DC dyslexic/adhd failing 11th grade English in private

[Anonymous]

DC is not a great student but has always gotten by with mostly A, B, and a couple of C's. He has dyslexia, dysgraphia, and bad ADHD. This year he is struggling with English class. He is failing all the quizzes and tests on books because, despite studying (with me), he says the teacher asks the most random questions and he is getting a 1 out of 5. To make matters worse DC does not like to talk to about his difficulties (the teacher said he should go see her for help) and he would rather fail than sit through a session with the teacher. The school does not offer any supports other than extended time. I don't know if I should reach out to the teacher again (although I don't know what I would ask for since she isn't going to curve anything) , or should I just resign myself that he is going to have to take this class again in the summer. He got a D 1st quarter and has an F for 2nd quarter. Feeling really discouraged and super anxious about this.

[Anonymous]

No advice, but so sorry about this. It’s heartbreaking and must be so frustrating for him too

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To make matters worse DC does not like to talk to about his difficulties (the teacher said he should go see her for help) and he would rather fail than sit through a session with the teacher.

OP this is your summary here. High schoolers with ADHD and learning disabilities are notorious for rejecting help. There are so many reasons for this.

[Anonymous]

He may have to switch schools to a school that would provide the appropriate accommodations he needs.

[Anonymous]

Which strategies did he use in elementary middle school that worked? My 2 suggestions from my experience with a similar child
Try an outside tutor. Put Grammarly on his home computer for writing.


Other than that, can you identify what the issues are? Is it purely testing issues, is it homework completion? Is it reading comprehension or mostly grammar mistakes?
Focus on the primary issue first.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He may have to switch schools to a school that would provide the appropriate accommodations he needs.

How do you accommodate “won’t ask the teacher for help”?

[Anonymous]

Is there a counselor that can facilitate more communication? Surprising that a private is not offering more support to a failing student. Failing English junior year is not good for college acceptances ..even if they do not care about the actual kids education.

[Anonymous]

Can he listen to the books rather than read them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He may have to switch schools to a school that would provide the appropriate accommodations he needs.

How do you accommodate “won’t ask the teacher for help”?

You figure out what is the help he needs and accommodate that. Does he need a reader and scribe for tests and quizzes? That is what my DS has had from 3rd grade to graduate school. At first it was human then he transitioned to electronic. Does he need audiobooks? Does he need type his answers? Things like that.

[Anonymous]

I have a junior with dyslexia. I force him to follow up with the teacher and schedule a time to meet. I watch him write the email and send it. I have him show me his replies. I remind him and follow up on the meeting day. If this doesn’t happen, I remove his keyboard and mouse from his room until it happens. I have no f’s to give when it comes to this.

He’s a little better now and I haven’t had to push him like this since 1st semester sophomore year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He may have to switch schools to a school that would provide the appropriate accommodations he needs.

How do you accommodate “won’t ask the teacher for help”?

You figure out what is the help he needs and accommodate that. Does he need a reader and scribe for tests and quizzes? That is what my DS has had from 3rd grade to graduate school. At first it was human then he transitioned to electronic. Does he need audiobooks? Does he need type his answers? Things like that.

He's in private school and OP already said only accommodation they will offer is extended time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC is not a great student but has always gotten by with mostly A, B, and a couple of C's. He has dyslexia, dysgraphia, and bad ADHD. This year he is struggling with English class. He is failing all the quizzes and tests on books because, despite studying (with me), he says the teacher asks the most random questions and he is getting a 1 out of 5. To make matters worse DC does not like to talk to about his difficulties (the teacher said he should go see her for help) and he would rather fail than sit through a session with the teacher. The school does not offer any supports other than extended time. I don't know if I should reach out to the teacher again (although I don't know what I would ask for since she isn't going to curve anything) , or should I just resign myself that he is going to have to take this class again in the summer. He got a D 1st quarter and has an F for 2nd quarter. Feeling really discouraged and super anxious about this.

When is the marking period over? How much time does he have to being that F to an D?
He should talk to the teacher about the issue, my dd was failing English 11 last year, because she didn't want to do any work but ended up doing her worked at the end and passing with D+. Did you check if you be tested and get an IEP? How is he doing in his other classes?
He needs to learn to speak to the teacher about the difficulties he has. IF he wants to pass the class, maybe the teacher will work with him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC is not a great student but has always gotten by with mostly A, B, and a couple of C's. He has dyslexia, dysgraphia, and bad ADHD. This year he is struggling with English class. He is failing all the quizzes and tests on books because, despite studying (with me), he says the teacher asks the most random questions and he is getting a 1 out of 5. To make matters worse DC does not like to talk to about his difficulties (the teacher said he should go see her for help) and he would rather fail than sit through a session with the teacher. The school does not offer any supports other than extended time. I don't know if I should reach out to the teacher again (although I don't know what I would ask for since she isn't going to curve anything) , or should I just resign myself that he is going to have to take this class again in the summer. He got a D 1st quarter and has an F for 2nd quarter. Feeling really discouraged and super anxious about this.

Following- I have a DC with similar profile with a D or F in all core classes. She has an IEP and school says they have nothing else to offer. School thinks it’s primarily due to lack of motivation. We’re at a loss.

OP - will your son be receptive to tutoring?

[Anonymous]

OP, has the junior class at your school met with the college counselors yet? Junior year is a very tough year. Maybe his college counselor or guidance counselor can offer some help. Instead of going to the teacher I think I would start there. Also, you don’t mention whether your child is medicated for the ADHD or has had any kind of remediation for dyslexia, or has an executive function coach.

[Anonymous]

Will he show you his tests so you can get a sense of what is going wrong? Are these totally random questions? Or does he just not grasp the material?