How can I learn my basic academic skills when the high school will not help me?

Administrator

October 29, 2008 4:22:02 AM

I am an early high school student. I just completed eighth grade, but I find that a lot of my skills seem well below my classmates' skills. I have had a learning disability since before I can remember. I have dysgraphia, fine motor difficulties, and speech difficulties. However, I take a combination of regular, college prep, and honors classes. I am in no "special education classes" with the exception of supplemental.

I know for a fact that my skills in grammar, written expression, and spelling are well below the eighth grade level. I am receiving no help in those areas outside of my college prep English class. My teacher seems to think of me as "stupid." I have asked for extra help but she seems too busy to provide any after or before school help.

So instead, she sent me home with English text books to borrow over summer which doesn't help much since it takes me hours to get through one page due to my handwriting difficulties. I learned very little in her class and I know the skills I lack in are not taught in high school but in elementary and middle school. I fear that without these skills I won't be able to be successful in school and work.

A tutor is financially out of the question and my case worker, who also happens to be my supplemental teacher, doesn't seem to think that I lack these skills or just doesn't realize it. I find she doesn't pick up on a lot of my difficulties. How can I learn these skills that I need (e.g. basic grammar, spelling, and vocabulary) if I will not receive it through my classes? Do you have any suggestions?