I am tutoring a second grader who is struggling with much of her
school work. Since she was in
kindergarten, two years ago, she has
been tutored both before and after school.
This tutoring does not seem to be helping her to “get a handle” on the
work that she is being given in class. Her first grade teachers observed that
she was having difficulty and approached the parents with the suggestion the
she be tested in order to determine the problem and receive recommendations for
assistance that would address her specific needs. The parents refused to have
her tested and said they will continue with the tutoring until the end of 1st
grade. At the end of the year the
teachers suggested that she repeat 1st grade, but the parents fought this
suggestion and this child was promoted to the 2nd grade. I am now her tutor and
I see that she is struggling. I believe
that she needs specific special needs help which means that she would have to
be classified. I have spoken to her
teacher as well as her principal and the school superintendent. They all agree with me that this child should
be tested, but each of these professionals has warned me that the parents are
against taking that course of action. I try to do my best as I help her every day. I use many different teaching strategies for
each subject. Her teacher knows this child’s situation and tries to work with
her as much as possible, however the regular classroom teacher is now on maternity
leave and there is substitute teacher in the room. The substitute teacher does not know this
child’s needs as well as the original teacher. The child, of course, does not have an IEP and
thus she continues to struggle academically.
.
Hi Jacquel,
ReplyDeleteFrom what you are describing, it seems that the parents are not quite grasping how much their child is struggling. I cannot understand why the parents would not want the best for their child. Do they see how much she is struggling? Has there been any documentation shown to the parents proving their child is having a hard time? I feel as if they are afraid to classify their child simply just because of the "labeling" aspect of it. It is not fair to the child, but unfortunately we as teachers can only go so far helping a child, if the parents do not want to take this to the next level. Maybe, the parents can be included during the child's tutor time, to show how they are struggling. A lot of records and observations should be kept to show the parents. But in the meantime, until the parents are convinced their child needs extra help, the best we can do it continue to help the child succeed, and try to keep her from hating school and feeling she is not smart enough.
I think you are handling the situation to the best of your ability and I hope this child gets the help she needs.
Hi Jacquel,
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you have (or any of her teachers) spoke directly to this student about her struggles. Does she realize she is struggling? And if so, what does she think? A new angle to take about this problem is to ask the student directly if she would like extra help to make the work easier. Also, if the concern comes from the child to the parents, the parents might be more willing to listen and see that the student is really struggling. As for the covering teacher, you could inform her on what you notice are her strengths and weaknesses. Strengths to make her feel successful at times she is really struggling and weaknesses so she is aware if what she might have to go over or re-teach this student.
Hi Jacquel,
ReplyDeleteI think the point of asking the student what they think is a great idea. Since you have been in the classroom, I think it would also be a good idea to go over the child's strengths and weaknesses with the substitute teacher. I would continue to use the various strategies you have been using to differentiate for the child. I would communicate with as many special educators in the school as you can, to continue learning as many strategies you can as well. It is a big challenge this issue, since parents do have a right to not agree with placement decisions. I would also keep as much of a record that is possible on this issue . Meghan
Hi Jaquel,
ReplyDeleteAs you being her tutor, I feel you need to have a meeting with the substitute teacher to go over the student's weaknesses and strengths, so the teacher is aware of her academic performances. This child needs help as soon as possible. I would encourage that you tell the principal to invite the parents in the classroom to see her work progress. Many parents are in denial to accept that their child has a learning disability, so if they were to witness it in the classroom, maybe they can accept it. It will only be for own good benefit in the future. Also, maybe to try to grab her attention more try to incorporate mini videos that go along with the lesson you're trying to teach her. At this point you are doing the best you can and the only thing holding this child back is the parents.
Hi Jaquel,
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything that has been posted. It seems as though you might be the only one that can help this child. I suggest that you try to work with the student as much as you can and inform the teacher about her struggles. Asking the student how she feels about the work might be a way to help the parents realize that their child really does need the extra help. I also think that this new teacher should try to get as much extra help for the child as she can and try to get the parents on board. Amanda also has a great idea that I think can benefit the student if the parents actually see how difficult the work can be for their child.
Hi Jaquel,
ReplyDeleteI agree a lot with asking the student what she needs. Most kids who are struggling in school don't want to be. My brother who struggled through his entire middle school career is finally succeeding in high school because he doesn't feel like everyone expects him to fail. Perhaps ask the student what her favorite ways to learn are. It seems that you are the connection between her and her teacher. Another problem is though, what happens once you're gone? This child has flags everywhere and the parents are ignoring the signs. It is very unfortunate but it occurs EVERYWHERE. Maybe you, her teachers, the principle, and the superintendent, and the child could all sit down with the parents with a cumulation of her work over a time period, and try to give them a knock in the head that they're child is going to continue down a LOSING STREAK if they don't take care of the problem now. It is very unfortunate, and I feel you are taking the right steps. You will be a great teacher!