Today, I went to volunteer in Andy's class. I accidentally showed up a little early because I threw away the paper that told me what time to come. But being there a little early allowed Andy's teacher to talk to me about some concerns she's having with Andy's ability to accomplish the school work in 3rd grade. He's struggled here and there in the last couple of years, but it's really starting to show now that the academic expectations are higher.
Now, being involved in special education programs for the last 8+ years, I've had this in the back of my mind for a while now, and now, the day is here. Today, I went in to refer Andy to be tested for a possible learning disability. He's a bright enough little guy, but somewhere things are falling apart for Andy, and we've never been able to figure out how much he knows or why some very basic things are difficult for him, even when he knows the answer. The frustrating thing is, I have NO IDEA what this testing is going to show us. Shouldn't I know? It's SO WEIRD being on THIS side of the table. Because I'm so very comfortable on the educator side, I feel like a total fraud that I'm sitting on the parent side with no idea what is going on with my own kid. I'm pretty confident, however, that his issues are NOT language based... so THAT makes me feel better!
So, this will be an interesting process for Paul and myself. We both work with people with a variety of disabilities. I'll be paying very close attention to how my words (when they are said back to me) may sound to the parents of the kids I get to work with on a daily basis.
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4 comments:
good luck!
That is really tough. I think that to her disability is every parent's worst fear...well it is one of mine. Hang in there and know we are here for you. Knowing is half the battle...maybe it will help you know how to help Andy learn and what you need to do.
Welcome to my side of the table. Those IEP meetings are always unnerving, no matter how much experience you have had at them.
Your experience on both sides of the table will be helpful for you and Andy now, and to your students later.
Sorry about that, but it is better to get things figured out now, right?
(OK, so I have finally set aside the hour or so to sit down and read your previous post that I have been meaning to read for a while now. Wish me luck!)
I've often wondered how intimidating we look coming in as a "team" to meet with parents. I think you are in a great situation for Andy...knowing what to ask and how to understand all of the testing information they have gathered. I think it is so overwhelming to parents because it is all so new, they don't "get" it. Anyway--good luck to you and Andy on this journey!
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