I adopted a 14 year old (now 16) from Romania. She was practically illiterate, and I have had extreme difficulty with getting her to understand in the school system here. Her math skills are practically non-existent, and she reads on about a 4th grade level. Her testing (as well as can be documented) shows either that she is below average or low average intelligence. She just failed summer school because she has a lack of motivation, and of course, being so far behind does not help her attitude. I need to know what to do with her academically. Any suggestions? Is there a school I can send her to until she gets kind of on grade level? Supposedly, she does not qualifiy for special ed. Please help. THanks. Brenda
Re: all around help
Does she not qualify because they feel that her delays are due to learning english as a second language? Perhaps she has depression or maybe she could have Attention Deficit Disorder which is causing her problems in focusing and finishing things in school…She needs to be seen by someone, a neuropsyche, educational psychologist or a psychiatrist who could tease apart what is causing her lack of motivation and apathy. Perhaps she may need behavior management training or possibly medication. She can be helped by the right counselor or therapist to focus, follow through and stay motivated in life and school.
Re: all around help
Is she illiterate in her primary language? Did she come from an orphanage and did she attend school at all? I would ask the agency you worked with to adopt her for assistance in locating someone to evaluate her privately…she may have many more issues besides English as a second language, LDs, etc.
How could she NOT qualify for special ed? The worst and most limiting rule is a two-year discrepancy between expected and actual performance, and you’ve got that (Expected for low-average to average intelligence would be Grade 7 to 10 at age 16, and Grade 4 reading and lower math is way below that.). Go make loud noises at your system — first the principal, then the school board, then the state government education branch, then the governor’s office. Make enough of a nuisance of yourself and you will get at least some sort of answer. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the special ed teacher is any more competent or knowledgeable than the people denying the services, but you can try.
For this age, working with a teenager, you have difficulties with most kids even in the most stable family situation, and your kid has not had that luxury. You may have to just cope for a few years longer. When she gets to seventeen or eighteen, she may (no guarantees, but it does happen) take a look at her own future and decide to do something about it. Right now she may still be unsure that she has a future.
One thought, which may or may not be possible — does she have a job, and can she get and hold one? A job gives money and self-esteem, and also gives lots and lots of motivation to learn skills and get accreditations.