Should I hold my K-grader back or put her in special ed?

[ErikaA]

I know you guys can’t answer that since you don’t know my daughter. But I’m struggling with which direction to head right now. My Kindergartner, 6yr old Jordan, clearly cannot go into a “normal” first grade classroom. She’s got major speech language problems, apraxia I think being one. The school wants to hold her back so she can repeat Kindergarten. The thing is, I will only play that card once. Should I push for her in a special ed classroom for 1st grade instead? The child is capable of being challenged and I don’t want her to just be shuffled along. Any thoughts as to what I should consider, request or proceed? Thanks for the (name removed by moderator)ut.

 

[Em_in_FL]

Does she currently see a speech therapist for her apraxia? If so, what is the therapist’s opinion?
Have you talked to the 1st grade special ed teachers for their opinion?

Those are probably the next steps I’d take before making your decision!

 

[PaulinVA]

Erika, you have to ask yourself if Jordan will be significantly “better” in a year, or whether you need to start her education in the special ed class. I suspect she will need help for a while.

Have her evaluated, have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) created, and start her with her peers.

I am not a teacher, psychologist, or other professional in this area.

 

[Ramalama]

I assume you have considered praying for guidance. God bless you and your family.

 

[HouseArrest]

If you haven’t already, insist on a full evaluation. From your post it sounds like she doesn’t have a diagnosis yet. I’d be sure to define her needs before trying to fill them.

If she does have a full evaluation, insist on a meeting of her teacher, special education teacher, speech therapist, and principal to spell out the options before deciding.

 

[mommamia]

Erika, ***you have to ask yourself if Jordan will be significantly “better” in a year, ***or whether you need to start her education in the special ed class. I suspect she will need help for a while.

Have her evaluated, have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) created, and start her with her peers.

This is IMO the most important step. Holding a child back can be a wonderful thing, especially if done in the early years. But you have to ask yourself, is this something that will get better, or is it something she may need a more long term plan to work through? I think a lot depends on the school. In our small parish school we service at least two children who the public school wanted to put into special ed programs.

My own daughter suffers from dyspraxia, and we did have her repeat 2nd grade. For her it was a good choice. And while she still has some problems, she was able to get that extra help at that crucial time she needed.

Also she may be eligible for a plan that allows her to continue in the regular classroom, as opposed to special ed, with modifications or accomadations to help her be her best.

I would have a complete evaluation done first before I chose anything. Talk to your pediatrician first, the dr. should be able to refer you to the proper therapist.

God Bless

 

[leonie]

kids that are old for their grade do much better than the younger kids.

In your shoes, I’d hold her back and also work with her as much as possible to help her catch up.

Though…I think most kids who learn differently do better being homeschooled, but that’s just my own opinion. Some of my kids have dyslexia, and it’s been a real blessing to work with them at home.

 

[roxylu]

Ask that the school do a full evaluation on her before making any decisions. Get data to back up the fact that she needs to be held back. I do not think that she should be since she is only in Kindergarten.Most of kindergarten is early emergence and time for children to expand socially. If speech is the only area that she is having problems in, find her a good therapist. If your daughter qualifies for special education services, make sure that they are as individualized as possible.

No matter what you decide to do for your daughter, make sure that there is data from teachers and the speech therapists to make sure that they have done all that they can for her.

I am in my third year of studying Special Education. However, I am in Texas and the way we do Special Education is quite different than other states. I suggest having a meeting with your daughter’s teachers and any therapists that she might be seeing. They will help you make the right decisions.

 

[Eucharisted]

I would go special education. I went to special ed myself, and learned a lot. I also recommend taking her to a doctor to see what her mental illness might be.

 

[Caesar517]

Have you considered homeschooling? Schools don’t ever work well for children who don’t fit the mold, so to speak.

 

[Viki63]

Have her evaluated, have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) created, and start her with her peers.

I have to second Paul’s advice. An IEP is crucial if a child needs any special help. It will enable the school to provide it.

 

[Pray4Life]

I agree…

1. get formal evaluation and diagnoses if you haven’t already- you absolutely need this for her to get the help she needs.
2. insist on an IEP taking into account her problems if you don’t have one (and READ UP on IEP meetings and prepare yourself well before that first one!)

I would NOT hold her back just for speech problems, absolutely not! Why should you? Her speech problems aren’t going away anytime soon if they’re “major.” My oldest daughter is autistic and her last special ed teacher was of the mind that NO child should ever be held back a grade unless there is a truly compelling reason to believe that going over that year’s material again will make a significant difference. Unless you have that reason, I would definitely fight any such suggestion.