my 16 year old is NLD and in Algebra II. This class if required by nearly every college and University I’ve looked at, but this kid is in pain when he tries to understand it. It is too abstact for him. he was working with a tutor but that wasn’t working. Does anyone know if colleges ever waive requirements or substitute classes? He’s highly gifted in all areas, except math. We’ve even managed to work through the writer’s block over the years. Thanks for any and all suggestions.
Re: 2nd year algebra
I see two questions/concerns here. First, can your son get into/through college without algebra 2. Second, how can you make algebra 2 a less painful experience for your son.
As to the first question, theoretically yes. First, I’d suggest looking at what your son’s goals are. While I agree with Victoria that it’s too soon to give up (see below), I disagree that algebra 2 is as crucial for as many majors. Some majors require more math than others. Some types of math are more useful in some careers than others. A major in English Literature will involve very little math. A major in computer science requires understanding of functions and algorithms. A major in psychology requires an understanding of statistics. Even if your son ends up in a field that requires mathematics, there are resources available that he can use (which will be much easier for him to access with a history of his disability and a history of accommodations, if he receives them).
Talk to the schools your son is considering and the disabled student services office at the school. Discuss your concerns with getting in and what accommodations he may need.
As to making the class less painful—don’t give up too soon. While the math itself may not be useful, the thinking skills he will learn will be useful in general. I’ve been told law schools look favorably on students with a math degree, not because of the calculations, but because of the thinking skills that are evidenced by the degree. Concentrate on the thinking skills.
To get through the class you need resources that are familiar with your son’s learning disability and learning style. This could be the classroom teacher, the special education teacher or a private tutor. The crucial point is what does it take for him to learn what he needs to learn. Not all tutors are equal. When looking for a tutor ask questions about experience with special needs students and whatever learning style your son adapts best to. A good match would be a tutor who can work with both issues.
If you want to give some more specifics about your son I could make some suggestions on techniques I’ve found useful in similar situations. The questions I would ask as a tutor for a special needs student would be 1) what are his weaknesses (basic math, algorithms, etc), 2) what are his interests, 3) what are his strengths, and 4) how does he learn best (visually, through actions, through hearing things).
It is a little early to give up yet. Missing that basic algebra requirement will prevent him taking over three-quarters of all possible college majors. And he has a year or two (or three?) of high school left to work on it.
Occasionally some people do get some colleges to waive the math requirement, but it is difficult, time-consuming, and in the long run more trouble and a lot more limiting than just learning the math, for almost all students.
If abstract thinking is a problem, he is going to have trouble in a lot of college studies, not just math. Rather than avoiding the issue until he hits a brick wall, I would recommend working in various ways to help *teach* him abstract thinking, in various subjects as well as in algebra.
I would be very happy to give some concrete advice on things to do and how to do them. However I have been burned a few too many times by people who claim to want math help but really won’t touch it when it’s offered. If you really want advice on how to succeed in algebra, please feel free to ask.