Any advice on how to support a student who has an IEP but is not receiving the support she desperately needs? I know of one situation where a third grade child is supposed to be receiving up to two hours of help per day. However, it is not uncommon for three to four days to go by before she gets pulled and receives the help she is entitled to. The school has a new special ed teacher who is overwhelmed by her student population. Apparently, the classroom teacher, principal and special ed teacher are trying to work something out; yet in the meantime, this student sits in a classroom, unable to truly participate in the day to day activities. Every subject presents a challenge for her. She needs someone to scribe for her and read to her.
As we get closer to having classrooms of our own, I wonder what to do in a situation like this. If a teacher isn't fortunate enough to have an IA, student teacher or parent to help out, how can the teacher help this child?
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3 years ago
2 comments:
Well of course, the school is obliged by law to provide the needed assistance. In practice, resources are often less than needed. Sometimes the child really needs an advocate to step up and insist on the required support, and it's a bit awkward for the teacher to take on that role. If the school district lacks the resources, then it must contract for them, or risk a lawsuit. Unfortunately, sometimes the threat of a lawsuit seems to be what it takes to get services.
What's the second-best solution? Adjusting the methods of instruction, modifying assessments, and the kinds of things we've been talking about in class. I wish there was a better answer...
I have seen that situation also. In the case I am thinking of, the student has no advocate because in essence the family is focused more on survival and doesn't have time or resources. The principal at the school uses parent or community members in an after school tutor or mentor program. This may not get the child exactly what he or she needs, but the one-on-one attention seems to be helpful while the school and principal work to get the student what is needed. I really liked the teamwork this school displayed.
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