Math learning disability in grade 3

[Anonymous]

3rd grader has math learning disability, mild adhd inattentive, executive functioning, working memory learning challenges and we’re at a small private that goes until 3rd grade. Contemplating MCPS-elementary (2 yrs) then middle school. We don’t have an official IEP but neuropsych has lots of recommendations. How does this play out at MCPS? Do kids not really get any individual or small group attention. My child would likely not ask for help but not understand what they’re supposed to do. Are we better served at private?

[Anonymous]

OP, you might want to contact the PTA at your local school to understand how well special ed services are working there. In a lot of cases the support your child will get is school dependent because of staffing shortages, the relative strength/competence of the school admin, etc.

[Anonymous]

I would highly recommend staying in private to help build your child's foundational schooling and habits, but PP's advice is good if you are considering public. It really depends on the school and some might have a pull out for math for a particular grade. I've never heard of one for math but I do know for English some (or most?) elementary schools have small group English for kids with IEPs or 504 plans.

[Anonymous]

Your Neuropsych recommendations may be taken into account, but you will still need to request an IEP be created.

Have you determined if your child is on grade level for MCPS?

[Anonymous]

You'd be better heading over to the special need forum.

[Anonymous]

The best you’ll get is an IEP with accommodations like read aloud directions, extended testing time and small group for standardized tests. In McPS you’re lucky to even get a teacher, let alone any kind of real services. Desperate times in public school right now

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:3rd grader has math learning disability, mild adhd inattentive, executive functioning, working memory learning challenges and we’re at a small private that goes until 3rd grade. Contemplating MCPS-elementary (2 yrs) then middle school. We don’t have an official IEP but neuropsych has lots of recommendations. How does this play out at MCPS? Do kids not really get any individual or small group attention. My child would likely not ask for help but not understand what they’re supposed to do. Are we better served at private?

Oh my goodness go private if you have funds. My dyscalculic daughter needed light therapy from the beat down. Pray you don’t listen to MCPS’ hype. They treat anyone who is neurodivergent with utter contempt.

[Anonymous]

Get a tutor. Mcps will not help.

[Anonymous]

You need to request an IEP and provide the neuropsych. It's a long process. In addition to accommodations, he may be eligible for specialized instruction (time working with a special ed teacher in a small group). But you won't get anything without going through the IEP process.

[Anonymous]

I have actual experience with a child coming from private into 3rd grade at an MCPS school. She has executive function challenges related to sustained attention, processing speed, working memory, and stamina. Math presents the most challenges for her. I had all the same concerns you had when we made the switch.

She has an excellent teacher and 25 kids in the class. The teacher saw her challenges right away and recommended we request a 504 plan. We had medical diagnosis and neuropsych recommendations to back everything up. We easily acquired a 504 plan. The school was very supportive with helping us through the process. An IEP was not necessary. My child gets more time on tests, breaks, headphones to avoid distractions during testing, small group instruction, preferential seating, and the teacher has to check in with her before she starts assignments to make sure she understands instructions and can repeat them back.

We also supplement with Mathnasium twice a week to increase her practice of concepts. The combined support has made a big difference. She is getting As in math despite how hard it is for her and how much work she has to put in. Her MAP-M score went up almost 20 points from Fall to Winter after getting the 504 plan and adjusting to standardized testing.

There are trade offs to private and public. A private school can reduce the number of kids in the room and do more small group instruction but they are under no obligation to provide any accommodations to your kid. Public schools are required by law to accommodate once you get a 504 plan. If the learning disability is more significant, you can get an IEP which provides significantly more support to your kid.

The hardest adjustment was the higher expectation for independent work in public school. She had actually been coddled in her former private school and too reliant on teacher and small group help. Now she is being forced to really figure out how to do the work and take initiative. These are all hard for her but with the 504 support and math practice through Mathnasium, we have seen tremendous growth.

[Anonymous]

I’m the PP. The process to get a 504 plan is quick and easy IF you have the required documentation to prove your child has an eligible condition and will benefit from support. We scheduled an appointment with the school and had everything decided the same day. The plan goes into effect immediately.