Does anyone know if there is a way to keep the schools from keeping my son from playing sports due to grades. He is in the 7th grade, reading on a 3rd grade level. So naturally he can’t keep up with regular class work, Last year he had a GPA of 1.9, but is required to have a 2.0 to play sports. He excels in sports and needs it to give him something to look forward to. I read once that it was discrimation to keep him from playing. Any ideas on this?
Re: Being denied sports because of grades
Is your child in all regular ed classes? If he is, are accomodations being made by his teachers in order to pull his grades up and/or focus on his reading disability?
No, he isn't getting extra help
We just got progress reports, he is failing science and history, both regular ed classes. The teachers aren’t even doing the modifications listed on his IEP. His IEP says he is only responsible for 1/2 or 1/4 of the homework assignments. They have never modified any of them, I did on my own, reduce a homework assignment in each class, because he was really struggling with it. I think if he’s going to do it all, they should maybe give him extra credit. I don’t know where to turn. I called the science teacher eariler and said he seemed to be having a problem what could I do to help. Of course, I got the same answer, I always get……he doesn’t try. I’m sure it appears that way, but honestly if I were in his shoes, not sure I would put forth a whole lot of effort either. He reads on a 3rd grade level, he’s in the 7th grade. Even when he does try….he fails. I just don’t where to turn for help with the problem. The regular ed teachers think the LD teacher should help. He has 28 LD kids in his class, which I think is probably way to many,legally. Any advice where to turn for help?
Thanks
Re: No, he isn't getting extra help
I would hire a tutor for him and enroll him in some reading programs like the Linda Mood Bell program. I don’t think he should be denied his right to play sports however I would limit the number of sports he plays. If the school doesn’t let him play due to grade point average, then look for weekend club sports… etc. Have you ever enrolled him in any summer reading programs in preparation for the next school year? Try and read to him as much as possible… in the evenings and weekends.
If he is only reading at a 3rd grade level, there is no way he can be expected to keep up in a regular classroom… especially in classes such as science. The resource teacher should definitely be involved is this!
Most states have a high school athletic association which is separate from the public school system. This association sets guidelines such as age, number of passing grades required to participate, etc. Depending on the state, middle school students may, or may not, fail under these guidelines. In Kentucky, we have the KHSAA which governs student athletes from grades 9-12. Middle school students must follow the district set guidelines. Check out your state requirements. Yes, it could be a violation of IDEA, but check out your state’s ruling on athletic participation first.