[1]I never thought I would ever say/write this: “When it comes to receiving a public education [2], students with identifiable special needs and learning differences are the lucky ones.” Why? Because these children are eligible for exceptional student services [3] and those special services are being improved upon every day. So, even if the services your special needs child are receiving are not yet at the level you desire for your child, you have ways to work towards enhancing those services. As a parent, you are in the power seat with your child’s Individualized Education Plan [4] (IEP).
It is those children who clearly have learning differences and difficulties, who do not fit the criteria of a special needs student (IQ score, behavior, grades), who truly struggle in school. When in Kindergarten and 1st grade, these students often get lost in the classroom and then suddenly, the parent is told that their child is doing so poorly, they need to be held back. More often these days, it happens in 2nd or 3rd grade as the teacher realizes that the student will never be able to pass those dreaded FCATs. And, as the child moves from grade to grade ~ without help ~ it is not unusual for them to display acting out behavior, inattention, hyperactivity, a motivation, low self-esteem and a debilitating lack of confidence. Then, in addition to the parents being at a loss of what to do, so are the teachers; who are not trained to work with students with learning challenges.
Related: Family-School Collaboration Focusing on Quality of Life for All [5]
I see many of these kinds of students at Make Your Mark Learning Center [6]; the only individualized tutorial service center of its kind in Vero Beach, FL. My experience of these children is that they are, almost always, extremely bright but their brain functions differently than that of other students. One could say they beat to a different drummer. Usually, short-term and affordable tutorial assistance can help the student and/or the parents learn to focus on their strengths and ways of learning. As a follow-up to the tutoring, most teachers are eager to learn how to provide accommodations for the student because that creates a win-win situation for all involved.
And for those students who do, in fact, have a yet-to-be-recognized special need, we are able to empower the parents with the necessary information to have their child be evaluated for exceptional student education services. Again, the school is typically eager to find solutions because they are not any happier with the situation than the parents are.
As with all situations in life, the sooner we identify the problem and seek a positive solution, the better. So it is with our children when they are struggling in any way in school. Whether that struggle is with grades or behavior, do not automatically assume that this is an intentional action (or inaction) on the part of your child. It very well might be that these are clues that are pointing directly to the unique characteristics of your child’s learning style [7]. This may just be a blessing in disguise, showing you exactly what your child needs to be a shining star.
Please feel free to email me ([email protected]) with questions and concerns you have about your child’s school experience.
Make Your Mark Learning Center [6]
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- 8 Ways to be a Great Advocate For Your Family Member With Special Needs [14]
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