Reply to What does high school look like for your mildly CI child?

Forum Index » Kids With Special Needs and Disabilities

Reply to "What does high school look like for your mildly CI child?"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous]
OP - I think the key for you is to do some detailed research to find out what kinds of programs your area high school offers both in terms of class size, content of the curriculum, teaching approach (SC sped ed only, co-teaching reg and spec ed or only reg ed),  any opportunity to do a self-paced, computer based course, vocational sequence options with possible internships, mentoring and/or community placements.  The more you know about what is even possible, the better you will be able to craft an IEP for your son.

Does this mean that he is unable to process or retain what is presented verbally through teacher instruction in a regular classroom?  Does he not process also the back and forth in classroom conversations as well as social situations with peers?  If these challenges due to his disability are holding  him back in all learning situations, then you do want to think of the classroom setting where he first of all has the best chance to continue to learn core skills of reading, writing and math.  Secondly, you might consider the general education class or classes that would enable him to continue to increase his general knowledge.
 
I would certainly keep him working with a tutor who could continue to support him in learning and reenforce what is presented in the classroom in ways that may help him to retain the information.  Would he seem to gain skills if he uses a computer based program?  I say this because now or in the future if he is able to master information in a more self-paced,  repetitive manner, there is the future option of a GED if the high school diploma is beyond his reach.

As a parent, I would also look for opportunities in the summer where he could do things which are hands-on as in some volunteer work to gain some confidence and "soft skills" which will increase his options in the work world.  At age 14 you could look to see if he could volunteer at the SPCA, the local library or a food bank.   It will be important for you to learn the vocational sequences which are available at the high school because this may be a pathway that will give him the widest choice in options after high school.

In his case if  you could look into a church youth group for him to participate in outside of school this might be one avenue to be with peers who will get to know him and include him in like-minded activities.  At the high school see what volunteer groups there are such as Key Club or other interest groups.  Does he have an aptitude or interest in sports?
I can understand your quandary as he seems to straddle two worlds, and you do want to find ways to continue to maximize his strengths, while at the same time addressing his challenges.  It is also very true that in a self-contained classroom, there may not be the same rigorous curriculum as the regular ed classrooms.  Again, for a few students I could see where at least exposure in high school and modified work with maturation could lead in time to demonstrating knowledge of the material in a GED at a future time.  And for that reason, it would be important to "push in" to the regular ed classes rather than just accept a less academic program.  Great that he has the one close friend as many do not.

[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics