That is absolutely atrocious of the school teacher to basically say that "he is dumb". I am apalled. He is only 5 for goodness sake. It is their job to assess, find these kids who may learning difficulties (if any) and then do something about it. Offer advice and support, not condemn them. Just so he/she has a learning difficulty does not mean that they are going to be an outcast of society. They just may learn differently and need some extra help. I can't believe it.
I am very very angry here. I am tapping these keys quite hardly to release some of my anger. I would report the teacher to the Principle or even the department of education. That is no way a parent should be told about their kid. How can a school not deal with kids who have learning difficulties, that is definitely no excuse esp. if you live in the country and don't have access to the number of schools that we have in the burbs. I would call the Department of Education and tell them your story, they will be able to help you out.
As far as testing goes... i don't know. But i did get my DS to have an IQ test and that test showed not only IQ level but picked up on several other things he had problems with such as "he may need his eyes tested" and that he may need behavioural optometry sessions and that he has very poor fine motor co-ordination. He did need glasses, didn't need behavioural optometry, but sees an Paed Occupational Therapist for his fine motor skills. May be that me the go for you.
There is a post here in this section from Pink Butterfly about a learning difficulty in her DD, check that out too.
So was there any reason why you thought he would do better at school than being homeschooled? Some kids just don't do well in mainstream schools. I do agree, that is an appalling way to treat him and speak to you. I think he needs a bit of time to adjust to the whole concept of going to a mainstream school and I think she is forgetting that the other 5yo's who started this year would have been exactly the same. I think you need to speak to the principal about it and also seek some independent help in regards to his possible dyslexia. You could probably do that by contacting the local community health clinic as they often have visiting services to rural areas. Not sure how small your town is, but often you will have to travel outside of the town to get help. I don't agree with IQ testing young children as there are other ways to assess where they are at and pick up on areas that they struggle with and an IQ test score puts a 'label' on them which you really don't want kwim?
But I do think it's fair enough that he doesn't participate in the recital if he doens't know it properly (and how could he be expected to know it as well as the others already kwim? It's not his fault) but it's not fair to exclude him completely - he could at least still go.
There is a MASSIVE change in attitudes at most schools with regards to learning difficulties. They can easily identify where children have problems and put in place learning plans to suit individual childrens needs. What is sounds like is the school is maybe small and understaffed and as such it is easier to not get the child assessed and make the effort. (IMO)
Like the others suggested, call the Dept of Ed and get some help from them but first take it to the principal. DofE likes to go through all the correct channels. There are so many things they can do to help and excluding your DS from the excursion is going to reinforce to him that he is different to other children and that is just not fair or right. If it helps, ask for a meeting, write down everything you want to say and then speak to them about it. If nothing happens at least you have info to take to the DofE to support your case.
We have had to go through a Paed to get CJ assessed for the school to get extra funding based on his own learning difficulty. Not 100% sure what state you are in, but thats the requirements of NSW Department of Education to get special needs assistance.
Registered User
Learning problem's with school work - 5 year old
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks