I AM That Rock

[Silent Chrleader]

SMW,

This is actually the first time that I can say that I've been able to use that experience for some potential good, and I can't tell you how much that means to me!!

A I said in my previous post, it's important I think to make sure there is time to just enjoy D9, and especially with the other kids present. Take care of yourself first (because without that, you can't do anything!).

And the biggie is to read everything you can about the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and your D9's rights. We went to IEP meetings for years and were at the schools mercy because we didn't know what we could/should ask for, and to give them their due, the educators at school aren't educated on what may be needed even though they mean well! And school districts these days care more about the "business" of schooling than teaching the kids it seems. [I had the district Special Ed director tell me that it wasn't there job to see that my D got the best education possible!]

You can demand accomodations such as:

1. Less homework! (such as do 10 math problems for an assignment instead of 40) {*It should be noted that, especially in elementary and middle schools, studies show that more homework is NOT helpful to learning}
2. Verbal tests for subjects instead of written.
3. Teachers checking and initialling assignment sheets listing work due daily (so you don't reach year end and child has failed because of assignments you didn't know about)
4. Allowing a child to have a headset while working if the noise helps them stay focused (which is sometimes the case with ADHD kids).
5. Using tape recorders in class so they can play it back instead of taking notes.

The list is endless and based on the childs needs and you, the parent, know that best! {For a really long time, we felt we needed to be apologizing to the teachers.}

I did have one Special Ed teacher who we absolutely loved, who once told me "Teachers sending kids home with a ton of homework is like parents sending kids to school with their dirty laundry." I rather liked that one....