Re: Meeting for my daughters placement

[Guest guest]

Jeanne,

My daughter is 9 years old and in the third grade. When she was in first grade

we had a similar problem. The teacher didn't want to work with , etc.

We moved her to another teacher and she saw a lot of potential in . We

noticed that she could do the work but needed someone to keep her on task. When

the teacher would set with her and keep her finger on the math problem, and keep

her focused, she would get almost all math problems done correctly. Something

that you might want to check into was that scored very high on her

testing in the " social " category. Stating that she got along well with other

children and that was a strong indicator that she would not do well in a small

group setting, that she was a child that would learn alot from her peers.

What we did was get her an aide that keeps her on task and helps her with her

studying (math and reading). She is presently at grade level in math and a

little behind in reading. In Florida, you can request an aide for your child

and they must comply if she has a known disability. I don't know if it is the

same in other states.

I hope that helps you a little.

mom to 9 and Hannah 2

[Guest guest]

Yeah Ellen!

I am a classroom teacher so I can see both sides, but you are right on. The

best place for the child is the regular classroom, but not without support.

In the regular classroom with an aide seems to be the best environment. In

the special ed. classes I have seen, are the greatest learning environment.

However, if a teacher has 22 kids and no aide that is asking too much there

too. This year my school went to mostly inclusion with the special ed kid.

Some kids couldn't handle it, but the ones that did had better behavior

overall.

I won't face this issue for several more years, but Ellen is exactly right.

If the school can get out of spending more money they will. I don't falt

them for that because their resources are limited, but if backed to the wall

they usually can find it some where. Good luck.

Welcome new members and Ai-Hui is a little gem. What a smile!

Ben had is tubes put in this morning and is doing fine. I've noticed that he

is yelling. He is not crying of fussing, but he yells and then stops like he

surpised himself. I'm wondering if he is hearing more and noticing it.

We'll see. The Doctor thought that he was orange in color. He eats alot of

orange vegetables but we are going to have this checked out to make sure it

is not his liver. So far he has not had any downs related problems.

Greetings to all.

Carol

Mom to Ben 14mos.MDS and siblings

[Guest guest]

Dear Jeanne,

Where do I begin? I have an 8 year old daughter with

mds who is in regular 2nd grade. When we moved from Charlotte NC to SC, my

husband and I decided that when bekah turned kindergarten age, we would

place her in regular kindergarten. To our delight, a neighbors daughter two

doors down, was in her class and they became friends. Then the school said

we need to test her again because they wanted to go on their testing results

and not NC's. They broke about ten laws concerning our rights and Bekah's.

To get to the point, finally after getting an advocate from the Protection

and Advoacy Agency they agreed to allow my daughter in the regular

kidergarten with a full time aide, a behavioral management plan and

implement an " inclusion " team which consisted of myself, the regular

teacher, the aide and a special ed teacher to consult with. This has worked

great and this is the model we are still using. By law, they can not take

out nor not put you child in the least restrictive enviornment without

proving first that your child cannot be in the classroom due to being a

danger to themselves, others or being to disruptive with the adequate

supports and services in place. In other words for you, they have to give a

good faith try at keeping your child in the regular classroom with adequate

supports and services. Adequate supports and services for us meant the full

time aide to do behavior management and adapt ciriculumn, the

behaviormanagement plan itself and the inclusion team. Schools know that

parents don't know the law and they give all the reasons of why your child

should be in self contained or other. The fact is is that research has shown

that children with Down Syndrome or mds learn much more socially as well as

academically in regular education when all the supports and services are in

place. My child is living proof.

If you need any technical, legal or other info concerning this, feel free

to e-mail. God Bless.

Sincerely,

Ellen

Meeting for my daughters placement

>

>

> Hi Everyone,

> Again I am going to be faced with a hard decision. In two weeks I

> will meet with my daughters special ed teacher, the regular

> kindergarten teacher and her caseworker to discuss next year's

> placement. I would like to put her fully in a regular first grade

> with a teacher who is tutoring her now, who also has her degree in

> special education. This teacher also wants in her class.

> However I just had my conferences with the special ed and reg ed K

> teacher and I can see already they will not agree with it. The

> regular ed teacher feels has alot of behavior issues in her

> class because she is looking for attention. She feels she will get

> more attention in a small class. This teacher does not know

> 's academic level since my daughter was only in her class

> half a day for social. The special ed teacher said that my daughter

> would benefit from one on one instruction in a small group setting.

> That she would be lost in a large group. They feel her behavior

> would be worse in a big class. She has behavior issues in both

> classes. By behavior I mean not listening if she is told to sit back

> down, drawing with markers on floor, table etc. Taking her shoes

> off, and one time putting a pencil in a socket. The reg ed teacher

> said she feels she should baby proof the room. I know my daughter is

> strong willed and stubborn. I also know if she is given too many

> commands at once she cannot process it all. I feel she would benefit

> from being with good role models. I also think that being in a

> special ed class in the morning and pulled out for special with a reg

> K class then spending the afternoon with yet a different reg K class

> is confusing to her. I think she needs a more stable day with the

> same students.

> What I am asking from this group is to hear from any of you whose

> child is in a regular class and how it is working and if your child

> has any behavior issues and how it is handled. I would like to have

> some sort of proof for them that it can work in a regular class and

> that they should give my daughter a chance.

> Sorry this is so long but I have to make this decision on my own and

> I am scared I will make the wrong one and my daughter will suffer for

> it.

> Thank you,

> Jeanne (Mom to Nicky 12, le 11, and 6 next month MDS)

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> DON'T HATE YOUR RATE!

> Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as

> 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees.

> Apply NOW!

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> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> Won't you please consider adding your personal story on the MDS website

today? http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com And please don't forget to check

the message board frequently...it's a great way to meet others who are

affected by MDS, who are not on our mailing list!

http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb778401

>

[Guest guest]

Sorry you guys, you have to scroll down a little to get to my letter.

Ellen

----

- Original Message -----

To: <MosaicDSonelist>

Sent: Monday, March 20, 2000 8:05 AM

Subject: Re: Meeting for my daughters placement

>

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>

> Dear Jeanne,

>

> Where do I begin? I have an 8 year old daughter

with

> mds who is in regular 2nd grade. When we moved from Charlotte NC to SC, my

> husband and I decided that when bekah turned kindergarten age, we would

> place her in regular kindergarten. To our delight, a neighbors daughter

two

> doors down, was in her class and they became friends. Then the school said

> we need to test her again because they wanted to go on their testing

results

> and not NC's. They broke about ten laws concerning our rights and Bekah's.

> To get to the point, finally after getting an advocate from the

Protection

> and Advoacy Agency they agreed to allow my daughter in the regular

> kidergarten with a full time aide, a behavioral management plan and

> implement an " inclusion " team which consisted of myself, the regular

> teacher, the aide and a special ed teacher to consult with. This has

worked

> great and this is the model we are still using. By law, they can not take

> out nor not put you child in the least restrictive enviornment without

> proving first that your child cannot be in the classroom due to being a

> danger to themselves, others or being to disruptive with the adequate

> supports and services in place. In other words for you, they have to give

a

> good faith try at keeping your child in the regular classroom with

adequate

> supports and services. Adequate supports and services for us meant the

full

> time aide to do behavior management and adapt ciriculumn, the

> behaviormanagement plan itself and the inclusion team. Schools know that

> parents don't know the law and they give all the reasons of why your

child

> should be in self contained or other. The fact is is that research has

shown

> that children with Down Syndrome or mds learn much more socially as well

as

> academically in regular education when all the supports and services are

in

> place. My child is living proof.

> If you need any technical, legal or other info concerning this, feel free

> to e-mail. God Bless.

>

>

> Sincerely,

>

>

>

> Ellen

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Meeting for my daughters placement

>

>

> >

> >

> > Hi Everyone,

> > Again I am going to be faced with a hard decision. In two weeks I

> > will meet with my daughters special ed teacher, the regular

> > kindergarten teacher and her caseworker to discuss next year's

> > placement. I would like to put her fully in a regular first grade

> > with a teacher who is tutoring her now, who also has her degree in

> > special education. This teacher also wants in her class.

> > However I just had my conferences with the special ed and reg ed K

> > teacher and I can see already they will not agree with it. The

> > regular ed teacher feels has alot of behavior issues in her

> > class because she is looking for attention. She feels she will get

> > more attention in a small class. This teacher does not know

> > 's academic level since my daughter was only in her class

> > half a day for social. The special ed teacher said that my daughter

> > would benefit from one on one instruction in a small group setting.

> > That she would be lost in a large group. They feel her behavior

> > would be worse in a big class. She has behavior issues in both

> > classes. By behavior I mean not listening if she is told to sit back

> > down, drawing with markers on floor, table etc. Taking her shoes

> > off, and one time putting a pencil in a socket. The reg ed teacher

> > said she feels she should baby proof the room. I know my daughter is

> > strong willed and stubborn. I also know if she is given too many

> > commands at once she cannot process it all. I feel she would benefit

> > from being with good role models. I also think that being in a

> > special ed class in the morning and pulled out for special with a reg

> > K class then spending the afternoon with yet a different reg K class

> > is confusing to her. I think she needs a more stable day with the

> > same students.

> > What I am asking from this group is to hear from any of you whose

> > child is in a regular class and how it is working and if your child

> > has any behavior issues and how it is handled. I would like to have

> > some sort of proof for them that it can work in a regular class and

> > that they should give my daughter a chance.

> > Sorry this is so long but I have to make this decision on my own and

> > I am scared I will make the wrong one and my daughter will suffer for

> > it.

> > Thank you,

> > Jeanne (Mom to Nicky 12, le 11, and 6 next month MDS)

> >

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > DON'T HATE YOUR RATE!

> > Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as

> > 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees.

> > Apply NOW!

> > http://click./1/2120/2/_/581564/_/953520348/

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >

> > Won't you please consider adding your personal story on the MDS website

> today? http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com And please don't forget to

check

> the message board frequently...it's a great way to meet others who are

> affected by MDS, who are not on our mailing list!

> http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb778401

> >

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates

> as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees.

> Apply NOW!

> http://click./1/975/2/_/581564/_/953557897/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> Won't you please consider adding your personal story on the MDS website

today? http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com And please don't forget to check

the message board frequently...it's a great way to meet others who are

affected by MDS, who are not on our mailing list!

http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb778401

[Guest guest]

I guess I should proofread a little better before I mail. This is what I

said " In

the special ed. classes I have seen, are the greatest learning environment. "

What I meant to say was that the special ed. classes that I have seen are not

the greatest learning environments that I have seen. The classes are

smaller, but you have all those demanding behaviors in one place.

The ideal would be to have an aide to assist the child when needed but blend.

Help other students too and the teacher, the special needs child being the

priority. I think this is important to allow the child to gain independence.

Teaching is a tough job. There are no easy answers. Being both parent and

teacher I have a greater understanding of what goes on in the classroom. I

had an undiagnosed child in my 1st grade class one year. He stayed with the

special Ed teacher for half of the day and in mine the other half with no

aide. He would get and do what he wanted when he wanted and the other

children resented it, asking me why. His parents were in denial and wanted

to blame his problems on me. It was a hard situation. I think he was fetal

alcohol but like I said was undiagnosed. It was hard because his long term

memory was virtually nil. He would work on colors in one sitting and come

back a little while later and remember nothing. Same with behavior. He

would get in trouble for snatching a neighbors pencil and a little while

later do it again. He became the center of the classroom. I don't think

that is a good situation either, and would not be happy about it if I were

one of the other children's parent. A classroom teacher does not have the

time or resources to do it alone. OK I'm off of my soap box now!

Carol

Mom to Ben 14mos and sibs.

[Guest guest]

Well maybe some of you have some advice for me too. We have 5 children, the

oldest is going off to middle school this fall, and I'm not happy with their

current school at all, and when I found out that there had been zoning

changes and my kids could (should) be in the better school on the other side

of the neighborhood I was overjoyed, except when I found out that the school

only has special ed classes for 5th and 6th grade at that site. In our

district, they change yearly where they have special ed depending on the

need. So currently K-2nd is at one school, 3-4th is at another school, and

5-6 at another. Seems dumb to me, you'd think they'd try to provide more

stability for the special ed students than that. So here is my

frustration/concern: Do I leave in the school he's in so he can be in

special ed, or do I consider asking to have him integrated/mainstreamed in a

regular second grade class at the other school I'm moving his siblings to.

is 7, and he has no behavioral issues, he's even better mannered than

the rest of my kids =) , but academically he's quite behind, working at about

a 3 1/2 yr age level. I feel so ignorant to how it all works. There's so

many pros and cons, keep the siblings together, or have them going to

different schools, keep in a classroom hes familiar with, with the same

teacher he's had since Kindergarten, or push to get him into a new school

with new classmates and a new teacher... any ideas?????

Angel

[Guest guest]

Hello Jeane,

Our daughter Gwendolyn w/ (mds) is 8 and a half and in public school here

in Orinda California. Perhaps an old letter I wrote to Ellen would be of use

to you , see: Reg. check book / placement of daughter today March 20. I am a

Montessori teacher(trained to work with children ages 2-7). Gwendolyn had 3

years of Montessori pre-school and 1 year of Waldorf Kindegarten. Then into

public school. Her first year we were lucky to have a teacher with special

ed background. We have an aid with her 3 mornings a week and I am in with

her 2 mornings a week. I am able to go in and I choose to and sometimes she

needs the help and sometimes not. Gwendolyns biggest dificulties are

socializing and transitioning. She is very bright and needs a little support

staying on task.

I agree with you about too many different classes changing in one day.

Continuity and structure are very important for our daughter. A small group

is good (in California we have 20 max in the class) even that is too big as

far as I am concerned. It can be quite a job staying aware of what is going

on day to day,a talk book helps(we have an ongoing daily talk book between

teacher, aide and myself for questions,concernsetc.). The talk book helps

with continuity at home too.

Again, you can check my earlier massage reg, Check book/ placement of

daughter.

Good luck being your child advocate!

>From: " Jeanne Fichera " <angels2757@...

>To: MosaicDSonelist

>Subject: Meeting for my daughters placement

>Date: Sun, Mar 19, 2000, 6:45 PM

>

>

>

>Hi Everyone,

>Again I am going to be faced with a hard decision. In two weeks I

>will meet with my daughters special ed teacher, the regular

>kindergarten teacher and her caseworker to discuss next year's

>placement. I would like to put her fully in a regular first grade

>with a teacher who is tutoring her now, who also has her degree in

>special education. This teacher also wants in her class.

>However I just had my conferences with the special ed and reg ed K

>teacher and I can see already they will not agree with it. The

>regular ed teacher feels has alot of behavior issues in her

>class because she is looking for attention. She feels she will get

>more attention in a small class. This teacher does not know

>'s academic level since my daughter was only in her class

>half a day for social. The special ed teacher said that my daughter

>would benefit from one on one instruction in a small group setting.

>That she would be lost in a large group. They feel her behavior

>would be worse in a big class. She has behavior issues in both

>classes. By behavior I mean not listening if she is told to sit back

>down, drawing with markers on floor, table etc. Taking her shoes

>off, and one time putting a pencil in a socket. The reg ed teacher

>said she feels she should baby proof the room. I know my daughter is

>strong willed and stubborn. I also know if she is given too many

>commands at once she cannot process it all. I feel she would benefit

>from being with good role models. I also think that being in a

>special ed class in the morning and pulled out for special with a reg

>K class then spending the afternoon with yet a different reg K class

>is confusing to her. I think she needs a more stable day with the

>same students.

>What I am asking from this group is to hear from any of you whose

>child is in a regular class and how it is working and if your child

>has any behavior issues and how it is handled. I would like to have

>some sort of proof for them that it can work in a regular class and

>that they should give my daughter a chance.

>Sorry this is so long but I have to make this decision on my own and

>I am scared I will make the wrong one and my daughter will suffer for

>it.

>Thank you,

>Jeanne (Mom to Nicky 12, le 11, and 6 next month MDS)

>

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>DON'T HATE YOUR RATE!

>Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as

>0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees.

>Apply NOW!

>http://click./1/2120/2/_/581564/_/953520348/

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>Won't you please consider adding your personal story on the MDS website

>today? http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com And please don't forget to check

>the message board frequently...it's a great way to meet others who are

>affected by MDS, who are not on our mailing list!

>http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb778401

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Carol,

Thank you for the encouragement! I know I have

expressed this to Bekah's teacher, but I admire teachers and I just don't

know how they do it! Bekah has 19 students in her class and the teacher is a

wonder woman as far as I'm concerned. Many parents just don't realize that

teachers teach children who have such a wide range of abililities! Bekah's

teacher keeps reasuring me that Bekah's not the only one who has to work a

little harder to get such and such! She has really taken ownership of Bekah

and for that I'm so grateful. Her aide also works with all the other

children in the class so the focus is not always on Bekah. I feel

exceptionally blessed to have the support I do for Bekah in the classroom. I

am certain if the supports were not in place Bekah would not be where she is

today. I also know that if for some reason that Bekah could be in the

regular class without these supports, then I would have not pressed to place

her there. That would not be fair for the teacher, the other children or for

Bekah. I probably would have considered home school or self contained or

mainstream. I guess I'm rambling, thanks again for the encouragement and

sqeeze that precious Ben for me. He is way too cute!

Sincerely,

Ellen

To: <MosaicDSonelist>

Sent: Monday, March 20, 2000 1:38 PM

Subject: Re: Meeting for my daughters placement

> From: huz6@...

>

> I guess I

should proofread a little better before I mail. This is what I

> said " In

> the special ed. classes I have seen, are the greatest learning

environment. "

>

> What I meant to say was that the special ed. classes that I have seen are

not

> the greatest learning environments that I have seen. The classes are

> smaller, but you have all those demanding behaviors in one place.

>

> The ideal would be to have an aide to assist the child when needed but

blend.

> Help other students too and the teacher, the special needs child being

the

> priority. I think this is important to allow the child to gain

independence.

> Teaching is a tough job. There are no easy answers. Being both parent

and

> teacher I have a greater understanding of what goes on in the classroom.

I

> had an undiagnosed child in my 1st grade class one year. He stayed with

the

> special Ed teacher for half of the day and in mine the other half with no

> aide. He would get and do what he wanted when he wanted and the other

> children resented it, asking me why. His parents were in denial and

wanted

> to blame his problems on me. It was a hard situation. I think he was

fetal

> alcohol but like I said was undiagnosed. It was hard because his long

term

> memory was virtually nil. He would work on colors in one sitting and come

> back a little while later and remember nothing. Same with behavior. He

> would get in trouble for snatching a neighbors pencil and a little while

> later do it again. He became the center of the classroom. I don't think

> that is a good situation either, and would not be happy about it if I were

> one of the other children's parent. A classroom teacher does not have the

> time or resources to do it alone. OK I'm off of my soap box now!

>

> Carol

> Mom to Ben 14mos and sibs.

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> PERFORM CPR ON YOUR APR!

> Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as

> 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees.

> Apply NOW!

> http://click./1/2121/2/_/581564/_/953577543/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> Won't you please consider adding your personal story on the MDS website

today? http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com And please don't forget to check

the message board frequently...it's a great way to meet others who are

affected by MDS, who are not on our mailing list!

http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb778401

[Guest guest]

Hi Ellen,

Thank you for your response it is very helpful. I will be in touch if I need

any legal info after the meeting.

My daughters tutor was here tonight and we were discussing the issue's and

she still wants her in her class. She feels she should at least be able to

try. When I told her that I feel both teachers will oppose it, she said she

wants to prove them wrong about my daughter.

Your letter really gives me hope that it can work for my daughter.

Take care,

Jeanne

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thank you for your response. I want to ask for an aide for my daughter.

There is an aide in the first grade class but not for the whole day.

is a little shy, but she loves being around kids her age. She does

watch and will copy what other kids are doing. I just want her to be around

positive role models. I also feel that keeping her in a small class will not

prepare her for a future in this big world.

Take care,

Jeanne

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol

It is so good to be able to hear a teachers point of view. There is an aide

in the first grade class and I hope they will allow her to be in there the

full day. The teacher that I want for her next year really wants to make it

work for . She is working with her now and she said is

doing really well.

I just don't want to do anything to cause my daughter stress. But I know

this teacher well, my older two children also had her for first grade. She

will let me know if it won't work. I just want my daughter to have every

opportunity that is available.

It sounds as though Ben is hearing better with the tubes. I also remember my

kids turning orange from the vegetables.

Take care,

Jeanne

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

I have to greatest respect for teacher, they have a tough and rewarding job.

I have loved every teacher my children have had in this school.

I never thought about the demanding behaviors in one class. But I know that

it is there in my daughters special ed class. I have seen it.

Take care,

Jeanne

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I will read you earlier post. I think has trouble transitioning

also. It is difficult for her to adjust, that is why I thought having her in

one class would be better. Small classes are good but once she gets to a

middle school I don't think the classes will be small. I feel if she can

handle it, now is the time to get her use to a larger class.

Take care,

Jeanne

[Guest guest]

Hi Angel,

It was very important to me to have in the same school as her

sister. I thought it would help her adjust. It was also a school I was

familiar with and I knew all the teachers.

I also wonder if it is good to have the same teacher for a number of years.

I know likes to have the same routine but maybe it is good to

experience changes sometimes. Can you talk to the new teacher first? I find

that if they are willing to work with the child it will work out better.

Take care,

Jeanne

[Guest guest]

Dear Angel,

This is probably one of those times when mother and

father's instinct do best at answering the question of what's the best thing

for . You both know him better than anyone, even better than his

teachers even though their input can be invaluable. My suggestion would be

for you to write out a pro vs, con list. Study that, see what you come up

with. Also look at the pro's and cons that may or may not be relative to

. For instance, would he benefit being around typically developing

students his own age or would he benefit being around typically developing

students a little younger than his own age. You need to come up with all and

I mean all possible options for your son. That may include even different

options in the school he is attending now. This would be an example that my

husband and I had to decide on; Possible options no.1, for Bekah to be in

regular kindergarten,no. 2 for Bekah to be in related arts kidergarten and

then special ed academics (mainsteamed) no 3, for Bekah to be in full time

special ed, no 4 for Bekah to be in 3 and 4 year old school pre-school class

and no 5, for Bekah to be in home school. I chose full time regular

kidergarten. You as a parent will naturally pick the best course for your

child and what may be best for my child might not be best for your child. I

really do think writing down all the posible options ( try to really

brainstorm) and then writing out all the possible pros and cons of each

option helps in figuring out the best situation for . Keep in mind

when you look over the list what is it that you really want for and

what would benefit him the very most! Also look back on his past educational

placement and list the pros and cons, the benefits and drawbacks. This may

also help in making that decision. Once you've come up with what you have

total peace about, then start doing what ever is needed to support that

decision. That may be just the overwhelming pros from the list or it may be

that your decision needs a little research on laws, or out comes of specific

types of placement that you've choosen for . You may even need to write

down what supports or sevices (if any) may be needed for 's placement

to work. Another thought, what do your other children think? Could they in

some way affect what your decision might be? i.e. Their overwhelming support

from them at their school to help ? I hope this hasn't confused you,

sometimes things get more confusing before they get better. Well, for what

all that was worth, (if anything at all) I'm sure you will make the best

decision for . May God continue to bless you and yours.

Sincerely,

Ellen

Re: Meeting for my daughters placement

> From: LDSAngel77@...

>

> Well maybe some of you have some advice for me too. We have 5 children,

the

> oldest is going off to middle school this fall, and I'm not happy with

their

> current school at all, and when I found out that there had been zoning

> changes and my kids could (should) be in the better school on the other

side

> of the neighborhood I was overjoyed, except when I found out that the

school

> only has special ed classes for 5th and 6th grade at that site. In our

> district, they change yearly where they have special ed depending on the

> need. So currently K-2nd is at one school, 3-4th is at another school,

and

> 5-6 at another. Seems dumb to me, you'd think they'd try to provide more

> stability for the special ed students than that. So here is my

> frustration/concern: Do I leave in the school he's in so he can be

in

> special ed, or do I consider asking to have him integrated/mainstreamed in

a

> regular second grade class at the other school I'm moving his siblings to.

> is 7, and he has no behavioral issues, he's even better mannered

than

> the rest of my kids =) , but academically he's quite behind, working at

about

> a 3 1/2 yr age level. I feel so ignorant to how it all works. There's so

> many pros and cons, keep the siblings together, or have them going to

> different schools, keep in a classroom hes familiar with, with the

same

> teacher he's had since Kindergarten, or push to get him into a new school

> with new classmates and a new teacher... any ideas?????

>

>

> Angel

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> MAXIMIZE YOUR CARD, MINIMIZE YOUR RATE!

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> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> Won't you please consider adding your personal story on the MDS website

today? http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com And please don't forget to check

the message board frequently...it's a great way to meet others who are

affected by MDS, who are not on our mailing list!

http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb778401

>

[Guest guest]

if anyone is interested I have many many links to IEP web pages, that help

you understand what is what........ sometimes I can find the special

education for the state you reside in.........

email me and I will send you what information I have .

I have become a supporter of the transitioning needs of parents of special

needs children, today I am off to Kaitee's old school and old group to take

the time to reassure a couple young moms of little ones that will soon be

transitioning, having gone thru the same feelings ........ I want to help

them, and I want to make it easier on the kids themselfs..... if the parent

is confidant then the child will make it smoother........... but I always

give these links out .........

Debbi mom to kaitee

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/20/00 9:31:47 PM Eastern Standard Time,

angels2757@... writes:

<< I will read you earlier post. I think has trouble transitioning

also. It is difficult for her to adjust, that is why I thought having her

in

one class would be better. Small classes are good but once she gets to a

middle school I don't think the classes will be small. I feel if she can

handle it, now is the time to get her use to a larger class. >>

my son is fourteen and he went thru all of his special education classes

mainstreamed with a aide, he is now a fresh man in high school, big jock,

attends vocational training school afternoons, and is in all special

education classes.

the reason they put him in special education classrooms was because they are

smaller, and there is more individual attention being given.... he has truly

blossomed this year.......... my son brought home straight A's..... granted

he is way below level but he is now catching up fast.......

I did not advocate this change, his special education team suggested it to me

at his IEP meeting upon entering high school.......... my son is not MDS or

any syndrome

but the improvement I have seen over the last year is totally awesome!!!!

debbi mom to kaitee

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeanne,

How wonderful that this 1st grade teacher wants and is willing to

make it all work! I think that's the most important thing! Her positive

attitude towards 's inclusion will go a long way to influence others

in the school. 's behavoir has always been better around her peers

- she models after them and wants to be part of the group. In Kindergarten

the teacher has used a 1,2,3 time-out with and it's worked quite well.

It also doesn't draw a great deal of attention to or whatever behavior

the teacher is addressing at the time.

Good Luck!

Sue (Norah 11 yrs., 6 1/2 yrs., MDS & ADD)

[Guest guest]

Ellen,

Didn't confuse me at all... not sure I could be more confused than I already

am anyhow.. heehee. But you did give me another idea I hadn't thought about,

having him repeat 1st grade, but in a regular ed situation with an aide. I

think I should talk with the current school psychologist who has always been

very nice and extremely helpful, find out any other options that I might not

be aware of.

Thanks for the input!!

Angel

mom of , 7, MDS

[Guest guest]

Debbi:

I would be interested in links related to the state of land. If you

don't mind, forward them to me. Matt will be going in to kindergarten next

year. I am concerned about him getting speech therapy, at least. Thanks.

Sharon (mother of Matt, 5 MDS, and 7)

[Guest guest]

Dear Debbi,

We live in Orinda, California. We would be greatful to have the links.

Anythink new that we might know would be useful I'm sure.

Also,we are considering a move in the near future,perhaps San Diego It would

be interesting to compare. The schools in Orinda are very good, but actually

on the progressive accellerated learning side, which has it's good and bad

effects on our Gwendolyn w/ (mds) in the 2nd grade, age 8.

Thanks for your good work.

>From: tuffolebrat@...

>To: MosaicDSonelist

>Subject: Re: Meeting for my daughters placement

>Date: Tue, Mar 21, 2000, 6:18 AM

>

>From: tuffolebrat@...

>

>if anyone is interested I have many many links to IEP web pages, that help

>you understand what is what........ sometimes I can find the special

>education for the state you reside in.........

>

>email me and I will send you what information I have .

>

>I have become a supporter of the transitioning needs of parents of special

>needs children, today I am off to Kaitee's old school and old group to take

>the time to reassure a couple young moms of little ones that will soon be

>transitioning, having gone thru the same feelings ........ I want to help

>them, and I want to make it easier on the kids themselfs..... if the parent

>is confidant then the child will make it smoother........... but I always

>give these links out .........

>Debbi mom to kaitee

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>PERFORM CPR ON YOUR APR!

>Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as

>0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees.

>Apply NOW!

>http://click./1/2121/2/_/581564/_/953648302/

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>Won't you please consider adding your personal story on the MDS website

>today? http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com And please don't forget to check

>the message board frequently...it's a great way to meet others who are

>affected by MDS, who are not on our mailing list!

>http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb778401

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/21/00 9:19:52 AM Eastern Standard Time,

tuffolebrat@... writes:

<<

if anyone is interested I have many many links to IEP web pages, that help

you understand what is what........ sometimes I can find the special

education for the state you reside in.........

>>

Hi Debbi

If you have the links for New York I'd love to see them. The committee will

be trying to transition out of the speech and language program so I

could use all the info I can find. Thanks

ann (Mom to mds, 6 yrs old)

[Guest guest]

Debbi -

If you have any PA links, could you pass them along please?

Thanks

Darlene

Re: Meeting for my daughters placement

From: Nekotek@...

In a message dated 3/21/00 9:19:52 AM Eastern Standard Time,

tuffolebrat@... writes:

<<

if anyone is interested I have many many links to IEP web pages, that help

you understand what is what........ sometimes I can find the special

education for the state you reside in.........

>>

Hi Debbi

If you have the links for New York I'd love to see them. The committee will

be trying to transition out of the speech and language program so

I

could use all the info I can find. Thanks

ann (Mom to mds, 6 yrs old)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

PERFORM CPR ON YOUR APR!

Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as

0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees.

Apply NOW!

http://click./1/2121/2/_/581564/_/953725152/

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Won't you please consider adding your personal story on the MDS website

today? http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com And please don't forget to check

the message board frequently...it's a great way to meet others who are

affected by MDS, who are not on our mailing list!

http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb778401