<p>Is there any hope for my child? She is a sweet girl who struggles mightily in school. She suffered from an illness as a small child which apparently caused some mild brain damage, so she is very uneven in her skills and also has ongoing health problems including low stamina. Her overall IQ measures 85 but her processing speed is very slow (72). She has a great memory but needs to take things slow to understand them. She has a special gift for working with children and wants to be a guidance counselor which may be beyond her reach. She is in middle school now (public school...can't find a private school that really fits) and I want to find a way to steer her towards a happy life. She constantly talks about college, and her three siblings are all on college tracks with the oldest two on tracks that she can never acheive (honors/AP/etc.) so that is already difficult.</p>
<p>She has no behavior issues and is exceptionally sweet...so the teachers love her but she often gets placed with kids on the autistic spectrum or kids with major behavior problems, and this doesn't work well for her. Teachers have taken to pulling her out separately because she is somehow able to do more than her IQ demonstrates, perhaps because she doesn't have the behavior issues that many low-average kids in our district seem to have.</p>
<p>Are there any colleges that can provide lots and lots of support to someone in her position? We are unforunately in a very high acheiving school district where they just don't plan well for kids like her.</p>
<p>Does your D have an IEP or 504 plan? The school is OBLIGATED by federal law to have a transition plan for her & help figure out what she will do from now thru HS to get to that point, including further school and/or vocational training.
Have you investigated community colleges in your area? That might be a good transitional place for her to see how well she can perform in an more independent setting. The class sizes are smaller & often the campuses are also smaller, so it would be less overwhelming. They should have a disabilities office where you can get more info, including vocational info.</p>
<p>There are colleges that offer a lot of support for students with special needs and learning disabilities, though I don't have much knowledge about them. There is one called Lankmark, which I believe is entirely for special needs. You should also post your concerns in the spcial needs forum (I think it's called something like Learning Differences and Challenges), as some of the other parents there are facing similar problems.</p>
<p>In some ways, your daughter may be lucky. Lucky because it will be easier for her to exceed expectations, and lucky because being smart is no secret to happiness.</p>
<p>There will be many paths open to her as she grows up. I think it most important for her to be able to dream now. After all, isn't that what childhood is about? And sometimes the dreams come true.</p>
<p>I wish you, and especially her, the best of luck.</p>
<p>For clarification, she has an intense IEP...lots and lots of accomodations some of which never actually get executed (but that's another story and one to which many parents of kids with IEPs will relate). Our district refuses to discuss any long term planning in middle school but I need to start figuring these things out well before they may be ready. </p>
<p>I'm seeking the advice of parents because while school districts may be obligated to do certain things, they often don't do these things without a lot of pressure and sometimes due process, and I need to educate myself so that I know what I'm asking for when the time comes.</p>
<p>Landmark College likes to take kids of at least average to above average IQ, usually one with left hemisphere, language based learning disabilities. And they do a terrific job.</p>
<p>But there are other small colleges, some community colleges, that have more intensive support offered. Of course, I am also of the belief that college isn't for everyone, and there may be other avenues open to her as you approach this point. Even in high school, I have been very impressed with our local voc/tech, and how well it prepares kids who may, or may not be college bound.</p>
<p>oo im sorry but do u live on long island? if u dont its a shame i a student at a school she would do amazingly at im adhd..and theres lots of kids w/ learning differrences and add/hd att this school.</p>
<p>What city/state are you from? It would seem more realistic to start your search by exploring options closer to home before seeking out schools across the country.</p>
<p>What state are you in? Not that it should matter, but some states have more stringent requirements of their school districts than others. It sounds like your district is doing a lot of what ours has done.</p>
<p>I have a son who is Aspergers (high functioning autistic) who over the years has been put in the same classes as your daughter has been - neither having benefitted from the arrangement. His cognitive is fine (actally well above normal), but his social is very low, often lower than those of kids with cognitive disabilities. I can understand your situation.</p>
<p>Are her social skills, fine and gross motor skills in the normal range? This will go a long way in determining what the options are for her. Often a one-on-one tutor in a normal classroom is enough to deal with the "slow uptake" issue - someone who can identify when she is struggling and assist her in keeping pace.</p>
<p>If her other skills are up to normal, believe it or not there are many good boarding schools that do deal with LD issues. They do cost major buck$ though, even more than universtiy educations, but give incredible individual attention. Placement in these schools is not for the do-it-yourself type. There are many educational consultants who could help though.</p>
<p>The "buzzwords" that relate to what you're asking about is "transition planning" and having a "transition plan" for your D. It is time to ask them in writing about this. If they can't/won't give you info about this, you need to find your local disability rights organization (most provide free legal services to help parents advocate on behalf of their kids--some will represent the family at no charge).</p>
<p>Here's a website with some info about transition planning:</p>
<p>BTW, your next IEP meeting should have the special ed folks from the targeted HS present for consult purposes at least.</p>
<p>And HImom is right on the money as this "no long range planning" line is horsepucky. They are just trying to run out the clock and hand you over to the HS to start over from scratch - another time proven method for school districts that don't want to service children with disabilities.</p>
<p>unfortunately the recent reauthorization of IDEA- increased the age at which schools must begin a transition plan for students from 14 years to 16 years
however there are resources out there- but I won't argue that it isn't really difficult to negotiate</p>
<p>which state are you in- I know that they vary quite a bit
Both my kids have learning issues- but the oldest just graduated from Reed College ( has support for kids with differences- but they still have to work harder than anyone else- & at Reed that is saying a lot) & my youngest definitely has problems with processing, but she is 16 and taking AP classes.
Some schools will allow students to take a lighter than normal classload- it sounds like perhaps by the time she is college age, she will be ready
I would also suggest perhaps some groups like CampFire or GirlScouts which give kids a controlled environment but also lots of support to explore and learn skills.</p>
<p>Another thread entitled Practice Practice- discussed the value of hard work compare to IQ- committment and perserverance will take you farther than just IQ- particulary once you leave school</p>
<p>i really wish u were a long islander vss is perfect for ur daughter i had a lot of troubles:
grade diffeerences(i was in a very top public hs freshman yr-bad idea):
9th grade math: 65 all 4 quaters(was failing i was just given a 65 b/c they felt bad b/c i did all my hw and was a good kid)
10th and this yr math: 80s and 90s more 90s then 80s..</p>
<p>9th grade english: 70s..failed a few tests..but did ok..
10th and 11th english: 80s usually high 80s my weakness is vocab tests...i got a 77 once in my last quater in 10th grade i was disapointed..but i like my new teacher this yr he makes english really fun..</p>
<p>9th grade history: 80s...my best subject that yr..
10th grade and 11th: 80s and a few 90s..i once got a 96 on a part i really liked(French revolution) my mom also believes its b/c i was in les mis the summer b4(that was 10th grade global) US history is my life i love it its the best history a school should teach it every yr i love it..</p>
<p>9th grade bio:70s low 70s close to failing sometimes 70s..regents: 73 only regents that yr i was already in math b1 that yr..
10th grade bio: I passed but i couldve done better and since i got the chance b/c my new school takes bio in 10th grade we decided to let me tak it over..
11th grade chem: HARD But good..80s</p>
<p>If your child, Take0ForGranted, is nearing the end of grade seven or is about to start grade eight- then y'all need to get going with the transition planning. If the middle school waits too long, then it will not be nice for your child at High School. It will not be nice, because your child will be labelled like a can in High School and things might not work out well. </p>
<p>It is wonderful that you are thinking ahead. There are a lot of avenues available for your child, like Nursery School teaching. And, then she could work up from there. That is only an idea. </p>
<p>What happened to your child as a youngster? Did she have hydrocephalus? I am just curious. Is her processing speed slow all across the board? Also, is she on an actual academic track now? Or is she just being lumped in with anyone and everyone who is l.d. or who has a behavioral issue? Not everyone who is l.d. or who has a behavioral issue is exactly the same. </p>
<p>Like, I have really bad dyscalculia and it takes hours for me to do math and my processing speed in math is slower than your child's. But, for reading and writing, I am super above the norm- except that my handwriting sucks. Know what I mean? </p>
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Are there any colleges that can provide lots and lots of support to someone in her position? We are unforunately in a very high acheiving school district where they just don't plan well for kids like her.
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<p>Honey child, that is not relevant. There has to be a totally legit and proper and most Kosher IEP in place. You should maybe, only if you wanna, go to the ld area of this site or go to ldonline (which is a totally non profit site) and try your best to prepare things well!</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
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i have only a average IQ but im not stupid
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<p>No, you are not stupid at all. Your are one of the smartest younger folks on this site! Most folks have average i.q.'s- except for like Bill Gates and folks like that:)</p>
<p>one suggestion ... track down a couple parents of kids with similar issues in town whose kids are 2-3 years older and ask them for their advice; I would think 95+% of families would help the next families coming along. While we all may be able to give some general advice someone locl knows who you want on your side and any of the quirky things in your town. </p>
<p>It's great you're getting a head start on this and good luck with your hunt!</p>
<p>These days, there are many options, even for children with intellectual disabilities much worse than your daughter's. Yes, college IS possible, but, as others have suggested, you will have to be a strong advocate for your daughter.</p>
<p>I have a good friend whose D had similar difficulties. She went to a Waldorf school and then successfully completed her degree at a LAC. Like your daughter she is a very, very sweet young woman and well loved by her colleagues at our local library where she works.</p>
<p>Waldorf is quite special in its teaching, and the teacher will get to know your child like a second parent. The down side is that it is not inexpensive.</p>
<p>WALDORF SCHOOL!!! waldorf represent! omg i love that school my schools playing the local waldorf school...now or soon or no they finished they probably got killed...we play soccer vs them my sisters went to the local one middle one= n-12 oldest one: k-5 they loved it..i would tottally recc. it 2...but it aint for everyone and i dont know if she would b able to handle it or get accepted to it i went nursery school and tried to get into it after 9th grade and w/ my bad grades i wasnt accepted</p>
<p>In addition to Landmark mentioned above, you might check out community colleges and technical colleges in your local area. If your child has a strong work ethic, and it sounds like she does, these colleges are very supportive and have many associate degree and certificate programs with real life marketable jobs after them. They love nontraditional students as well. You can go at your own pace. Also, check with your state voc rehab office, if she has a documented LD, they can help with testing, educational funding etc.Yes, there is hope and lots of resources. Wish you the best with finding the right next educational step for your daughter, and you know what, speed of learning is not as important as the student's perseverence, personal qualities, and get up and go- lots of successful people out there- and well liked-who do their jobs so well, because they have found the right niche for themselves- human services, child care, teaching young children, jobs requiring patience and persistence. And many other careers and vocations where attitude, personality, persistence, play a bigger role. The turtle gets there often before the hare who gets sloppy and forgets where he is headed!</p>