Should I agree to place my daughter in Special Ed?

Question

She is smart in some areas like reading and science, but has a hard time memorizing the material for social studies and in Math.
I'm having a meetting with the school team pretty soon. I think they want to place her in Special Ed. But I'm not sure if that is the only choice i have. What would you do?

Answer 1

First of all, try not to make any decisions head of time based on the assumption that they want to place her in Special Ed. You don't know that, that's why you're having the meeting.

I don't know what the laws are where you live, so I don't know what choices you have in terms of what goes on in school. However, if you are willing to take your daughter's education on yourself because you feel the schools are not going to be able to do what's in her best interest, then go for it. There's a lot of support out there, a lot of people whose kids are all over the spectrum in their abilities. Homeschooling is great to help those kids because it allows for them to have the flexibility of being all over the spectrum instead of being forced into a mold they can't live up to.

Answer 2

I understand how you must feel, I had the same problem with my oldest daughter now 23. She struggled and placing her in a Special Education class really helped her keep her grades up. She really benefited from the class. If I had not of made the choice to go along with her teachers, she probably would of ended up dropping out of school. So do your daughter a favor, if this is the best option for her, than by all means put her in the class. Sometimes we think of Special Ed as a class for kids with very special needs, some more severe than others. Don't feel embarrassed by this, it is a good thing. Maybe all your daughter may need is a tutor in the classes she is having a tough time in.

Answer 3

If she is on level with reading and math she is not a good candidate for special ed. Primarily it is for people who have learning disabilities like dyslexia, irlins, or something that keeps them from being able to read and comprehend on the same level on in the same way as their peers.

You might look into what she is having trouble with and then look at how it is being taught. She might do better if it is presented a different way. For example say she is having trouble memorizing addition or multiplication facts (something that a lot of school districts no longer require, but should) and the way the teacher is doing it is to have them do work sheets. You might try flash card. You might try saying them out loud and having her repeat the question and the answer so she hears the full problem 7+8=15. There are a LOT of ways to learn something and it may just take you getting creative at home in the evenings to get it in there.

For history, as long as it is not a comprehension problem, she may just need to have a better idea of what is important and focus on studying that. Take a piece of paper and fold it in 1/2 put the date or name on one side and the answer on the other. Let her study and test herself. Write the info on index cards, one for the answer one for the topic and mix them up, let her match them. Think up songs, anagrams (My Very Excited Mother Just Sat Under Nanas Porch for the names of the planet order the first letters are the same as the planets) or rhymes (in 14 hundred and 92 Columbus sailed the ocean blue) that help her remember.

You should be given the option of whether or not you want her in special ed or not. They may not tell you that, but if you push they should allow you a choice. You know your daughter, if she is behind or they can tell you she has a specific learning impairment that will be better serviced under the special ed umbrella, then maybe go with it. If you think she is ok and just needs a little work or you feel like they are using special ed too quickly then fight it. Tutorial help should be available without having her in special ed, especially thanks to no child left behind. Push for other options.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

I don't think so. Practice with her for social studies and math. She may just need more attention in those areas. Find a tutor that can help connect the information to something she knows or understands. There are many social studies and math programs that can help her practice. Most schools use special ed as a tool to make more money. Those programs should be for children who really do need the smaller group attention.

Answer 5

That is not the only choice. My son has high functioning autism and I get together with the school and we have a plan for him. Special Education was an idea they gave me, but I said no. I didnt want him to feel bad for being in that. He is so smart and does great in Science and other areas. He gets modified work. If the other students have 20 questions, he gets 10. That way its so much easier for himto finish it. THe teacher gets special instructions to help him out with certain things and to keep him on track, and they do other things with him too.There are so many different options that you have. If you dont feel comfortable putting her in Special Ed, then dont. I prefer my son to be in a regular classroom since I know he has the potential for so many other different things.

Answer 6

No do not not not. I had a hard time with math and memorizing history, dates, etc., but I could read any book by the time i was in 2nd grade and understand it. I was a mad scientist. My parents let me go and by 4th grade i was placed in a gifted program (smart kids) which i hated. Let her grow and develop her own way. Trust me. I am smart, I know i am now, but if you label your child as "special ed" then she will quit. If she needs help in certain areas get her a tutor, but do not label her dumb, or she will believe it and give up. I did fine, i have two BA's and am working on a second masters.

Answer 7

I won't repeat what the others have said, but instead add that if you do consider placing her in Special Ed, ask specifically what she will be learning, plus see who her classmates would be. I've seen large school systems where a kid in special ed was really helped, and have seen small school systems where kids with minor learning disabilities were placed in the same classroom with kids who would never be able to feed themselves, so...carefully consider the entire situation. I do think that it just sounds like she needs extra tutoring in a few areas, but the school can advise you on that.

Answer 8

Dolphin,

I don't believe that she will have to only be in Special Ed. There are programs in which she will take the classes in which she fully understands with the other students. You say that she is excellent in Reading & Science. Talk to the school. If they have this program she will be able to take R&S with her other classmates, and take Social Studies & Math in Special Ed.

I wish you both the best of luck!

Answer 9

NEVER accept an outside label for YOUR child.

Love and respect your child for who she is, with her gifts, talents and ways of learning. You have the option to home school her. In home school, you can then do both, allow her to advance in her strong subjects, while allowing her to go slower in this subjects that come slowly for her now. Because she has her own style, does not mean she is ill or at risk, on the contrary, she is most likely going to outgrow her deficiencies if she is loved and respected, and most importantly, if she is respected for a valued individual.

She should never think she is different or deficient.

Answer 10

they will show yu test results about what her strengths and weaknesses are. she might only be in special ed for one or two classes and in regular classes the rest of the day. the main reason is to get her help doing her work so she can succeed in later years, whethe in school or at a job as an adult. when she's ready, her teacher will get her out of sped and into a regular class.