You are here: Home / Archives for ESE Classrooms

The Problems of Dyslexia

One of the learning disabilities that Americans are most familiar with is Dyslexia. For whatever reason this particular disorder seems to have gone mainstream much easier than some of the other disorders that are still not diagnosed or not believed when they are diagnosed. Still, recognizing the term Dyslexia does not mean that people have the first clue about what the disability really is and part of the reason for that is because it can manifest in so many different ways.

Of course the way we usually think of dyslexia is that the people who are afflicted with it simply read words differently. Most people know that from time to time a dyslexic will straight up reverse a word, meaning that tip if now fit in their minds, or God is dog. These are the usual understandings people have with Dyslexia and what they fail to understand is that Dyslexics rarely realize that they are the only ones who see the world that way.

Dyslexia is not a matter of being stupid the way some of people view it. Dyslexia is in fact not tied to IQ at all and the way you can tell that is the number of incredibly intelligent people who have come out in the last few years to let the world know that they have this disorder. The funny thing about dyslexia is that the brain fools you into thinking that it is everyone else who simply is seeing or writing or doing something that are completely contrary to common sense. There was one case where a child could not read the silent “e” in words, meaning that bite now looked like bit and she simply could not understand how anyone else was seeing the difference. This may seem almost like a comical problem until you realize that the girl had no idea she had a problem, until she was finally diagnosed.

Filed Under: Education, ESE Classrooms Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Poor Forms Of Discipline With ESE Students

In the current climate in this country and with a rash of violence popping up in schools across the country it seems that more and more school districts are adopting what is called the zero tolerance policy when it comes to disciplining students. While at times it may seem like taking this approach is taking an active role in making sure that students in the entire are being protected, the reality is that some students are going to get cast as the ones who deserve no tolerance when they actually need more than the norm.

Exceptional Student Education (ESE) qualified students will often appear as massive trouble makers to those who do not understand the kind of learning disabilities these children have come down with. It is even worse when ESE eligible students have not yet been diagnosed with a treatable learning disability and everyone including the child’s family just thinks they are either bad seeds or incorrigible. These types of students are usually the ones who are singled out and pointed to when school boards argue that they need the no tolerance policies in place in the first place when they should be taken aside and taught how to behave and how to handle themselves in the classroom.

ESE students are not the lost cause so many schools have suddenly decided they are, but treatment for the various learning disabilities they may be diagnosed with can be expensive and the funds for continuing to educate them in a totally different way than the rest of their class can sometimes be hard to come by. So instead the school district decides that these are the kind of kids who must be expunged from the rolls and they are left to fend for themselves in a world they aren’t fully equipped to deal with. Zero tolerance policies do fewer people less good than their brochures trumpet.

Filed Under: Education, ESE Classrooms, Students Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Understanding The ESE Student

When parents are first dealing with what has recently been diagnosed as an ESE student they can feels somewhat adrift. They do not really know what the next step is in getting their child help and they don’t really understand what having an ESE child really means. First thing is first. ESE stands for Exceptional Student Education and any child who special education or any sort of related services who is also enrolled in a public school system. At times it can be hard for a family to accept that their child might need some extra attention or a separate lesson plan than the other kids in his or her class.

What parents of an ESE student need to understand is that being labeled as such does not mean a lifetime of agony and sadness for their child. In actuality there is a chance that in the long run an ESE student could actually have a happier life because their learning problems have been diagnosed and can be treated.

It is important to note that ESE students do not want to be treated as though there is something wrong with them or that they are in some way radioactive. This diagnosis is not a time to make it worse by acting as though they cannot still do things that other kids are able to do simply because they need different accommodations in the classroom. Parents of ESE students need to fight the urge to over indulge the draw to somehow drastically change the home life in a negative way because of a new diagnosis that can be uncomfortable to deal with in the beginning. Families of ESE students should make sure that while their children are undergoing a different type of education they are going through some counseling or therapy of their own as a way to make the transition easier for everyone.

Filed Under: Education, ESE Classrooms Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Tips For Helping Your Learning Disabled Child Conquer The Classroom

This is the internationally recognized symbol ...
Image via Wikipedia

Parents who have a learning disabled child may feel overwhelmed and stressed, especially in the period of time immediately following the diagnosis. However, there are several things that can be done to ensure that the learning disabled child is given every opportunity to succeed in the classroom alongside their peers.

Always remember that a diagnosis of a disability does not mean that your child does not have the same intellectual capacity as their classmates. Learning with a disability often simply means that concepts must be taught in an alternative way for best comprehension. Never underestimate your child’s abilities. When monitoring their progress, the only person you should be comparing them to is themselves. Resist the urge to compare them with their classmates.

Investigate to see if your hometown has any learning disability support groups for parents or children. These can often act as invaluable resources because they provide collective advice on common struggles and present options that you may not have considered yet on your own. Additionally, see if there are any other learning disabled students that would be willing to act as a mentor for your child. It is important for your child to be assured that their disability does not have to bring isolation with it. Often, interactions with a learning disabled student who is successful will be the most effective motivation for a fellow student, especially if they have just recently received their own learning disability diagnosis.

Finally, it is extremely important to be a constant and proactive force in your child’s educational experience. Find time to meet with teachers and discuss the learning process with them to ensure that your child is benefiting from their time in the classroom. It may be helpful to enlist the help of a tutor who is specially trained to teach children who are learning disabled.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: ESE Classrooms, Specialty Schools Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Homework Assistance For The Learning Disabled Child

Computers are often used to complete homework ...
Image via Wikipedia

Homework is an integral part of every student’s daily routine, but for students who are learning with a disability it is particularly important to establish a procedure in order to help them use their time productively while staying motivated.

The environment in which the homework is completed is of utmost importance. As a child progresses through the stages of development, parents will gain an acute sense of the specific things that both hinder a student’s ability to concentrate, as well as the things that provide assistance. Take these aspects into account when preparing the homework environment. Ideally, the location will be relatively secluded from distractions and allow the student an atmosphere that promotes concentration. The entire family can help to enforce rules for this homework area, such as agreeing to keep the room free of visitors, and keeping background noise to a minimum.

If possible, establish a routine as far as the time that homework is completed, and the order in which the subjects are completed. Ideally, start with concepts that the student has previously mastered, and gradually work towards accomplishing things that are new.

Learning with a disability is made easier when positive reinforcement techniques are used. Praise all efforts, even if they result in failure. Be careful to focus on the positive elements of the homework outcomes, and don’t focus on limitations that are present due to your child’s disability. Be flexible so as to allow for accommodations when necessary. Parents often find that a creative approach to a student’s struggles is far more beneficial than using disciplinary measures.

In closing, it is important to focus on newly learned concepts through gentle repetition, while being careful to retain your child’s attention.

With patience and some advance planning, homework can be a smooth process for your learning disabled child.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: ESE Classrooms, Specialty Schools
Newer Posts »