Hi, my son is LD. He is a senior in high school, but does not have enough credits to graduate. At his last IEP meeting, they recommended that he return next year for one semester, as he needed to take two classes to gain the needed credits. So far he has passed all required core subjects, and just needs the credit classes.
My son does not wish to return next year, as he will be required to take a full schedule of classes, even though he only needs two at this time. We discussed the possibility of work/study … but he would need to have a job and scheduled at least 15 hrs per week to qualify. Vo-Tech was also discussed, but he must pass an entry exam to get into Vo-Tech, and his reading is below their requirement.
He is very discouraged and wanting to drop out of school now. He is already older than most students, because of his birth date and also being held back in transition.
What other options do we have? Can I “homeschool” him over the summer, or next year, to help him get the needed credits he is missing in two subjects? Are there any correspondance courses for LD kids in this situation, where they can build on the transcript they have already from public school?
Is dropping out and trying to pass the GED the only other option for us?
Thanks for any info.
Karen
homeschool/online high school diplomas
There are also some on-line options. check out Keystone - an old hand in the correspondence high school diploma business.
Also check out Upattinas School in Chester County, PA - they might be willing to do a high school diploma for him. And there’s a homeschool/online high school called Clonlara (or something very close to that) in Michigan which might help you out.
Good luck.
Re: Homeschool Diploma? Need Options Please....
I’d definitely check out the community college options. The bottom line is, you’ll need to check out your state requirements for that diploma. If he just needs general credits, then he could take courses in something that interests him.
Where I am, students have to take a placement test of reading and math skills, but there are courses that don’t have required skill levels that would almost certainly meet the high school requirements. THe possible down side is that teachers are not going to make you come to class so some students in similar situations end up beig dropped for non-attendance (and nobody calls Mom - they’d call the student).
Re: Homeschool Diploma? Need Options Please....
There are also summer schools and correspondence schools an the high school level — look into them.
Where I am, a student can take a junior college or university course and apply the credits towards a high school diploma. These courses actually provide “dual credit”, as they simultaneously apply towards a college degree as well as the high school diploma.
I think this option applies in most states. Many high schools, however, do not offer this information to parents.
What you may want to do is call one of your state’s homeschooling associations. (To find one, go to http://www.google.com and type in “homeschooling” followed by your state’s name.) Most operate information hot lines. Fine out if dual enrollment is a possibility in your state. Once you have that information in hand, call the high school (or arrange an appointment with a counselor there) to ask about this option for your son.
Although a junior college course would be harder, your son would have the ability to choose a course that would be of interest to him. University extension courses are another possibility. These are usually offered at night and do not have any admission requirements (other than signing up and paying the tuition). These courses can usually be done pass/fail.
Nancy