 

[Lanshark]

I would probably talk to her face to face so she can put a face on the situation. Then ask her if she'd like you to summarize the issues and send them to her in an email.

 

[Daxx]

I really really really appreciate your responses! Now, will an email suffice, or is a visit in order?

I would call to make an appt. to meet in person and discuss this and any other concerns you have!

 

[monsterkitty]

As a teacher, I would appreciate a phone call or an email.

I do have a question, however, how can a 504 be discontinued? I thought that 504s were in place for those who no longer qualify for an IEP, but still have a learning disability and need some services or consideration from the teachers.

Maybe it is just my school, but we keep all the students who need a 504 on the plan for the protection of the student. The only exceptions are those who no longer need a 504 because it was for a health reason, or the parents request the discontinuation of the plan.

 

[emer95]

I do have a question, however, how can a 504 be discontinued? I thought that 504s were in place for those who no longer qualify for an IEP, but still have a learning disability and need some services or consideration from the teachers.

In my school, if there is no longer a necessity for the 504, the discontinuation can be initiated by the parent or the teacher. I had one student with a 504 for extended test time, and she never needed it once. I initiated the discontinuation at her CSE meeting, and her mother agreed. Maybe it does vary from district to district?

 

[JoyG]

Chiming in as another teacher who doesn't check files at the beginning of the year.

I try to get around to looking at them all before the first marking period is over, but unless it's a problem student those files get a cursory glance at best.

Face to face meeting with the teacher is the best way to make her aware of the situation.

 

[pigletz]

I usually only look at a student's file if there is a problem. I would call the teacher and let her know. Any info that a parent can give us helps, and it can save a lot of time and headaches in the long run.

 

[I Love Pluto]

This is your child. You can help your child by communicating your thoughts to the teacher. Call today. Never be shy about speaking up for your child.