I need help finding an advocate to help me with my son at school. He has an I.E.P..not getting proper help .?
543702
Please be aware that your son may be requiring some remediation activities that are making him feel self-conscious because he knows that the skills are usually addressed at a much earlier grade level. However, without those skills, he will not be able to make academic progress.  You should talk with the LD teacher and (courteously) ask about his reasoning for the work he is giving your son.\n\nIf you are not satisfied by the LD teacher's explanation for the work, then call a new IEP. Demand that the committee outline the research-based practices that will be used to remediate your son's deficits (Orton or other LD-specific programming, a "mix" from different LD approaches is fine, as long as they are compatable). \n\nTry these links:\nhttp://www.reedmartin.com/specialeducationresources.htm\nhttp://www.ocecd.org/ocecd/about/trainers.cfm\nhttp://www.education-a-must.com/aalistnz.html
804161
Your child's school should be able to help you out with exercises and activities that will help them. Your best bet is to speak to the school who will probably refer them to an occupational therapist.
441746
As a parent, you have to realize that the school can only do so much. Have you ever volunteered in your son's classroom? Why is is that your son is reading on a third grade level? Do you ever read with him on a consistent basis? If you did, then his reading skills would definitely improve. I have not trying to be harsh, I just want you to get the big picture. The schools can't do it all. This has to be a family effort. Would it make sense for you son to be in a third grade class because that is his reading level? Emotionally , it would be damaging to him.It would be better if you encourage your son to hit the books. Get him a tutor to help him in the areas that he is falling behind in. He might have learning disabilities. Have him assessed and then proceed accordingly. Don't focus on why he was passed on year after year. There is nothing you can do to change that. Instead, focus on your son and what is going to be his best game plan for getting back to grade level. Talk with his teacher. She will be able to give you ideas on what needs to be done at this point. I wish you all the best.
646802
You seem to be in a tough spot - not only do you have to worry about your son, but about your other children as well, because they are certainly watching how you respond to this problem.  Try taking a look at this website - http://www.4troubledteens.com/toughlove.html as this organization has helped many, many parents deal with issues such as yours.  Please make sure that your first priority is the safety of the rest of your family - and good luck to you all.
120030
HI I previously lived in Wilmington NC and they had many mental health resources community based and school based (most where free) my son had an excellent teacher in a behavioral (high function autistic) class there they also had excellent classes in lower functioning autism. You can use yahoo or google to search for schools there are also some therapeutic schools that are non profit and take some kids who cannot pay you can also petition the local school district to pay for therapeutic schools within a certain area you may need an advocate check in your local community pages in your phone book they may also be able to help you for free you can also ask for out of district placement if there is a local school that can better serve your needs also check out Reedmartin.com and wrightslaw.com they have really good referrals and information for special needs kids and their education Good luck its a hard road but you can do it!
1071706
a good site would be nclb.tutors, it has really helped my son.
841202
If your son was left alone in school with no supervision you should write a letter of complaint to the Director of Education at your local authority.\n\nIf you need help doing this, go to a Citizen's Advice Bureau  - link below to help you find a local one. The CAB should also be able to offer advice on what you should do and what your legal rights are.\n\nIf you have a social worker you should talk to him/her about it too.\n\nI hope things work out ok for you and your son.
920216
Great letter - I'd be surprised if other parents didn't write in about this class, as well. If they refuse to switch classes, then switch schools. Your son's teacher is not giving her classmates the attention and support they need, and because of her, the students are out of line, able to do whatever they please. It inhibits your son's education as well, and the work ethic he builds in these early years sets him up for life.
300007
you can request it, but a school counselor might not have the experience that is needed to treat your son.  If you son is willing to talk to him then go for it, 8 year olds need people in their lives that they can depend on and trust.  If the school counselor can't help or see you son at school ask him for a referral
705164
call the school psychologist, or the district psychologist. they have a certain amount of days to respond, and provide testing once the request is made...you might have to fill out a request for testing form...make copies of everything you give out. do some research for your state/county on what the laws are regarding educational testing. document any/all phone calls and follow up verbal requests with written requests. don't forget to also call the school superintendent if you need to. i've worked in spec. ed for many years, and raised a special needs child...i've literally had to take the district to court (several times) for failing to provide my son with the educational assistance/tools that were written into his i.e.p. (individualized educational plan). there are also advocacy groups, and parent coordinators through the mental health system, in most counties.\nin my experience, school districts can be very non-parent friendly. you may come up against officials who say there is no money for testing your child, etc...they are not above trying to make a parent feel guilty either...don't buy into it. nobody cares about your child like you do, and if you don't push the issue, your child will not get the help he is entitled to.  i hope this was helpful...very best of luck to you. you can also go to dr.phil's website to get more ld, a.d.d., adhd, dyslexia, etc. info from dr. frank lawless.
137380
look in your yellow pages under gov. look for dept. of disabilities.  if your son was diagnosed before the age of 21 the state well pick up the whole bill. as well as fund anything else he needs.\nif you son has social sercurity then you know about red tape and hanging in there sometimes it is very easy and sometimes you have to patient.
1136137
It sounds like he desperately needs a trained Gifted Education teacher to provide him with adequate supports.\n\nThis sort of problem is common in the Gifted, and most regular education teachers don't have the training to handle it effectively. Are you living in a state where Gifted education is under the special education umbrella? If so, get him in for an IEP immediately. If not, look up your state DOE gifted education policies, and get him help.\n\nhttp://www.hoagiesgifted.org/underachiever.htm\n\nhttp://www.metagifted.org/topics/gifted/underachievement/\n\nhttp://www.brainy-child.com/expert/gifted-underachiever.shtml\n\nhttp://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content/underachieving_gifted.html\n\nhttp://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZEW4HOBAC&sub_cat=18
118218
I do this for a living, and could give you a dreadfully long answer.  Some considerations are-  Did the school evaluate him/do an IEP?  Has he received a diagnosis from a child psychiatrist?  If so, this may afford some protection as a "special needs" child, which changes the rules for the school.  Even though they may seem autonomous, they aren't.  I would search under special education law, and there may be a public law project in your state that might take the case free of charge.  The same holds true for your daughter.  If she has needed professional help due to school issues, it changes the rules.  Also, inquire of local mental health providers in your state about "wraparound" services, which could send an adult to school with your child each day.  This is how it is in my state, but not in all states.  Good luck.
205118
First of all, if your son's ADHD is not already being treated, consider getting him some treatment.  No matter what kind of school he goes to, he will find it hard to concentrate and therefore succeed.\n\nSecondly, people with ADHD can do many kinds of things.  Find out what your son's interests are as far as his future, and then find a program that fits those interests.  A local community college might be a good place to start.  Many people with ADHD go on into successful futures.  If your son didn't have ADHD, I suspect you'd be encouraging him to pursue something that interested him.  Why not do the same thing for him now, then?  I like the idea of checking with the office for disabled students.  They have special advisors that can help your son.\n\nI hope you and your son have a lot of success.
134626
netboy12121, very well put from the students perspective. Very seldom do we see this.  I do work with special needs and individuals with disabilities, and we do try to impliment a normal or close to normal class room atmospher. Educators from k-12 up into the college levels are basically lazy when they have to work with people with special needs.  But guess what? its the law, they must accomidate all students.\n  Check wth your local scholl system and find out who is incharge of their special needs program.  Tell them you want an IEP (individual education program) for your child. By law they must provide this service for you.  If you are unable to find a school or services the meet your needs, contact your local Health and Human Social Service Department. They'll give you all types of information and contacts.  You may also check into your states local DVR (Department of vocational Rehabilitaion) service. Unfortunately there is usally a waiting list for their services, but get on it.  Hope I was able to help.
1108388
Take the time to go to the school and pledge your support.  Do this with the the father and the child.  Meet with the teachers first then bring the child into the meeting so that he can see that he has your support. Make sure that all the teachers and admin staff have your e-mail and phone number and make sure that you are copied on everything that involves the child.  The school should be very helpful with this.  Make sure that you spin it positively with lots of encouragement.
476006
I have no doubt that you have been trying to instill values of the clean nature in him for a long time. Here he is almost 18 and has yet to adapt. Soooo, I am relatively sure you are asking for help, but not expecting any miracles. You know that you have probably already exhausted every avenue that any one of us might tell you. I have sons also, and when you describe your son its as if you were talking about one of my boys. I have no solution for you,... I just wanted you to know you are not alone in this aspect. There is one thing you can "teach yourself" though that might eliminate some of your frustration about him. Don't take it personnel when he does this! Save your energy. Choose your battles! Keep instilling the lesson of what he needs to know, but don't worry about him not doing it. Try a role change with him on occasions,... when he needs you to do something, tell him "just a minute", or "I will get on that soon", or "I meant to do that, but forgot", ...throw his lines back at him and watch him get frustrated. Its good clean amusement for you, I promise!  My boys, and I am sure your son, too, are 'good' people, and yes, lazy people. But as long as he is staying out of real trouble, you really have no problems compared to some Moms out there. They do grow up, and when you go to their homes in the future, he will make you proud. I know!!! You are me, 14 years ago. Hang in there, its going to be alllllright!