All year I have been concerned about Emma and school. She was held back a year for maturity and some concern with academics. We assumed that the academics was a reflection of her immaturity. By Christmas I was questioning if she might have other issues with her academics. The school kept telling me that they thought it was her lack of motivation. She loves her computer time so I tied her computer time with her weekly performance. I saw some small gains with this, she was very motivated. However, except for spelling the gains were not enough to keep her at grade level.
Recently I received her standardized testing in the mail and it showed that for the most part she was below grade level. I talked to the school again and they still think that it is that she isn't trying. I am not so sure. I had to put in a written request to have her tested. What if she does have some type of learning delay that we haven't addressed because of her immaturity and everyone's opinion that she isn't trying. The school contacted me and said that they would test her next year. We are supposed to meet after school starts. I know how that will go, it will take a semester to test and by then she could be further behind. Also, seems to me that the teacher that she has this year would know her best. I do have a call in to her to talk to her about ADHD signs. I would like to know what she sees although she hasn't raised any concerns about that every time I have talked to her.
We don't care to wait that long so we are taking her in this week to get a referral to have her evaluated by the neurobehaviorist who has evaluated all my other kids. The waiting list to see him is very long but we have always gotten in quicker by our willingness to go in if they have a cancellation (he is an hour away). I told her school that we were going to get him to evaluate her and they have already said that they would take his testing when we meet in August. He has a very good reputation among the schools here.
I know why she hasn't come under their radar, she isn't far enough behind. However, in my mind when you take into consideration that she has been held back it is concerning. Sadly, until a student is 2 years behind the school isn't really concerned. Me, as a parent, I am concerned. Perhaps she is not motivated, perhaps it is something else. Time for answers.
I am glad you aren't waiting. Meghan is in the same boat as Emma. I requested testing in February, and I am getting results next week. She hasn't been retained, but she probably should be this year.
ReplyDeleteHave you considered the possibility of FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder)? My adopted kids, ages 9 and 11, who have the same birth mother, both struggle with this, and as they have gotten older, the gaps have widened between them and their peers in certain areas. If you go to fafasd.org and look up "What is FASD" it will give a pretty good overview. It has changed the way I have looked at my kids. Things I assumed were defiance and intentional aren't always so, and it has given me more compassion.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't considered that for her but it isn't totally unrealistic. She was born positive for opiates so who knows what was pumped into her body before she was even born.
DeleteShe has struggled with RAD, yes? I know we've only been walking this walk a short time with our daughter, but as I'm seeing the knots get untangled with our daughter's RAD, I am seeing gains academically, also. It's SO hard to learn when your brain is tied in knots. I hope you get some satisfactory answers soon.
ReplyDeleteYes, she is a recovering RAD (if that is a thing). Not sure if that is a factor or not. We did have her retained last year because of her immaturity. That immaturity I believe came from RAD and simply the 7 different placements on 7 different homes and her inability to grow.
DeleteMy daughter was in multiple placements, also. :-/ I'm praying for your girl and you both as you work through what she needs.
ReplyDeleteIt is so frustrating. Jasmine has to repeat at least two classes next year, possibly three. I have called for three conferences this year fully staffed.
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