So, we're one week into school and so far he's had two REALLY bad days. On the third day of school, the teacher called to tell me that he wanted to go to computers and she said no, and he threw a 45 minute kicking and screaming fit. He did better the next day, but was very defiant the day after that. I've given her tons of tools and the ARD is written for him to get help with these skills, but the teacher "really want to dicipline him myself". She is truly the BEST kindergarten teacher in the entire school district for him. I went way out of my way to get her for him. I just need for her to meet me half way on this and listen to me when I say he NEEDS help with this.
It just ticks me off because I've been saying since the day he turned three and we had his first ARD that he needed help with problem solving and communication/social skills. The district kept telling me there is no educational needs and refusing. Now it's really bad, they haven't done a damn thing to help him, and they want to punish him for acting out. What the hell is he supposed to do!?!?
He doesn't have the tools within him to deal with disaapointment, express how he's feeling, and act appropriately. I told them this was going to happen. I begged them to listen to me and help him with these skills, I got it written into the ARD for him, and it's STILL not happening. And he's frustrated, the teacher is frustrated, and I'm frustrated. He's also not getting his listening breaks where he can go and settle down from all the overstimulation. He needs to have that option. That's why I wrote it into the ARD and saw everyone else sign agreeing to it. So, why isn't it happening? This poor kid has got to be SO overstimulated and has no clue what to do with it all.
He has another ARD this Thursday. I have a whole list of things that need to be said loud and clear. Hopefully I can keep it together. I always get way too emotional at my own kids' ARD's. I'm hoping to bring a friend who can just sit there and smile when I get angry. *sigh* I can do this. I know I can. I just need for him to have a good year. I need him to love learning and not dread it. Is that so much to ask for?
I think it is so hard for people to "get" that hearing loss affects so much more than speech. I would write down your thoughts (bullet point style) so you don't get too overwhelmed/emotional at the meeting. When our kids speak so very well, people tend to dismiss the hearing loss as being relevant. I'm sure things will get sorted out, though it is hard for people to understand the social effects of hearing loss and the behavioral repercussions of being overstimulated and having to work to listen all day.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Good luck, I hope everything gets figured out. I agree with Leah- I speak well and people and educators sometimes assume that my hearing loss has no effect on me. Honestly, half the time whatever was written in my ARD was never followed, even things as simple as captioning. My last ARD meeting (the first one I attended) was a complete disaster because the person in charge didn't seem to understand that I am deaf, and I do have other needs than my hearing friends. I vowed to never go to another meeting again.
ReplyDeleteI've found that sometimes it can be best to skip over the whole ARD/IEP and just talk to the teacher(s) directly. However, you do want to have all of his needs written in there, so say anything and everything that could potentially be a problem.
Again, good luck.
Oooo this just really gets me. I hope the teacher is a good advocate for you too and helps you FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT this. Plus, I think that it's sad it has to be legally documented for the teacher's to do something?! This is crazy. All teachers should be modifying and doing what needs to be done to make the child successful. I hope you get this all resolved and the ARD goes smoothly for you. Good idea of bringing a friend too, I always find two sets of ears are better than one in situations like this! Good luck!
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