What grade level of reading writing and math do you need to qualify for HS diploma

[Anonymous]

DS 7 has tested consistently during neuropsych testing at an IQ in the very mild ID level., but ID nevertheless and his IEP was changed to reflect this classification since it will help support access to services and supports and accomodations better than OHI in the long term.

Our developmental pediatrican commented at our last appointment that she forecasts his potential for reading, writing, and math based on this testing and her observation of him to be in the grade 3 to 6 range. And that it would take through his academic career to acheive this -- with bits and starts throughout of course.

I was disappointed but not shocked. We've known for years that DS is intellectually challenged. Not severely, but challenged nonetheless. And after the initial shock of her putting it plainly to me, I did reason through that heck at a grade 3 to 6 reading level you read Sports Illustrated, you can read your average newspaper, you can do basic math. In other words, general and basic life skills. I mean, in reality, who really needs to use any of that alegbra or quote and understand Dante to have a fulfilling career or life?

But here's the million dollar question for me: Is reading and writing at a grade 3 to 6 proficiency good enough to earn a HS diploma? What is the standard for that?? I know it's not grade 12 performance. But what it is? Where does it say this? And how do they really test that?

[Anonymous]

There is not a minimum reading grade level required for HS. I don't know where you are, but HS diplomas are based of credits for classes taken. For math, students need to pass at least two calsses that are at or above Algebra I.

I think it is too early to think about whether your DC will qualify for a HS diploma or not. I would suggest concentrating at the tasks at hand and looking forward two- three years to figure out where she will be.

My son does not have an ID, but has a reading LC. We have tried to bring him up to what ever level he could achieve. There is abig difference between 3rd and 6th grade. Many many things are written at 5/6th grade levels, so if your child can achieve that, then your child will be able to access quite a bit. My Dc uses audio to access the material that is above his reading level. He gets his textbooks in audio and hardback form so he can follow along in the book.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

In a word, no.
While there's no reading level per se, your child will not be able to access grade level text or conceptual understanding enough to pass the courses required for a diploma. Not saying this lightly. My son sounds just like yours. Despite all our hard work and (in retrospect) some bad decisions about forcing him to be included in courses that were way over his head, he graduated with an IEP diploma. Wish we had done more functional and vocational coursework instead.

[Anonymous]

Don't accept that your son will only perform academically at that range when he is only 7. I am a school psychologist on maternity leave. An IQ scores account for only 40 to 50% of current expected achievement. While around half of all kids with mild ID will have achievement scores at or below their IQ, half will have scores above their IQ level. I think you will get a better picture when he is in middle school.
Here is an article by Kevin McGrew, the author of the WJIII, about having high expectations for students with cognitive disabilities.

http://www.cehd.umn.edu/NCEO/onlinepubs/Synthesis55.html

[Anonymous]

Thanks all. I agree that, yes, he is only 7 and that tests only tell you so much on ability, and certainly motivation which is a HUGE factor.

What if we do pursue a more functional/vocational route for him? I want him happy but functional as an adult. Don't kids that go the more "vo tech" route also graduate with HS diplomas too??

Can anyone tell it's been 2 years since I graduated from HS?

[Anonymous]

I think it's worth considering why it matters--for employment? For your own peace of mind? So he feels like he has a goal for going to school? Each has their own solution.

If he can't do a HS diploma (and it's probably too early to know) then he might be able to get a GED. It might take him a long time, but that's ok. And most employers will accept a GED in place of a HS diploma.

You may want to look at Quality Trust and the ARC, which serve people with ID and their families: http://www.dcqualitytrust.org/ and http://arcdc.net are the DC locations. I bet they could give you some good advice and support over the years to come. One thing you'll want to think about is how to ensure he has the care he needs (and it's hard to know now what care that is) when you are older or pass away. Quality Trust and ARC might be able to help you start planning.

Your county probably also has a Dept. of Disability Services or something similar with a vocational rehabilitation program. There are a lot of different programs out there for folks with ID to live independently, work, etc.

[Anonymous]

There is more and more research that suggests that the same multi-sensory teaching methodologies that work for students with dyslexia also work for students with intellectual disabilities. Regardless of the educational path your DS continues on, being able to read and write is a PROTECTIVE service into INDEPENDENT adulthood. The importance of being functionally literate is far more important than whether or not your DS can get a HS diploma. However, you will have to go outside the school system (and even private schools) for these services, and, even among dyslexia specialists, there are not a lot of providers who have either this type of awareness or expertise. The IDA website lists providers and locally ASDEC.ORG trains people in Sounds in Syllables, which is designed for students with the most severe difficulties.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't accept that your son will only perform academically at that range when he is only 7. I am a school psychologist on maternity leave. An IQ scores account for only 40 to 50% of current expected achievement. While around half of all kids with mild ID will have achievement scores at or below their IQ, half will have scores above their IQ level. I think you will get a better picture when he is in middle school.
Here is an article by Kevin McGrew, the author of the WJIII, about having high expectations for students with cognitive disabilities.

http://www.cehd.umn.edu/NCEO/onlinepubs/Synthesis55.html

Not OP, but thank you for this info.