For those parents who have their kids in special ed...

I do think learning disabilities can be helped. I soo understand the more severe ones, but you don't understand the obstacles abby has already overcome. If in fact from a more objective tutor can not help her...so be it...however I am not at that point. I have a sister who has had/still does have learning disabilities. I helped her. I watched my parents totally give up on her. I am not going to be that kind of parent. I watched my sister in law do nothing to help her kids get along in school, and set a poor work ethic for them as well. These type of people totally disgust me. My mother also let my sister drop out of high school. Alot that did her....and so she gave up thinking she would never get a ged. Well I do know that drop outs with learning disabilities can get their geds. I helped my other sil get her ged...so it does not have to "dis able" someone... yes, some may not be something that can be overcome, but I want more for my daughter. I do not know your sons circumstances other than that he is deaf. Abby has absolutely NO problem doing extra work. That is the kind of kid she is, and she's remarkable. Often she seeks out the workbooks I bought for her to do. She welcomes it, and I give her plenty of breaks. This is the first year she really filled out her own valentines. What a breakthrough, to be able to feel like she doesn't have to struggle to write. Mind you, I did make her rewrite some illegible ones. I am elated with what abby has done in extra work today, and what she has accomplished. I do believe she can accomplish so much more. I so understand what you mean by kids being cruel. I was subjected to many, many, many cruel kids in my day. Believe me I understand! Oh how we wish we could shield our children. Abby is pretty social, and yes, it does hurt when someone doesn't like her, but I do think she will prevail. I have her also enrolled in an acting class. Abby didn't get in special ed because of any learning disability, she got into the program because of her speech, which I believe will end after fourth grade. At least that is what they are hinting at. They've already discontinued her p.t. Our question is to the school, is that if she is 1 1/2 yrs behind, why does not qualify for summer school. Does that make sense to you? I hope this helps you understand my pov...I know I probably sound like a real B***h

My son is not deaf, not sure where you got that from. I know how easy it is to get defensive when we are dealing with our children. It was certainly never my intent to offend. We all want the best for our children.

No need to apologize. You're certainly entitled to your opinion, and I would never hold that against anyone. I wasn't trying to imply you were giving up on your son. I'm sorry if it came across that way. I just saw how my mom gave up on my sister. Abby is very capable of doing homework. I do not believe in bullying kids either. As I said before, she likes to do the extra work, and has only missed one day of school. She likes school, likes crafts, movies, anything, you name it. She is a joy to be around most times, and loves to help me. Anything to get those stickers....HEHEHEHE

oh boy! I feel for you. They've attempted to reach goals in my daughters IEP. I hope things get better for you. What is MRDD? I just am at a stop here, I think she is so capable, and I am not trying to bully her. She loves to do the extra work, and just beams when things are correct. I started a reward program, get 10 stickers and get a prize. She ran all over the place doing the things she was supposed to do to get a sticker. IE, making her bed, helping with chores, listening. She just beamed when I told her I was proud of her for doing good work. I don't know why these teachers don't want to see these kids improve. Do they see them as society does? One of the "slow" kids? It's a shame it really is....and I truly mean no disrespect to teachers on this board. But I really have lost respect for the teaching industry since I have kids. I, myself didn't have the greatest high school teachers, and wanted better for my kids, this is ridiculous. Can't you complain to someone higher up about the goals and such in the Iep?

I have been about a high as I can go, but every time we have a meeting, the teacher sounds like she is going to do things, and agrees. She just goes back to the same old things. We are in the process of making sure he is not in that class next year. I am even thinking of homeschooling, even though I don't think that is best either.

I understand your stand in special ed, but my daughter has been in early intervention, and special ed for a while....and while she may have some special needs, she has the capability to improve I believe. I've seen her do better. I've seen her grasp concepts that her "special ed" teacher says she can not. I will consider the idea of other educators like a summer teacher....but how do I know they will want or even TRY to help my daughter along. The problem with it as I see it is that "special ed" really isn't all that "special" it is just a smaller classroom with kids that are behind, and the same old excuse teachers use...."they have too many children" As I see it this "new" no child left behind crap, is just that CRAP! sorry, my discussion, my opinion. and so yes, I am looking into other options other than sylvan, because it is sooooo pricey. I DO hope you know that I tutor my child at home as well, but I am NO expert. Which is why I inquired about Sylvan.

do they not have some special classes in high school? I don't remember.