Suggestions for help with 8th grade comprehension/study skills

[SydSim]

DD-13 has always had issues with comprehension. Math - no problem. For years, I have asked her teachers about her issues - but they aren't concerned because her grades are good. She gets Bs because I spend a good amountof time helping her to comprehend and study for tests, so in the end, she does fairly well.

Based on her IQ, she has a superior level of intelligence, so I figured that there may be a learning disability. School did some basic testing - no problems. If I don't assist her with studying, she gets 60s and 70s on comprehension type tests. Standardized tests (that she doesn't study for), still not too much of a problem.

I've heard that kids can have cognitive skills problems, but in order to get tested, it costs $$$$$. Anyone know of any of an other avenues to pursue? I want her to develop skills so that she can study on her own - high school is right around the corner. We live in South Jersey. Thanks!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

You could have her take the ACT test as a practice cold and then see where she sits.

My 13yodd in 7th grade has a high level of comprehension and she took the ACT test in Dec and got a 24.

This is important because we were on the other end of the spectrum wondering where her limit was since she gets 99% on the standarized tests.

Taking the ACT as practice could give you the same insight and it breaks things down as to where your weakness are and then you can go from there.

 

[SydSim]

You could have her take the ACT test as a practice cold and then see where she sits.

My 13yodd in 7th grade has a high level of comprehension and she took the ACT test in Dec and got a 24.

This is important because we were on the other end of the spectrum wondering where her limit was since she gets 99% on the standarized tests.

Taking the ACT as practice could give you the same insight and it breaks things down as to where your weakness are and then you can go from there.

Thanks for the information. Does she have to be applying to some sort of gifted program in order to take the ACT at this age? Do the results come with an analysis of the questions that she gets wrong? Did your child take the test because she was having issues in area other than comprehension, and you wanted to find out if she had a LD? Thanks again.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Thanks for the information. Does she have to be applying to some sort of gifted program in order to take the ACT at this age? Do the results come with an analysis of the questions that she gets wrong? Did your child take the test because she was having issues in area other than comprehension, and you wanted to find out if she had a LD? Thanks again.

I am not saying to sign her up for anything. Just go and buy a book with practice tests and do it at home. It is pretty simple to mimic the timed test.

Not sure how you would go about getting her evaluated however it would give you insight as to where she sits, if that makes sense.

My dd took it because she had high standarized scores and it is part of a scholar thing.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Based on her IQ, she has a superior level of intelligence, so I figured that there may be a learning disability. School did some basic testing - no problems.

The schools won't tell you, but as a parent you can request full blown testing and they have to honor your request.

I was told the same thing as you after basic (I mean very, very basic) testing that my DS5 was mildly developmentally delayed. As a former teacher, I knew it was my right to request testing.

The tests came back and it showed that DS5 had learning disabilities in 2 areas. If I had listened to the school and his teacher my son would not have received the proper intervention that he desperately needed.

If I were you, I would write a letter today requesting testing for your daughter. They may suggest going through a committee and trying research based strategies first. (This is great but it will hold up the process for at least 1-2 months) Hold your ground and tell them that you still are demanding that she be tested.

You are the only advocate that your daughter has.

 

[golfgal]

This is where kids get into trouble and schools don't recognize the problem, stop helping her so much. You have created the problem but helping her get ready for the tests, etc. No one likes to see a kid fail but the school can't do anything unless there is a drastic difference between grades and ability. Request that they test her but don't be surprised if they give you a hard time about it because of her grades. There are a lot of people out there that want their kids tested because they don't get "A's" so schools are somewhat strapped when it comes to testing.

You can also have her tested on her own and there is a good chance the testing will be covered under your medical insurance. Check out your policy and see if it will cover the testing--it will get done faster if you do it on your own.

In the meantime. Stop helping her, explain WAY and don't get upset if her grades slip. It could be that she just isn't strong in this area, which wouldn't be uncommon, but no one will know if you keep doing so much with her.

 

[Cindy B]

Hi--S Jersey mom-who is a licensed middle school English teacher. I had many students with this same issue. I had students that did well on standardized tests but comprehension skills were rough.

One thing I noted is that most districts drill and teach the student how to complete the standardized test. There are many practice test, drills, and group work. In my last district, I worked on test prep in English periods with my students from early March to testing dates which were early May, plus pull out instruction for many students.

Your daughters school may be prepping the kids all along for NJASK and well you weren't aware since this is part of the curriculum!

I agree with other posters about asking for extended testing and/or rationale of testing. I had the same problem with my own child (high IQ) and it was rough getting testing. It is worth trying to see if it is needed. Look in www.wrightslaw.org (or it may be .com) for parent advocacy tips.

As for comprehension skills, ask the English teacher if the course is focusing on comprehension. It is worth it to ask if she sees issues. Sometimes the students (especially middle school girls-- I have one myself!) do seem to be more chatty and less interested in school.

Comprehension guides are available. I have tons in my house that I used for my students. I can get you some titles if you wish. I bought some at Beckers in Cherry Hill and Lakeshore Learning in Cherry Hill. Roberts Brothers in Pennsauken may have some as well, but I haven't been there lately. I'd be more than willing to share these resources with you

There are strategies available. Let me know what you need.

 

[SydSim]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Golfgal, I totally agree with what you're saying. I actually did allow her to study on her own at the end of last year, and BOY did her grades drop. I guess I just don't want to find out later that there IS a problem, and I didn't at least help her along until she got help. I keep remembering the old Cosby episode where Theo gets diagnosed with dyslexia, and tells his parents "see, and all those years, you guys were on me about my grades!"

I am pursuing outside testing right now (insurance may pay for it) Thanks again!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Golfgal, I totally agree with what you're saying. I actually did allow her to study on her own at the end of last year, and BOY did her grades drop. I guess I just don't want to find out later that there IS a problem, and I didn't at least help her along until she got help. I keep remembering the old Cosby episode where Theo gets diagnosed with dyslexia, and tells his parents "see, and all those years, you guys were on me about my grades!"

I am pursuing outside testing right now (insurance may pay for it) Thanks again!

Good luck! Figuring it out now is certainly a good idea.

 

[golfgal]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Golfgal, I totally agree with what you're saying. I actually did allow her to study on her own at the end of last year, and BOY did her grades drop. I guess I just don't want to find out later that there IS a problem, and I didn't at least help her along until she got help. I keep remembering the old Cosby episode where Theo gets diagnosed with dyslexia, and tells his parents "see, and all those years, you guys were on me about my grades!"

I am pursuing outside testing right now (insurance may pay for it) Thanks again!

Keep in mind that 8th grade grades don't count for anything later on in life. Let her grades tank this year so she can get help then next year in high school you can go back to helping as needed PLUS she can get some help in school. I would call the counselors office at school and see what they can help with too. I think if you explain the situation and how much help she needs at home you might get the school to move forward with testing too.

Here is the tricky part, schools have only so much time for special ed, meaning that there are X number of teachers based on the number of students in the school and that is the time/day or week that they have to give to the kids that need special ed help. If your school is "full" it might take a while to get her into a class so the sooner you start, the faster she will get in. If you have 20 kids that need help with reading and 23 qualify, 3 of those kids, the ones that need the least amount of help, won't get the help they need. It doesn't happen often but it does happen.

 

[englishteacha]

In our school we have a title 1 reading specialist who does basic testing to see if a child has trouble with reading skills. Perhaps that's an avenue you could start with.