There's no sense in stressing about taking the SAT. The Great Schools website provides 10 easy steps to help prepare.
1. Test Prep - Get the Test
2. Use the Web to Study
3. Set a Test Date
4. Take the PSAT to Prepare
5. Get a Study Guide
6. Consider Classes to Help Prepare
7. Consider Tutors (Carefully)
8. Take a Practice Test
9. Don't Study the Night Before
10. When the Big Day Rrrives, Take it Easy
For details, visit the Great Schools website at: www.greatschools.org
Here's a good Learning Disability Video produced by the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario.
It's shaping up to be a busy month. We just got our second IEP appointment for October. Good thing we don't have more kids.
We've already been to back to school night at both schools, met all the teachers, know the homework drills, so it's only appropriate to get past the IEP next and on with the rest of the school year.
After this year we'll only have one IEP to deal with every year. It's hard to believe that we made it all the way from a Preschool IEP to an IEP Transition in a blink.
I'm not exactly sure what happens as we transition but I'll be sure to take good notes. We've already started looking at colleges beginning a whole new chapter. At the college level, from what I know, IEPs move to 504s if necessary.
Best of luck to everyone in the same situation.
The first IEP is always the hardest. You don't know what to expect, you're worried about your child, and you're entering unfamiliar territory. Don't worry, it gets easier. Maybe easier isn't the right word - it becomes more "familiar."
I'm not sure why so many parents agree to having an IEP in the Spring. Do yourself a favor and schedule it for early in the school year. October is probably the best time because it gives everybody a month to settle in and get to know each other.
It also allows you to begin with fresh IEP Goals and Objectives and an entire year to follow the progress set forth in the IEP. Always remember, you can call for an IEP Meeting at any time. If things aren't going well they may need to be tweaked.
If you're not sure what to expect or why your child even needs an IEP, here are some of my favorite Learning Disability Must-Haves. These will help you understand what it's like to have a learning disability and some strategies to help your child.
To help navigate the IEP process, here are some great Tools for an Easy IEP. Many IEP resources contain roughly the same information so look for something that suits your style and needs.
Most of all - Best of Luck with your IEP!
Bullying is a huge problem in schools today. It's always been part of school but today the internet has made it a widespread occurrence that can spread throughout the entire school in a matter of minutes with pictures and videos.
Great Schools has some tips for ways to eliminate bullying.
Funny that so many parents need to be reminded, but yes, parents are part of the IEP Team.
It's also funny when you see a classroom full of parents at back to school night but that's another story.
As a parent, make sure you show up at he IEP. Always. Make sure it is scheduled when you can be there and if the meeting is scheduled at a time or day that you can't make it, have the school re-schedule it for a time and day that you can attend.
You know your child better than anybody and it's important that your input and concerns are written into the IEP. If you don't understand something, ask. This is especially important for items such as IEP Goals and Objectives, and Accommodations and Modifications, as well as often overlooked items such as Social Skills.
It isn't easy being the parent of a child with a learning disability but the extra effort required is worth it.
“Do not worry about your difficulties in mathematics; I can assure you that mine are still greater.” - Albert Einstein
Did Einstein Have a Learning Disability? It's been suggested by many people over the years but we will never know for certain.
It doesn't really matter though because the message is clear, even very smart and successful people have overcome learning disabilities.