<p>Hello. I have looked through this site and have not seen this situation addressed. </p>
<p>My son was diagnosed with a very serious medical condition just before 9th grade. He was assigned a home-bound instructor but, because of his treatments, hospitalizations, and generally just not feeling well, he did very little of his course work for the year. He is now into what should be his 10th grade year and has been in the hospital two hours from home for all of this school year.</p>
<p>Last year his home-bound instructor was asking him to complete all homework and class assignments as well as taking the unit test. It was overwhelming for S to try to catch up. This year he is discouraged, thinking that he not only has to complete last year but catch up for this year as well. S attends a very small school and really does not want to drop back a year. Prior to his diagnosis, he was a strong student.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any experience with substituting a GED for a high school diploma in a situation like this? S will have continued treatment for this school year and will still face physical struggles at the end of treatment. His ideal would be to attend school as he is able, mainly for the social aspect, while he is studying to pass the GED. He will turn 16 during this school year.</p>
<p>We have told S that education does not have to be a straight path but is this too unconventional of a path?</p>
<p>I would not have him repeat a grade if he's against it. the social issues are too upsetting. I would find those home school parents and students both online - TONS of stuff-and locally. Often they have study groups in a local home. If he can handle it I'd consider using computer programs for each class along with doing some of your own home schooling.
I know folks with GED, but still, find a way to make learning a joy again, if at all possible.</p>
<p>many school districts offer accommodations to homeschooled students that allow them to take the majority of their classes with their homeschool program while taking up to two classes at the high school. This allows kids to enjoy the benefits of home schooling as well as the social activities at the high school. At our local school, the student who takes one or more classes is eligible to participate in all HS activities as if a full time student. Of course, public high schools sometimes offer more flexibility than privates as they are usually bigger and have more experience dealing with a wide variety of situations. If your school is private, try to negotiate with them and find an innovative way to accomplish your goals.</p>
<p>Additionally, have your son go ahead and get his GED. it will be a back-up for him in case he has trouble completing his HS credits. Sometimes, just taking the pressure off allows a student to perform better.</p>
<p>Lastly, remember that the worst thing that can happen, aside from a continuation of your son's health problems, is that he attends a community college prior to a four year school.</p>
<p>BTW, USC has a program for smart kids (high test scores) to enter in what would be their senior year of high school. Kids who do this don't ever get their hs diploma. They recommend a ged.</p>