Help - Academic Struggles with 10 Yr Old 4Th Grader.

I would definitely look at other options. What is it she really needs? How will they address it? Friends who are special ed teachers/program directors say in some schools they teach them nothing. It is just warehousing. Probably not in all schools but this is a high school--they just can't deal with it.
How will this help her? Can you homeschool her? Do another private or homeschool type program? Is it dyslexia? What if she was held back a grade? She doesn't sound like severely disabled . . .

Give a call to some folks I have had great experience with they are called FOCUS www.focus-ga.org is the website. I'm not saying your child may need them I'm saying they may have advise you can use to help you and her with the education system even if she's not really a special needs child but since they want to put her in special ed these ladies can tell you all kinds of info and rights that you have. Is there a chance you can get an evaluation by someones else on your own?? I needed a eval for my oldest son and I had this done by Carolyn N. Johnson, PhD ###-###-#### shes on Barrett Lakes Blvd Kennesaw,ga. sometimes is best to have someone not in the school system helping you with evals. I'd also call focus and see if they have names of some folks to do an eval. I don't think that you are in denial but when a child is getting low scores and having a hard time learning I wonder when all the sudden after all this time they want to place a child is special ed services...I do know this they get extra money for children places is special service's and I have concern that it's not just one special services it's the class all together usually those children have difficult learn situations and cannot be in a regular classroom for many reasons. I do know a bit about this I had a child in special ed classes not just a service or two like speech therapy. My best wishes to you....also consider a developmental pediatic dr to see her as well. Don't be afraid to talk to your dr however always get more then one opinion.

Hi A.,
I have a 12 year old son, and he also has struggled alot in school...The school, however, doesn't see it that way, because his scores are "within range"...Just to be sure you are doing what will be best for her future, I suggest getting her tested privately. Those tests are a whole lot more thorough, and you will get a clear picture of just where the problems are. It can be pricey, but your school will have to accept those results. of course they will likely say they need to do their own tests, but you will have a very detailed report that you'd never get from the school. and, they tend to drag their feet on these things...so it helps if you are requesting certain things. if you can get her tutoring outside school, she may not have to be pulled out of class...but i will tell you that once she is in middle school, they really don't pull them out...they just tailor their schedule to meet their needs...for instance putting them in "team taught" classes, so they get extra attention...etc. having the IEP will insure that you get what she needs...and in middle school, no one will know who in the class has special needs..good luck...i feel your pain.

Her school is obligated to do every thing they can to assist her with her educational needs. If you message me privately with your personal email address I will send you the Educational Rights for students in the State of Georgia. If your child isn't testing well then they need to make accomodations for her. My son for instance doesn't test well in a group setting. He does however do well one on one and so his school is state and federally obligated to accomodate that. This falls under the 504 plan. I will send you this documentation if you provide me with your email address. I have a son with ADHD and so I've had to educate myself on my sons rights to an education and on the resources the school has to make available to him should they become necessary.

Seek the counsel of a Child Psychologist who can test your daughter top determine her abilities. Your insurance should cover it and you can utilize the report you recieve WITH the school district AIDING in their decision. IF your child should need services, you'll be pleased with the outcome.

And regarding the future, all Special Ed records before college are kept confidential unless you choose to reveal them. God bless you as you advocate for your child! L.

wow. 4th grade. that's a hard time for most girls. in most instances, we began to develop and find our own way. this means some of our friends aren't our friends anymore and we become more expressive as well as other girls and boys in this age groop. it may be problems with social life, home(at this age anything), her image, her fiends... or just simply test anxiety. hope this helps. give her a diary that you two would share. in this diary, you both put daily entries in to get better connected with each other. trust me, it's easier to write down then say out loud. it would be simple things at first and then she will open a door into her life after a few weeks. good luck and GOD bless.

I have been and still am in your shoes. Definitely go to the meeting and see what the school has spelled out for your daughter. Special ed is not always a bad label; gifted is also lumped in with special ed, so the label may not be negative,or even be a label at all. The extra attention your daughter receives from being in Special Ed could be beneficial to her,and they may be able to determine how your daughter actually learns and retains info.

Best wishes!
C.

I would consider tutoring before I entertained special ed. Sometimes the smartest kids struggle when school becomes less fun/easy -- because it's always been easy and they aren't used to and don't like the struggle -- so they throw their hands up and don't try. If you can find a tutor that can help her to find it easier, she will benefit greatly.

That said, a lot of us think of special education as something for the really impaired kids -- and it's not. A lot of times and in a lot of cases, all it means is extra help. So, I'd talk to the school and find out what they have in mind. Perhaps they are just thinking extra help and extra time getting things done...

Stress is the source of most of our problems. I define stress as "not enough flowing, good-feeling life energy." The five types of stress are (1) reaction patterns that "crunch" your energy; (2) toxins and allergens; (3) poor nutrition, poor hydration; (4) too much exertion, injury or pain and not enough rest or healing; (5) extremes of heat and cold. I suggest helping your child to de-stress. Some quick ways: laughter, running and playing, feeling gratitude .. for ANYTHING; take her OFF of juices and sodas (too acid-producing and stress-producing); reduce intake of bread -- concentrate on vegetables and reasonable protein at each meal. The BEST stress reducer for the whole family I have found is Kangen Water -- see www.healthbykangen.com You can get a free booklet about alkaline diets there.

A.- what about putting her in an after school tutoring program? instead of having to change her whole school routine and possibly having emotional trouble because of that? that would be my first suggestion.
Are there other things that may be contributing toward this? emotional or physical pain? maybe the school counselor could help with this or another licensed professional outside of school.
Good luck to you. all the best.
Nikki

Too bad the schol system uses the label "special education". They should call it "exceptional education" instead to prevent the stigma attached to it. True, special education includes gifted programs, help and support for ADHD issues, speech, occupational, or physical therapy, behavioral problems, reading difficulties,etc. Students with intellectual delays or autism are just a few pieces of the pie.

I have ADHD and could've used the support and understanding from teachers as a child. Instead, they just shook their heads at me disappointingly as I struggled to complete homework and class assignments. I also tested out as developing normally, but my grades were inconsistent.

Your little one is having trouble with doing well on tests. She may not be motivated for some reason, bored, trying to get attention from you? Maybe she just needs extra time to complete tests? I needed extra time because I couldn't focus on the test items. Does she have to be in special ed to get extra time on tests? I would definately hear the teachers and counselor out at her school, but don't feel pressured to sign your daughter up just yet. Even just sitting next to a responsible peer could help her out. Whwn I was a child, I naturally sought out the smart kids and became friends with them. They kept me on task and reminded me when assignments were due. LOL Wish I could thank them now.

Anyhow, don't sign up for anything until you are 100% comfortable, negotiate with the teachers, and take a look at reasons why she may be seeking attention from you.

Best of luck!