Its IEP time again! This IEP has me especially concern since my daughter will be entering high school next year. Does anyone have any input on what to watch out for? Is there any differences between high school and middle school that I need to make sure is covered in the IEP? My daughter is dysgraphic, mainstreamed in the general classroom with accomodations. I dread breaking in a new school, staff, etc. The first two years of middle school was very rough because the school was not aware or trained on responsibilities and legalities of LD issures. The idea of accomodations seemed revolutionary - to not treat everyone exactly the same. Eventually an understanding was worked out and a working relationship established. When it works it is such a relief. I wish I was naive enough to be optimistic that I don’t need to go through the troubles again.
Re: Starting High School IEP
Hi Andy, I just gotta say this, I have read your postings and I must say you seem to be a really cool parent. I enjoy reading what you have to say and it is always encouraging and sometimes very funny. Keep writing, you are doing a great job!!
my thanks to you
Re: thanks Amy
Thank you Amy for the kind words. As far as how cool a parent I am, you would have to ask our son :) I’m certainly lacking in the musical appreciation department, as I qualify as pretty “old school” there. Anyway, you’re welcome, and thank you as well.
Best regards,
Andy
All I can suggest is stay vigilant, and follow your instincts. One thing we found was that our dysgraphic son was far more open to typing in high school. All along I tried to convince him that typing frees those of us who struggle so hard with the written word. In earlier grades he used to think that his work would stand out or be different than others. With all the computers at homes and schools, he became less bashful about it. Teachers appreciate being able to read the work, and the typing sure makes the finished product “look nicer”. Most importantly, once he became proficient at typing, he tended to write more towards his potential, and not just the bare minimum to get by. This was a huge step forward for us.
If your daughter is at all inclined to type, learn to or already knows how, make sure the IEP includes that she has access to computers at school and can bring disks back and forth to work on assignments… For tests that involve essay questions, see if they will let her type the answers… Most schools have extra computers, computer rooms and even a couple lap tops that float around for those that need them (you may need to ask for this, and don’t take the quick response, unless it is “yes”).
Mostly, stay vigilant to her needs and don’t let her sway you with the teen peer pressure stuff, or the school with the “don’t worry” attitude. If they want to try backing off, set clear goals regarding review and follow up. Ask for specific measures in how she will be monitored for progress and be adamant (respectfully) that there will be some form of safety net there for her, if she starts to backslide.
Rest assured, ld issues aren’t the only ones that rear their ugly little heads during the high school years :)
If your daughter is making efforts to handle things more on her own, give her the opportunity to be both involved and more responsible. Just have back up for support, no different than helping a young child ride a bike without training wheels for the first few times. It’s toughest on the parent who has to run behind, be ready to catch them, and most of all, be there to pick them up, brush off the dirt and tears and get them back on the bike if they happen to fall. Your job is to encourage them towards independance, and of course, keep them out of harms way, until they can handle things on their own anyway.
Best regards,
Andy