I was curious what makes middle school better. Is it that particular
middle school, or middle schools in general?
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In our district, all the special ed kids are (theoretically) fully
mainstreamed during elementary. Most schools don't even have a
resource room for pullout services. The schools don't have special
education teachers - instead, one "resource teacher" will work with 5 or 6
elementary schools. He/she basically consults with the paras and
classroom teacher but doesn't do any direct instruction with the kids.
Middle school tends to work better for kids who can't handle
mainstreaming because there's a resource room with a special education
teacher. There will be anywhere from 4-12 kids typically in the resource
class. They still have paras. There's a resource program, where they'll
work on specific IEP and academic goals under direct instruction from the
teacher, with support from the paras. And kids will be integrated into
subjects like PE, cooking, art, etc. with the NT kids and a para to help.
The resource room program is for kids who need a fully modified
program. Kids who are higher functioning and do better academically will
be fully mainstreamed, and perhaps have pullouts to the resource room
for areas they need help in.
So glad they are working with you. Hope things continue to look up.
Concernedpa.
That sounds excellent.
I was curious what makes middle school better. Is it that particular middle school, or middle schools in general?
Fingers, toes and eyes crossed here - you're a real champion for him, and it shows! That sounds like a great plan. I hope all goes well.Wow, that is great news. I know you've been through a lot with the school and it is so wonderful to see that the tide is finally turning your way. I so hope this new program works out better for Donny. Plese keep us posted!That sounds perfect for Don. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!wow. for anyone not familiar with my battles with the school system,
here's a very brief recap:
Donny has had several removals from school for behaviour over the last
couple of years. Last year, he was out of school from Mid November until
late May, with no services. This year was off to a rough start, despite
school admin being really accomodating. The paras didn't have great
attitudes, and Donny wasn't even handling an hour a day of school. So,
after some thought, I suggested a staffed day program as an educational
alternative. This would mean a support person taking Donny out in the
community and working on IEP goals in a more naturalistic setting, rather
than structured academics. Funding is a big issue, and it was not
sounding promising.
Today, I met with the Director of Instruction for our district (she answers
to the school district superintendent, who answers to the Ministry of
Education). I was expecting a big fight with yet another beurocrat.
Instead, I got everything I want and then some, or at least she's going to
try and get it for me!
The goal/plan is for Donny to eventually have 1 1/2 hours of academics
in a neighborhood school in the morning with a para tutoring him
directly, followed by 3 1/2 hours in the community working on IEP goals
and generalizing his knowledge with a 1-1 aide. As his tolerance for
school increases, they'll start cutting down on the community time, and
introducing time spent in an integrated classroom, or at the very least, a
self-contained class with other special ed kids. At least until January
though, the TA will just go with Don and the 1-1 worker in the
community, to build relationship and a positive rapport.
Also, the Director brought up that Don's educational program may go
year round, rather than just September to June. We also discussed the
possibility of having him attend middle school next year (Grade 6) rather
than waiting until Grade 7, as the middle school here has an excellent
resource program and teacher, and kids like Don tend to fare better in
middle school.
So anyway, Don is out of school altogether for this month. We've got a
teacher coming by once per week to check in with me, provide materials
and guidance, work on the IEP, etc. At the end of the month, he'll start
the community program. In January, we'll start easing in some academic
time.
I am SUPER excited about this, not only for Donny, but because it will set
a precedence and pave the way for other kids who need more flexible
schooling options. Please cross your fingers that all gets approved!That does sound like a great plane! It sounds like it will be great for him.That is such great news!! Keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well!! You've worked hard, so congrats Mom!! Keep us posted on how it goes!That is wonderful news!
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