<p>Yes, it is really important to get the needed, thorough testing ASAP. Sadly, most schools don’t have the resources to do thorough testing and pick up only the most obvious problems when kids are greatly lagging below grade level. It is so important to figure out how to partner with the school and teachers–public opt private. If you choose private schools, they do NOT have to offer IEPs or other accommodations, but some may. </p>
<p>We did have to shop around for the schools we thought would work best with us and our kids. It was a tiring challenge but worthwhile.</p>
<p>There are several options for math courses in NYS high schools. Algebra I is a 9th grade course. It’s a prerequisite for Geometry, Consumer Math, and Statistics. Geometry is the prereq for Trig, Algebra 2/Trig, and Pre-Calculus. Pre-Calc is the prereq for Honors Calculus or AP Calculus. Taking Algebra I in 8th grade is part of an accelerated program and is permissible under the following conditions:</p>
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<p>NYSED 100.4(d)(1) refers to public school students. I don’t know if this applies to private school students.
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<p>It isn’t really necessary for a student, especially one who is struggling, to take advanced math courses in 8th grade. To earn a Regents Diploma in NYS, a student must pass 5 Regents, but only 1 is math:
<a href=“To%20earn%20a%20NYS%20Regents%20Diploma”>QUOTE</a> Students must pass Regents examinations as follows: Comprehensive English, Global History & Geography, US History & Government, One (1) in Math (Integrated Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2/Trigonometry, Mathematics A* or Mathematics B*); and One (1) in Science. <a href=“http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/gradreq/2011gradreqdetails.html[/QUOTE]”>http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/gradreq/2011gradreqdetails.html
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<p>To earn a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation requires 1 or 2 more math regents than a Regents Diploma:
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<p>So, yes, Algebra in 8th grade is accelerated and not necessary for a student struggling in math. Given his history, if this student was in public school I’m not sure the superintendent would approve his application to enter an accelerated class. Since he has 4 years to pass 2 or 3 math regents to earn the Advanced Regents, I’d suggest leaving him in whatever math course he’s in and focus on the other issues mentioned by the OP. </p>
<p>We have one parent of this child posing these questions and concerns. What does the child’s OTHER parent think? Does the second parent support an evaluation, or not? </p>
<p>I think many people have read the posts and I think they’re comprehending the situation very well. I’m sorry you’re not getting the answer you want, a cut and dried “leave him in Algebra” or “move him to 8th grade math.” A simple answer seems impossible in this situation. Whichever recommendation people give has to have a reason behind it that takes into account this child’s previous academic record. The reason for letting him stick it out or move him depends both on the reason he’s having a problem and what your goals are for him. </p>
<p>I think what’s troubling people is that you seem to believe your son has a disability and, although you’ve taken steps to help him, you stop just shy of a complete examination. And you seem compelled to force him through an accelerated program when he isn’t effectively completing the regular programming for his age group.</p>
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<p>Given these statements, I’d drop him into 8th grade math so he has a better chance of forming a solid math foundation for high school. I’d also work on the “reading/verbal comprehension issue.” It will hold him back from much more than the high school foreign language requirement. Blossom, Thumper1, and others had some excellent suggestions. I would seriously consider them as well.</p>
No, getting an accurate diagnosis, as opposed to an optometrist’s opinion, will give you the information and tools you need to maximize your son’s academic success. OP, you’re floundering, and you’ve gotten a ton of great advice from intelligent parents, many of whom have had experience in dealing with students with learning disabilities (I’m one). Please take their suggestions seriously and do what’s best for your son.</p>
<p>Unfortunately it seems that who you are and who you know is not getting your child what he needs. There are those, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, who have concerns about the false claims of the benefits of vision therapy . <a href=“http://www.childrenseyecenter.com/pdf/Learning%20Disabilities,%20Dyslexia,%20and%20Vision.pdfMoreover”>ABC 7 Interview - Children's Eye Center, What it sounds like to me that posters here are trying to say is to get an appropriate and comprehensive evaluation so that appropriate accommodations can be addressed and you son can have a more positive academic experience.</p>
<p>Pediatrician here. It’s not just another diagnosis. You need THE diagnosis, made by a multidisciplinary team that might include a neuropsych battery of tests, a behavioral or developmental pediatrician, an audiologist, SLP, OT or PT. Probably at his age you just need an excellent neuropsychiatric eval for sure. A diagnosis is your ticket to services via your school. Schools may need a medical diagnosis and/or a DPI (Dept of Public Instruction) diagnosis. Either will get him entry into educational services that he may need. This is, as so many people have tried to tell you, not. about. math. </p>
<p>It is also true that the AAP is very wary of ‘visual convergence’/visual tracking/visual decoding/visual integration disorder diagnoses and visual therapy. In my experience only optometrists have ever made these diagnoses (and coincidentally are the ones selling therapies!), not neurologists or ophthalmologists. </p>
<p>Thanks, Im on my ipad, but I was interested in reading about behavioral optometry because although our medical drs have recommended it for both my daughter and myself, & I had a few visits, I couldn’t buy into the whole program.</p>