My son will be starting 3rd grade this year. The school he will be starting is new to him with the exception of having gone only the last semester last year. His grades went down drastically because of the change I 'm assuming. He is a slow learner compared to the other kids in his class and I want to place him in special education classes to see if that helps him catch up and to help him with his self-esteem. My husband is totally against my placing him in these classes even after explaining to him that it can benefit our son. I don't want him to fall behind and possibly be held back because I didn't do what is right. What else can I do?
2007-07-16 16:45:39 · 11 answers · asked by helpful one 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
DID YOU GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL??? BE A PARENT AND EDUCATE HIM AS WELL!!!!
it blows my mind how american parents think that the education system is FULLY responsible for the complete education of THEIR child. NO, you are more educated than your kid. HELP them!! This does SO much more for both of you if you are actively involved!! Don't just judge and pass judgement. HELP!! Don't just ask if they did their homework, GRADE it!! Spend time with them and DON'T get frustrated!! Give your kids the BEST opportunity to succeed in college and they'll also come to you about things that they have questions about that aren't school related. You'll have a much STRONGER bond with your kids.
2007-07-16 17:24:02 · answer #1 · answered by atoughlife2 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
His grades most likely went down due to the change in schools. They were probably doing work and covering topics that were unfamiliar to him at first. It's only been one semester, so give him a chance to catch up before worrying about him falling behind. The first thing you need to do is talk to his teacher. Explain to him/her that you noticed a difference in your son's work, and ask them how he is progressing in class. Ask them what ideas and strategies THEY have to bring his performance up to the expected level. This is his/her job as the teacher, and most teachers will realise that a new student will struggle a little at first until they have settled in socially, and caught up on the work that the rest of the children have been doing. Special Education is definately not appropriate for your son, without the proper assessment, or for any child without special needs, it is a specifically designed program of content and delivery aimed at children who, because of a specific need, cannot learn in a mainstream setting. Please don't worry, your son is perfectly normal, moving schools is a big adjustment and I'm sure he'll settle in fine. Just give him some time, and remember to be as involved in his education as possible, take an interest in what he's doing, volunteer for school events if you can, and try and maintain regular contact with his teacher. The biggest factor in a child's success at school in parental involvement and interest. If education is supported and encouraged at home, he will do well. If you're really worried about a specific subject or area, there is always a tutor, but I honestly think he will be fine given time.
Good luck, I'm sure your son will do well in his new school
2007-07-17 01:05:12 · answer #2 · answered by ♥♥Mum to Superkids Baby on board♥♥ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try giving your son a little more time. Last year could have been just an adjusting period and things will improve this year. I can understand your husband's concern of "lowering the bar" if it is not necessary. In my experience, it does not help a child's self esteem by placing them in a special education class. One of two things will happen, if your child does not have special needs and doesn't need to be in that type of a classroom setting, he will act out because of boredom. Also, if he doesn't need the services offered by the class, he will be moved back to a regular class setting and will be behind. So my suggestion would be to put him in the regular class setting and monitor his progress.
2007-07-17 00:20:16 · answer #3 · answered by tim O 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do what is best for your son. i know ur husband may not want your son i special education because of the stigma associated w/ it but if it has been suggested that it will help him by all means do it. i have a friend who's son is 15 and has suffered tremendously because of her denial and shame of him needing special education classes. he cant read or write and is lacking basic skills that special education could have given him if she would have put him in the correct class.
2007-07-16 23:52:54 · answer #4 · answered by the_kid_doesnt_care 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not have him tested and make your decision based on the results? The change of school can have an effect on grades; perhaps he doesn't need the extra help. Find out for sure, and then if he does have special needs, ask the school district to make recommendations.
2007-07-17 00:02:43 · answer #5 · answered by kt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats too weird! My son is in special education classes because he needs it that would be strange if a boy was in there because he was a little behind! I agree with most people get him a toutor or do it yourself or if you go to any tearcher store you can buy books for him to complete byhimself at any level untill he gets cought up.
2007-07-17 00:07:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Special ed is for kids that are really learning disabled, and it's a stigma. You can have him tested for a real assessment. Try tutoring, or hold him back a year. Parents do this on occasion if their kids are behind in emotional development or academics.
2007-07-16 23:53:25 · answer #7 · answered by justbeingher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could get him a tutor. Maybe a male college student. A boy that could be a good role model and mentor for him, someone to look up to. I think your husband is afraid kids will pick on him. Kids can be mean. A tutor would be more private and kids at school wouldn't have to know.
2007-07-16 23:49:39 · answer #8 · answered by noellemt 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is very important that your husband understand that special education classes really are about "small groups" rather than "big classes." Most parents would prefer that their children are put in smaller classes because students get to have a much better learning time with the teacher and materials. It is painful to watch students struggle to keep up when I know they just need a slower pace. Nine times out of ten when they are put in the special ed classes they excel. Your son deserves that chance. Your husband has to realize his problem with the "special ed" label is his embarrassment problem - not your son's.
good luck!
2007-07-16 23:54:18 · answer #9 · answered by Sciencemom 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
That is a very bad age to get stuck in special ed!
Try a montessori school, a homeschool association. Ask about mentors. Find out about summer programs.
Or find out what it is going to take to help your son get through with at least a C average.
It not all about grades - so relax. It's about getting him prepared to earn an living or go through college.
2007-07-17 01:27:34 · answer #10 · answered by buterfly_2_lovely 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋