I have a son who has a bundle of learning challenges and I need help navigating the system to advocate for him and get him the assistance he needs. He has dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia. Everyone focuses on the reading, but the math is being ignored. The main focus is on accomodations for TAKS, but no help with remediation and basic skills.
Thank you for all your advice and comments. I did talk with the Principal and Director of Spec. Ed and they were all nice and listened to what I wanted and said they would do several things to address my concerns. I left feeling better about the math. We shall see. Thanks to all who read and replied.
I might can help. I am a family advocate and have many years of experience with the school systems. Which district are you in. You can call me at ###-###-####. K.
My daughter is in the 4th grade and has dyslexia and dysgraphia. I have had several meetings with her teachers and the counselor. As well as the 504 specialist. She is classified as 504, which I assume your son is as well. She tutors for writing and math 3 days a week after school leading up to the TAKS. She has stopped now that it is over to give her a break. She goes to a Title 1 specialist daily for her reading/writing skills. She is basically having to learn to read the right way. She also does a modified spelling list and her teachers do not count off for spelling unless it is the spelling test of course. If they can tell what she is saying she gets credit for it. We are having to get her a private tutor she starts next week. Unfortunatly with all that, they still just taught her how to pass the TAKS test. I would recommend using www.altaread.org to locate a tutor. This is the program recommened by Scottish Rites.
I would recommend that you contact the Northeast Tarrant County Dyslexia Council. They have a number of resources and a great deal of experience dealing with what you are going through. The website is: http://www.allcanread.net/NETCDC/Home.html
If you go to the website, you can get further contact info and also info about their meetings.
I would encourage you to check into Dore Achievement Centers (www.doreusa.com).
Look for curriculums with a multi-sensory approach (i know wylie isd has a really good dylexia program) It may be MR&S or MTA (mutlisensory reading and spelling or muti-teaching approach.) I am a teacher and currently work at a private school for students in 5-12th grades with LDs- My students all have dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, in adiditon to ad/hd, annd other behavioral problems asociated with the LD. We use a multisensory approach in every class. It is great. You may want to look into tutoring, or a private school. I know that Scottish Rite has trainings and programs for dysleixa and dysgraphia.
I am available for tutoring over the summer, if you are interested. I am currently in the arlington area, but moving to the coppell area due to relocaiton.
Send me an email if you have any questions!
-S.
I do not personally have experience but check your sons vitamin and mineral levels and food allergies. K.
C.,
I talked to my husband who is an assistant pirncipal in the public school system. He said talk to the principal. Let the principal know how you are feeling and what your concerns and goals are. Your child is very important. The school wants to do the best. There are some rules about what kind of help can be given and the principal would be the best person to talk to. He or she would know how to get this moving. Good Luck!
you might also check for heavy metal toxicity.
this sight might also be of use to you.
http://www.littlegiantsteps.com/index.php
this isn't through the school system.
I have experience, and one word for you: homeschool. If at all possible, because they seem to only be concerned with test scores (standardized)and attendance. I have become so disillusioned with the public schools in the last few years, and wasn't impressed with them before that. Best of luck to you and your son, and god bless. I expect you'll need it.
