Posted by Lyn on March 25, 2005 at 08:27:03:
I had written in October but lost this site. I had written with concerns for my grandsons who had a horrible year when they entered middle school. Their experience left them with the feeling that they could not learn and shouldn't be there--as was told to them by an educator who worked with them. They were bullied, told to 'ignore it' by teachers and felt as if no one would help. I had given my permission for the boys to be moved to another classroom but it was never done. The ridicule ranged from name-calling to their mother's death and being raised by their grandmother. With all this going on their attitude for school became very negative and, upon entering 7th grade this year, believed themselves to be 'stupid', 'dumb' and that they don't belong there.
The school has failed for 3 years and the boys are special ed students. When I asked about a reading program I was told that they didn't have one for 7th graders but one was begun. However, the boys are still poor readers and I don't know where to get any help. We live in one of the towns involved in the lawsuit for educational funding and there are no alternative schools in this area to send my children.
With IEPs coming up I need information as to what I can do for my boys, to get them the services they need or into a school that can provide a more positive environment for learning.
Thank you.