Need some guidance here

[philamom]

My daughter is in severe distress over the load of her school work. Very, very overwhelmed. Wishing to no longer being alive and has requested to be committed numerous times recently. She is in 6th grade, For the most part has been doing pretty well this year until about 8-12 weeks ago. She has an IEP this year that allows her some extensions on assignments, but it also has her completing all the same work and tests as the other students. I've been saying for some time that she is getting very overwhelmed with the work, but was told "its middle school - thats how it is" Can I request an IEP meeting to take some of her work assignments and tests away? Do I need a doctors note requesting it? The school is aware of our recent struggles. I'm very concerned for my dd's well being. She cannot handle this anymore. Almost took her to a local hospital yesterday. It breaks my heart.

Edited April 4, 2014 by philamom

[qannie47]

If I am correct, the POINT of an IEP or a 504 is that any realistic requests can be made and if possible...fulfilled...for my sons 504, I was a little stunned at what accommodations were made...so I think that some extra time for her to finish course work is reasonable....if the work load needs to be lessoned, that sounds reasonable as well...

[laure]

My Dd's doctor wrote a letter in 5 minutes - in it he recommended extra time and reduced work load as needed. She has a 504 - best thing we ever did for her. The school has been sympathetic and accommodating beyond our hopes. They allowed her to study math independently, arrive late every day without penalty, and most of her teachers put all her work online. When she needs to, all she does is remind her teachers that she has a 504 and they back right down. Her 504 is for OCD and anxiety caused by lyme. Her OCD causes her to re-read things and sometimes get things perfect, like filling in circles completely, etc. Amazing that everyone at our public school accepted that as a diagnosis.

 

As a side note for anyone wondering, I was very hesitant to label my daughter with a 504, but I came to understand that a 504 plan can be for a kid with a peanut allergy, asthma, or anything that might prohibit their complete participation in school either occasionally or every day. She has been able to move ahead two grades in math because of the 504. On the flip side, she only finishes reading about 4 books a year. So it is a blessing for us.

[philamom]

I don't want extra time for assignments. Really needs less assignments. And maybe not have to complete entire test - 80%? She cannot handle the demand right now. They are not offering to lesson the workload as of now, even though I have stated to guidance counselor she may pose a danger to herself. Have only worked with the teachers and guidance counselor so far- I need to call for a full team meeting I suppose.

Edited April 4, 2014 by philamom

[dcmom]

Philamom-

 

I think reduced workload would be a cry typical accommodation.

 

I agree that you need a 504. I would go to the school armed with a letter that states diagnosis and requests 504. If you have a psych you could also include a list of suggested accommodations.

[LNN]

You have an IEP - this by its definition provides for a different workload than typical students. A 504 allows for accommodations within the typical cirricula (e.g. extended time for assignments, but still needs to complete the same assignments). An IEP allows for a changed cirricula (e.g. LESS assignments, testing for comprehension, not repetitiveness). If she already has an IEP, it sounds as though they're not complying with it or with your rights. They are giving you a 504.

 

You may want to go to wrightslaw.com and read up on your rights. Then request a meeting with the principal, the school psychologist, the school's or district's special ed director and the guidance counselor and primary teacher(s). The people whose job it is to worry about compliance with the law need to be there. While an annual IEP review is mandatory, a review or adjustment to the IEP can be requested at any time. You don't need to wait for the annual review.

 

You have every right to request a lighter workload or shorter tests. In my son's class, there are several kids who get separate work packets that have less questions. This isn't something new to your school personnel. They should know exactly how to accommodate her needs - you're not reinventing the wheel. They've done this plenty of times. They just sound reluctant to do it for your DD. Push back on them. If DD is back in school, this is a huge accomplishment and she should be supported, not driven to wish she hadn't returned or wish she had an escape route. Their job is to set her up to succeed, not fail.

[nicklemama]

Call a meeting and lay it on the line now. You can get a reduced workload.

[MomWithOCDSon]

Philamom -- Yes, yes, yes! Call a meeting and ask that a reduced workload be added to the terms of the IEP. There will be teachers who will balk, but so long as it is in there, they will have to comply. Our advocate, when my DS's IEP was first designed, came up with the wording "Reduce work and assessments for quantity, not quality." So, if he can demonstrate mastery of a math concept by doing 5 problems rather 15, that follows the intent and wording of the IEP.

 

Yes, reduced workload is key sometimes. Merely being allowed extra time sometimes just contributes to the "snowball effect," with assignments piling up to the point where feeling overwhelmed would be legitimate by any standard, never mind PANDAS!

[dcmom]

Oh my gosh- didn't know you had an IEP- this is a no brainer!

 

I have heard of 2 types of reduced work:

- the teacher lessons the amount and/or the difficulty of in class and out of class assignments.

 

Or

 

-if the child is keeping up w/ the difficult okay, the child works on HW for a specified period of time, and leaves the rest undone ( depending on the child- leaving work u done could also be a stressor).

[Rachel]

An IEP protects your child's educational needs. Your child can have a reduced work load for assignments. In the state that I live in, a student must complete 80% of the curriculm or they cannot be passed on to the next grade. This was very helpful to know. My son's assignments have also been modified or shortened because of how his medical condition affects him. Instead of 20 math problems, he does 10. If he does not get the concept, then he does 10 the next day. Students with special needs do have educational rights and so do the parents. You may need to contact the special education director to get some help with this. Hopefully you will not have to go above their head. However, sometimes this is necessary in order to get your childs educational needs met.

[philamom]

Thank you all! Your support and recommendations are much appreciated. It is a no brainer, so I cant believe I'm needing to fight once again for assistance. It took me two years to finally receive an IEP. Most of the accommodations on the IEP are for emotional support. I think she was denied academic accommodations because her grades were fine last two years. But she was in and out school last two years on home bound tutoring- so most of her work was chunked, especially last year.

 

She's been working so hard to be successful this year, and feels like a failure. She has a severe vomiting phobia that has been in play for the last two years with school refusal, along with the symptoms of these chronic illnesses. Went to USF this summer which was very helpful addressing the phobia. But it is back again -Just as bad as before. But since that is not our biggest issues with school at this time, need to hold off on doing the exposure therapy required.

 

momocd- agree about the snowball effect- definitely where were at

llm- you know this is a huge accomplishment for her. Your last two lines summed it up.

 

Have a meeting scheduled for next week!

Edited April 4, 2014 by philamom