Does anyone have info on supporting these children in the regular classroom?
My son has a diagnosed disorder recognized under IDEA, it affects his ability to learn in some areas, and has some difficulty processing auditory directions and information, reading for comprehension of absract concepts, socializing in stressful situations, sensory overload - causing more stress, organizing and remembering… He aso tests in the superior range in most areas, extremely low in sorting and sequencing visual/verbal info.
He does not qualify for special ed service because he’s ‘at or above grade level’, yet he goes from 100% to 20% on tasks depending on the type of skill needed. He has minimal accommodations in the classroom, but nothing that teaches him tools to cope with his processing difficulties.He’s frustrated, yet bored with content that’s not challenging his abilities. Although he is at a satisfactory level as far as the school is concerned, he is not performing to his ability: in his stronger areas because the school has no provision in the regular classroom or otherwise for Enrichment, in his areas of need because they’re masked just enough so the teachers have not had to deal with them - an article by Brody and Mills articulates the concerns that children having dual exceptionalities are “invisible” and their needs are not being met.
Any suggestions?
I’m also beginning a teaching career and could use input on the topic of how on earth to effectively help all students learn to their potential in a classroom with 20 students ranging the full spectrum of both ability and performance?
Re: Gifted Children with Learning Disabilities
Having completed my first yr teaching in a special ed classroom, I’d have to say that I appreciate the parents who are involved and understand their child’s difficulties and can relate successful strategies. Much time can go by figuring out each childs needs. You may not find all teachers receptive to telling them how to do their job, but you have a wealth of information you should share with his teachers. Even though you’ve been told he does not qualify for special ed services, assumably because he is not failing, he is entitled to accomodations under P.L.504, a federal disabilities education act. Ask your special services department for information on a 504 plan for him. On inclusion, more later. That’s my next research project for my new job.
Re: Gifted Children with Learning Disabilities
While all parents want the optimal for their child and every child deserves to have it, schools just can’t provide that. The best of teachers casts a wide net but even a wide net can’t catch up every child in it.
I’ve been teaching for 20 years and I can’t answer your last question but I spend every working day trying to. The wider the range of students, the harder it becomes.
I will say this. The smaller the class, the easier it is to meet all their needs even if their needs are very divergent. A small class helps children to feel comfortable and more settled and leaves a teacher more time to teach and interact rather than “police” the room.
Good luck with your son and your career.
Re: Gifted Children with Learning Disabilities
Having completed my first yr teaching in a special ed classroom, I’d have to say that I appreciate the parents who are involved and understand their child’s difficulties and can relate successful strategies. Much time can go by figuring out each childs needs. You may not find all teachers receptive to telling them how to do their job, but you have a wealth of information you should share with his teachers. Even though you’ve been told he does not qualify for special ed services, assumably because he is not failing, he is entitled to accomodations under P.L.504, a federal disabilities education act. Ask your special services department for information on a 504 plan for him. On inclusion, more later. That’s my next research project for my new job.
While all parents want the optimal for their child and every child deserves to have it, schools just can’t provide that. The best of teachers casts a wide net but even a wide net can’t catch up every child in it.
I’ve been teaching for 20 years and I can’t answer your last question but I spend every working day trying to. The wider the range of students, the harder it becomes.
I will say this. The smaller the class, the easier it is to meet all their needs even if their needs are very divergent. A small class helps children to feel comfortable and more settled and leaves a teacher more time to teach and interact rather than “police” the room.
Good luck with your son and your career.