suggestions for accommodations for IEP?

Question

My 3rd grade son was recently tested and the results were that he had a learning disability in written expression. He has a hard time with independent writing. For example, if you were to ask him to write a 1-2 paragraphs about his favorite sport he wouldn't know where to begin. He is also a poor speller and slow writer (which is part of his learning disability). When I go to his IEP meeting I want to know what accommodations I can ask for?

Answer 1

First ask the IEP to include keyboarding instruction. My daughter, who has the same disabilities as your son, does much better typing than she does with writing things by hand since typing using s completely different set of nueral pathways! Asking for extra time to complete things like tests, with the ability to complete some sections orally (essay questions especially) is another good idea. Using a computer to complete some writing activities, with the ability to use a spell and grammar check =. And finally, I would ask to have the teacher provide copies of all notes given and ask to record lesson plans where he would need to take notes independently. This is a huge help...both to you and to him...and one that will prove invaluable as he progresses through the grades and will be expected to take notes from several different teachers each day. The final thing to consider would be the use of voice recognition software on the PC. He would be able to dictate his assignment and the computer would translate the spoken into written form. Even if the school does not allow it's use in class (it may be disruptive to the other kids since your son would need to speak outloud, with minimal background noise), it will be a huge help at home for things like reports. He can dictate his outlines and then with your help, he can correct them on the computer.

Answer 2

I had similar issues with not being able to write legibly within the allotted time period. What we did with my IEP was I had the option to type anything deemed illegible. I also was allowed to take untimed standardized tests if I couldn't finish within the allotted time.
I would suggest (and this would be good for whole class as well) that they do a group "brainstorm" on the topic before they have to write anything. Also be sure a dictionary is available to him if he needs to check a word. I hate spellcheckers because if you spelled from as form it wont catch it as form is a word.
See what he might be able to present orally vs written. I did some of this in school too and it was a huge help.

Answer 3

Portfolio with rubric in written language. You develop a baseline for their writing then chart progress. Expectations change as student progresses.

Great way to determine accomodations: Give the child three tests in the same format with the same content. Basically, 3 comparable probes for administration to the studnet to "test" the need for accomodation. Administer these comparable probes, first under what you define as a "standard administration" and the under whichever accomodations you are "test" for effectiveness. This administration needs to be completed with in a two day window for effectiveness. Score the results of the probe testing.
Until recently has accomodations been an oversight and a "check all" for sped teachers. Which ones are truely effective can only be determined through a monitored trial and error for effectivness.

Answer 4

First and foremost, a writing coach who is a TRAINED professional with expertise in helping your child. If the school doesn't want to provide that--or the equivalent--see a lawyer.

Second, YOU need to consult with a professional with at least general knowledge outside the school system--to get an independant evaluation. You should know--many parents don't--that evaluating children for accomodations is a specialized field and teachers ad school administrators are not qualified to make such assessments without the proper training.

As to specific accomodations beyond a writing coach/tutor, you should ask for extended time for any "timed" writing assigments or tests. Also ask about the use of aids such as dictionaries,laptops and/or spellcheck software. Finally, ask about having testing done in a quiet room free of distractions.

Answer 5

Outline, webbing, a scribe is an excellent way for your son to get his ideas out, and someone else writes exactly what he says. Then, together they check for mistakes. Read a very short story together, cut the story up, and have your son arrange the story in the correct, sequential, order. There is so much that can be made into an accommodations. Ask your local Special Education Resource Center for advice too.

Answer 6

Below you will find two links that will help you with a list of accommodations. Do not hesitate in asking for what you feel are necessary for you child. I would also suggest looking on your state's Department of Education site for a list that are allowed on standardized tests. This might help too.
Good luck and remember you are just as important member of that team as are the teachers. I've been a special ed teacher since 1975.

Answer 7

Extra time (tests and assignments)
Phonics (age appropriate)
Access to a computer to write (helps with grammar and spelling)
4 Square Writing (AWESOME Program! And it is relatively cheap and easy for the schools to do!)
Shorten assignments
Shorten spelling list (maybe to 5 or 10 words--depending on your child's severity)

There is also a program from SRA called Corrective Reading. Even though it is reading, it may help with sentence/paragraph formation. This program is expensive and is very monotonous. It does work the majority of the time though.

Answer 8

I would ask for him to have a spell checker available. I would also ask for him to have extra time for written assignements in his regular education classes. You could also ask for him not to have points deducted in his regular classes for mechanical errors in written assignments. These are all things that you, the parent, have a right to ask for. Though he is in 3rd grade, he may have a music class that he has to write in and with these accommodations he will have a little easier time with it all. You can ask for anything that you feel he would benifit from.The input for the IEP is a team decision and make sure that it is a team decision. You can also contact an advocate in your area who can also be of assistance for all of the questions that you might have. Good Luck.

Answer 9

Before you ask for anythig, befor the ARD convenes, write down his Present Level Of Performance. (PLOP) and use that to help create good IEPs. The present level of performance is there in black and white to see. So you can proceed from there. If he can do such and such in a given area, then the next thing you want to see acomplished in that area is___.
They make IEPs very general and that is not good.. They are called IEPs, and the I stands for Individualized! So since you know him best, write your own PLOP as well. You are allowed to ask each teacher to submit their PLOPs before the ARD. You can ask then to email their PLOP so you will have time to think before you see the IEPs you will be presented with. Take a secod look at the IEP's presented to you at the meeting. Do they address your bigest concern?. Make sure yo can articulate what that is. write it down ahead of time.You want the team to create a good IEP, and you are a part.
Consisder concentration skills Organizational skills. Sorting skills. Ask for one on one time for the skill area you feel will best serve to help him organize his thoughts, etc.
This is new territiry for everyone at the start. Good Luck.

Answer 10

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