Posted by Pauline on July 07 2008 at 10:16:46:
In Reply to: Lack of education posted by Lydia Ballard on July 03 2008 at 18:07:34:
This boy, like every other child in Pennsylvania, is entitled to a Free, Appropriate, Public Education (FAPE). Assuming youīre sticking with having him attend school, his school district is obligated to do what it takes to get him up to speed. YOU should not have to pay for tutors - the school is going to need to arrange something - but youīre going to have to push and to research and to network to get him what he needs. Itīs not going to be easy, but then parenting never is.
Does the district have an alternative school that would be appropriate? Can he do some of his work through a cyber-learning arrangement that can help him go at his own speed? For example, he could do classes like gym and art with his peers, but work at the school with a tutor and/or cyber arrangement for courses like math and reading. Be creative, think outside the box, donīt wait for the school to come up with ideas - do your own research then ask the school for what you feel might work.
Has he been tested for any learning disabilities - this is key, so that he can be taught in ways most effective for him. Donīt fear a special ed label, if it is appropriate - it may help you to access services.
What are his interests, his hopes, his fears, his dreams? How much exposure has he had to sports, the arts, hobbies, libraries? More than with most kids, you may need to seek out opportunities to expose him to a variety of things in the works, to help spark interests and facilitate informal learning.
Is he eager to learn? Does he feel capable of learning? Does he need some down time to recover from the stress of changing households? Are there psychological or emotional issues that need to be addressed?
Iīm assuming you have no desire to homeschool him. However, if this is a possibility, you may wish to look at the public cyber-charter schools, which would allow him to go at his own pace - slow ītill he gets it, faster once things are clicking.
Donīt waste time on anger about the past - youīll need your energy to get him the help he needs.