I’ve posted this question on the LD board but I also want input from parents as well. I am a 7th grade sp.ed teacher and I am always looking to improve my knowledge as well as the education of my students. Recently there was a news-magazine type of show on (maybe 60 Minutes) that featured a new strategy for helping children with processing deficits and learning differences. It is called Bellfonds. Has any of you parents used this with your children or know of anyone using this? Your input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Laurie
Re: Bellfonds
Every district is different some are less open to suggestions than others. Fortunately I live and teach in a district that is very open to suggestions from parents especially parents of special needs children and very pro-sped. Why? It is a lot less time consuming and less expensive to fight a parent. Often times parents have more time to do the research than I about the various programs that are out there, and so many new ones are developed almost over night. In the past I have had parents suggest several different programs to me that I wasn’t aware of, and I have either purchased the materials (usually if it is really good and I want to keep it)or the school will purchase the materials. May I suggest that when you approach the subject at the meeting, word it in a way that the administrators see it as a benefit to not to just your child, but for other children, and definitely mention that it will help improve standardized testing scores. That will perk them up! Email me if you need any more assistance. I will do what I can.
Laurie
I’ve never heard of this, but going to look it up. We need help in this area.
I’d like to ask you a some-what related question.
I know from your posts here that you are probably an exception to this, but how well received is it for a parent to research a program that they feel their child could benefit from and then present it to the team at the IEP meeting? I have heard that parents are not entitled to ask for specific programs, that is up to the school. Parents that I have spoken to in our district say they have gotten very negative feedback when approaching things this way. But, I personally do not see a problem with asking for what you want directly, right?