What would you do? (slightly OT....regards education)

April 26, 2009

Listmates,

I am faced with a problem regarding my son's education. He has been in a Special

Day Class since he was 3 1/2. He is now in Kindergarten. I had a meeting with my

son's ABA therapist and her supervisor and they really feel that my son should

be in the regular class with an aide. They feel that Dylan mimicks bad behavior

as well as good and that alot of good would come out of him being fully

intergrated.

My son's current teacher was his pre school teacher as well, and I love her. She

knows her stuff, takes an active role, and I really feel she loves my son and

wants the best for him. In previous conversations with her about intergration

she seemed hesitant, stating that she felt my son might become super aware of

his differences and it may effect his self esteem. However, she also said that

if it were her son she would push for intergration.

Dylan has come so far. He has made soooo many gains, but I still feel that he

can clearly be " different " and he still has a specific stim he does when overly

excited (bites on his thumb while making a gutteral sound). But he does talk

now, and can write and read simple words (which is fairly good for 5 years old,

right?)

Here is the other issue. I don't feel (academically speaking) Dylan can go into

the 1st grade with what he's learned in the special day class. Although the

teacher says it's the same format, I know Dylan's class is not doing what the

regular K class is. So, would it be wise to have him repeat Kindergarten

intergrated with the regular class? He is still 5, and he won't be the oldest

kid in class or anything.

I care deeply about the other kids in Dylan's class, but they are moderate to

low functioning and I know keeping him there is probably slowing him down. But,

I also am scared that I'll be feeding him to the wolves in a regular class and

that he may get picked on or get a teacher that resents having a special needs

kid in her class.

If you have some thoughts or experiences, I'd sure appreciate it. Feel free to

e-mail me off line if you'd like.

Maggie

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