OK, I know my child isn’t learning? What do I do now? There are more options than a person could imagine. Each family will need to determine the parameters of what is an option and what is not.
I will list a number of questions to consider.
- Should an 504 plan or and IEP be considered?
- If an IEP is in place, should more intensive accommodations and modifications be considered?
- Should more time in the resource room be considered?
- How important is time in the general education room?
- Is a change in educational setting appropriate? New school? New classroom? Homeschooling?
- Is tutoring or some type of therapy necessary? During school hours or after school? At a clinic or in the home?
- Is additional testing important before any interventions or therapy are begun?
- Is less invasive or more intensive intervention better for the child?
Parents will answer these questions quite differently. Mom and dad may have to work through their answers to move in a direction that is acceptable to both. Little progress will be made if parents are not on the same page. Once this is accomplished, interventions can begin. Consistency and commitment will be necessary for a child to move forward and closing the gap in his academic achievement.
