What are some good questions to ask my son's principal and teachers.?

Question

What are some good questions to ask my son's principal and teachers.?
My son is in 5th grade and has been having alot of problems with reading comprehension. He has been tested for learning disabilities and he was diagnosed fairly young with ADD. He has been attending this school since preschool and has always struggled (especially in Reading) I have noticed that his writing are not capitalized, punctuated, etc. and the teacher puts a check on the paper. I try to meet with his teachers and schedule appointments but they seem "to busy" or they don't return my calls. I am finally meeting with the principal today. What would be some good questions to ask.

Answer 1

What kind of things can I do at home to help my son?

Do you read aloud to him every day? We do this, my child will read one page, I'll read another. We also started listening to major books on tape in the car (such as Charlotte's Web, Harry Potter etc.). Just hearing the flow of words in a well constructed story is a positive thing. I bet you would be surprised at how many 15 minute trips you make with your child in the car - you'll be finished listening to the book in no time. Most libraries have these to check out (for free!).

Speaking of libraries, how often do you and your child go to one? I'd highly recommend visiting frequently and allowing your child to choose some books that are of interest to him.

Be an active, involved parent. Shut off the TV, take away the game boy and spend some time reading together instead.

Good luck

Answer 2

If your son has ADD, he most likely has an IEP. If he doesn't, the first thing you need to do is tell your principal he needs one. He cannot deny you one if you have a child with a documented issue.

Think about the type of IEP you want for your child. What will help him accomplish the goals you have for him and he has for himself?

If you already have one, it may be time to review it and make modifications. Often children with ADD are given more time on in-class work or a little more lenience with smaller errors.

Lastly, don't forget to mention that his teachers seem too busy to help. If you frame it as a concern rather than an attack, you will be more likely to find a solution. For example, inquire about tutors and explain that his teacher seems to busy for the one-on-one time that he seems to need. See if there is any way he can have a session before/after/during school hours with someone else.

Answer 3

Hi sorry for the late response, maybe next time you can ask what are they looking for on the papers, don't worry too much about your child's ADD specially these days when is easier to tell a parent that their child has something and give them medications, also remember that school now is very much different than when we went to school so a little ADD is normal since they have so much info to get in, sometimes is hard to realize it but I did not have Algebra nor bio until 9Th grade and some kids are getting this stuff in 4th or 5th grade, just give you baby more attention (not saying you
re not giving him, enough) but sometimes we seem to forget to hug them and talk to them while looking at their eyes, just if you make subtle changes to the way you interact with him you will see a difference in his behavior. Hope it helps

Answer 4

I would begin by establishing yourself as an involved partner in the child's education.

One magic phrase is 'Public Law 94-142'- Your principal will be familiar with it- it is a federal requirement that schools make reasonable efforts to address the learning needs of all children.

A teacher that doesn't return calls or make themselves available is unacceptable- so I'd ask the principal what the policy/expectations are surrounding parent/teacher communications.

Additional questions to ask

1) What additional resources can the school/district provide for your student

2) What can you do to participate in the student's learning

3) How has your child's identified condition impacted his grades? This is one of those PL 94-142 questions that will help shake loose resources.

I can also suggest an excellent book on ADHD...
A Hunter in a Farmer's World by Thom Hartmann.

Best of luck

Answer 5

why are the teachers avoiding you and what can be done at this school to help my child.