why can't the school staff understand

Welcome Sheryle to the world of discrimination.

She doesn't seem to understand that by sitting up at the blackboard helps him to pay attention? OKay does she understand that by not allowing a child with documented ADHD sit up by the board to help them to pay attention is discrimination and illegal according to federal law?

Because she doesn't understand ADHD she spends her day yelling at him and embarassing him about medications. OKay does she understand that by stating publicy that your child is on medication violates his civil rights under FERPA,family education rights and privacy act?

The principal is backing her up. OKay does the principal know that by knowing that this discrimination is occuring and by failing to do something he is accountable?

My advice?
1. I would read my rights under 504 laws. http://expage.com/socksandfriends
it has a link to a 504 page,lots of articles.
Basicly under 504 your son has the right to being accomodated. The best way to do this is to inform the school that you insist on accomodations under 504.
To be able to make these educators accountable to the laws,you must identify him as a child with ADHD. If you did this,ie. gave them a report stating he was diagnosed with ADHD,then they are obligated to either prove he isn't ADHD or give him a 504 plan.

2. To be a teacher today with little or no knowledge of ADHD and or your son's civil rights,is inexcusable. It's the teacher's fault,but it is the responsibility of the principal to ensure your son has a qualified teacher.

3. A 504 plan will probably elliviate this problem,but the teacher will still be her wonderfully toxic self. Not until he has a more understanding teacher,or a more adequately trained teacher,will you not feel like pulling someone's hair out.

Make sure you have that teacher request written into the IEP.
(I learned that lesson the hard way, they tell you what ever you want to hear in those meetings, but if it's not in writing.......)

Sheryle,

Do you subscribe to LDONLINE news letter. This has helped me to understand my rights and given me the knowledge I need to be the best advocate for both My son and daughter with ADD? I only wish I had found it when my Son was in 3rd grade with the wicked witch teacher he had! I have found that switching my children to the local Core Knowledge Charter School has given me even more power as it is a parent motivated school. I wil often print information out and pass it to my Principal and teachers so theycan understand my feeleings and where I am coming from.

If the principal is not willing to help you you do have rights as a previous parent said. You can always take your concerns to the Superintendent of your schools if you do not know where to start. That should get someone's attention or can you have his teacher changed to another teacher in the same school?

My Best to you.
Diane