YOU are very lucky to have a good experience with your kids in public school. as a parent personally I do know how to advocate for my kids and know their right as well as my. True that all public school are not the same, True that not all teachers are the same, but in majority at this point practically all public schools are presenting the same complains from parent with L/D KIDS. I could mentioned to you all the wrong thing going on in my kids school and then you tell me if it's right or wrong, but the list will be tooooooo long. Just the fact that for 3 years I have requested (doctors has requested) with all my son Evaluations reports a FM SYSTEMS for him and I am Still WAITING!! the district has being contacted many times, just last week with all the frustration I had with what they were doing to my boy, the principal called with me in the office the district to get a response right away...I AM STILL WAITING!!!.ALL THE parents that knows my situation tells me that I am to nice and have to much patient with the school, and you know why, because truly I think that sometime there is not that much that they can do, even the principal has her hands tied., BUT the approach and support that teachers give is what hurts and what make parent upset. and meeting with the teachers weekly in good faith, don't change the situation. The principal has to constantly pulling their ears, would you accept the teachers talking and criticize your kids in front of them? saying well why the parent (mentioning names) don't take out of this school and putting in a private, just go to another,(school.....my came home saying Mommy am I going to another school? my teachers does not want me in my school, why? ) how would you react if your son/daughter with hearing loss tells you that the teachers screamed and was rude to him/her just because he/she was following her face to read hers lips because he is not hearing/understanding what she was saying.. DO I HAVE TO REMIND HER THAT MY SON HAS HEARING LOSS. IT'S NECESSARY FOR EVERY STUDENT IN THE CLASS TO KNOW AND LAUGHED AT HIM!.. i AM HAPPY that your kids school provide them with all the services and support they deserve. For now I will keep advocating for mine, and will Not loose Faith. Next school year WILL BE BETTER! I am proud of my kids, the pass the year with good grades. Now they will enjoy summer..HAVE A GOOD SUMMER!

I am in the same boat!!!Last week I had to requested a Meeting with the Principal and my son teachers, I was very very upset. I cryed a lot, I was about to fly like a rocket ship. It's was very frustrated. I told the main office that I was taking my son out of school, go directly to district and them file a lawsuit. The still at this time of the school year keep telling me that dyslexic kids has to take the spelling or any other test the same way than the other kids. my son was learning all his spelling (10) words plus his reading (10) words. at the time of the test the teachers mixed the words.. he was getting confused and was failing the test. HE WAS CRYING, UPSET,CONFUSED...MOMY BUT WHY AM I GETTING AN F IF I LEARNED MY WORDS!! How you think that am going to react!.. seeing my boy this way..NO WAY.. One more time I say again, or course not all public school are the same, NOT ALL TEACHERS ARE THE SAME, in fact I have a Friend that is a SPED teacher, she is great, she loved and support her student. Her school is very good with L/D kids..THE entire schools has good services for L/D kids and regular kids. so what I mean is the true. in just who is in your kids path. reason why I strongly believe that next school year will be better. I won't stop supporting the teachers of the school, I won't stop advocating for my kids right, and Yes I know my rights too. It's very easy for those mom to say otherwise of public school because they have not confronted a problem or suffer the situation we have suffered with our kids. I would like to ask those mom, you think is fear that L/D. don't get Certificate/Diploma (something) GOOD PERFORMANCE/FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENT, THEY TRIED VERY VERY HARD, ..you know what this get me more sad, last week a friend told me, mom stop crying, things will get better, I know is frustrating to see your boys struggling, but they have YOU, and doing what you are doing everything will be OK. I wish soon I can change the way I feel about my kids school, but for now they have NOt giving me good reasons for it. My Faith that the system will change is there. and thanks God my boys school Counselor is the BEST. reason why I tolerate and have patient. FOR NOW LET'S ENJOY SUMMER WITH OUR ANGELS....HAVE A GOOD AND FUN SUMMER :)

First of all, let me be clear. I believe that schools specializing in teaching kids with language disabilities deliver the best results for many students. My child has been attending such a school for 4 years and will stay through middle school. His profile is complex: extremely bright, extremely dyslexic, in attentive with fine motor difficulties.

You ask if I know of students that have been successful in public schools. Yes - I am a parent advocate and represent many clients that are on IEP's. For students that are more straight forward and less dyslexic, some schools can offer appropriate instruction. Sometimes a parent may augment the school's program with private tutoring, but it works and the student receives FAPE. Let me caution that this often takes a lot of work on the part of the parents - holding the school accountable for implementing the IEP.

In addition, my son's school only goes to 8th grade. Virtually all of the graduates go on to main stream schools - some very competitive NE prep schools, about half public schools. Typically 5-10% go on to other LD schools.

When the child has acquired language skills, self advocacy and study skills, when the child is given assistive technology and other accommodations such as extra time, copies of class notes etc. These students can thrive.

And - as teachnmom mentions - even thought the tuition is very high - usually somewhere between 30 and 40 thousand, scholarships and financing is available in many schools. Also, in many cases, students are funded by their home district because the parents have demonstrated that FAPE can only be attained in the private school setting. Tax dollars pay for some kids. Not all districts come after parents with a vengeance.

There is plenty to be done to improve education and the special ed system. I believe that change will come more quickly if parents educate themselves on their rights and responsibilities and if they are persistent and collaborative when working with the system.

You may be interested to know that, at least at the private school for students with learning disabilities where I teach, a number of our students are on scholarship. Others are paid for by public school districts as parents were able to show that their child was not receiving FAPE in the district--an advocate or lawyer likely helped in those cases. If you have a voucher program in your state, that might be able to be used at a private school. I would urge anyone dissatisfied with the education that a child with dyslexia receives in the public school, to approach the private school and ask about options--there may be more than you think. And, reconsider your political views--I have come to the view that School Choice is an important option for our kids.

Very rarely can a parent know about dyslexia by the time a child is in fourth grade. My child was in a learning support classroom classified with a specific learning disability. By the time she was in fourth grade, she was running away from school and having panic attacks. The public school, acted clueless and carry on like it is the parents fault. The school districts of today will say and do anything to avoid paying for services. Our dyslexic children have no chance. With the current economy like it is and jobs being crunched, who can afford a private school. If the financial burden falls upon the school district, they come at you with a vengeance. The only way to sincerely help a dyslexic child is to have alot of money. These children constantly are left behind. Why should parents of dyslexic kids not get the same needed programs that the other kids get for their needs? We are a sector of parents that have very little affordable options. Public school is not supposed to cost the parent and dyslexic kids need an appropriate education just like everyone else.

Hi, I origionally wrote this post to see if anyones child with dyslexia had been successful in public school. It seems that, based on the comments here and other sites, children with dyslexia are not given the support they need in public schools.

Maybe parents of children that have been successful just don't read or post on these types of websites.

Michellea: do you have examples of kids that have been successful in public school? Is there a website that offers the success stories?

Even though the private school my son will attend is 30K a year and that is a huge finacial stress for us I dont think I want to fight the public school system for him.

When I walked into the private school and saw all these "normal" looking kids with the same learning differences as my son I immediately got a tear in my eye and knew that I did not have to worry about him getting the help that he needs. Not to mention it is a very nice school and I know he will have a lot of fun!
I just know if he was going to public school next year I would be constantly worring about him on all levels.

I am still looking for success stories because I would like him to evenually attend public school which is what we planned for him all along.

I am glad I am not the only one.

I, too, do not want to give up on the public schools. I am a product of 19 years of public schools (college and graduate school as well as K-12). My mom taught for 30+ years in the public schools and my two sisters and brother-in-law all teach in public schools. I am not by nature a negative person--I chose to go back to school and get my teaching credential because I wanted to be a positive force in the public school system for students with learning disabilities. (And, yes, I took a sizable pay cut to become a teacher.)

That being said, I am most passionate about making sure that our kids with dyslexia and other special needs get the education and support that they need to succeed. I don't mind the political incorrectness of my view that too many public schools cannot meet the needs of students with IEPs. I am most mindful of the fact that research shows that a child with dyslexia will never reach his or her full academic potential if needed support is not in place by 4th grade. We can't let any one child fail while we wait for the system to change itself. For that reason I would urge parents dissatisfied with public schools to consider private school options for their students with learning disabilities. I have regrettably come to the conclusion that the public school system can't change itself--there are too many institutional obstacles: powerful teacher's unions protecting teachers based on seniority rather than effectiveness; curriculum based on what feels good rather than what really works; and inadequate teacher training/education programs focusing on political/social agendas rather than research-based pedagogy. I know my views won't sit well with some, but the same drive that pushed me to go into teaching to make a difference for kids propels me to the soapbox to rally the troops (a.k.a. parents trying so hard to navigate a system that too often fails their children). I hope some reading this post will start this discussion in their own school communities; educating all parents might ignite the revolution needed to truly change public education in this country into the dynamic institution we need it to be.

hi, I have the faith in our president that the public school will change and our kids will have a better education. I am happy that my kids will begin their next school year with good teachers. like i have said before not all teachers are the same, i do not give up on my kids rights, and I WILL ALWAYS FIGTH FOR A GOOD EDUCATION FOR THEM!. and you know what, I don't know if this is the way it has to be, but when you report a problems/complains to the school district, they DO NOT BOTHER TO CALL THE PARENTS OR RETURNS THE MESSAGES TO INVESTIGATE WHAT IS GOIN ON! in many ways and with a good disposition I always offered the teachers my help and support, but when you see that your kid is not getting the services he needs, that he is not learning (me paying private tutoring) is when you get upset . Unfortunately the public schools has deserve the bad comments, inclusive the teachers made those comments!..but like i said i do not give up, and will support them. i live across my kids schools and i pay a lot of taxes so i need to take advances of that and support them since i can not afford a private schools.

I have a son that is 12 with severe dyslexia. He is lucky enough to attend a private school that specializes in teaching him appropriately.

That said, I am concerned that many people are painting all public schools with the same broad brush for all situations. Not all teachers are ineffective. Not all public schools are bad. Not all LD students have the same needs, and some can be served well in some public schools. The key is making sure that each child recieves FAPE - a free and appropriate public education.

In order to make imporvement, it's important to recognize shortcomings just as it is critical to recognize successes. And as we work through change, we should not lose site that many kids get a solid education in our public schools. The question is how do we improve these numbers.

When I to enroll my son in a public HS 2 years from now - I want to be sure that the teachers are qualified, his IEP is appropriate and is implemented, that he has the services and instruction needed to meet his needs. I intend to approach this challenge with a positive, informed, can do approach. The same approach I use when I advocate for other families and students.

I agree that change is needed. But, I think we will be more successful in making positive change if we take positive steps rather than stereotyping and bashing. Collaboration almost always results in better decisions and better buy in from all parties.

Let's help each other work through the system. Let's contact our elected officials starting at the school committee level all the way up to the feds. Let's educate ourselves on how our children learn and the types of programs they need. Let's support the teachers that do advocate for our children.

I know there are big issues out there. But we need to be careful to not get caught in doom and gloom and instead focus our energy on action.

hi, thks God the school is Over, (1more day) it's sadly what they are doing to L/D kids, My son came once again sad because he did not received a paper (he calls paper to a Diploma). I just told him, don't worry you PASS grade and mommy and papi are very proud of you, we know how hard to have work and we love you. The most important things is that you are happy and you prove to your teachers that you are Smart!..My tears came out. Since I told the teachers how sad I was, yesterday they gave my son a book for summer.. You should see his HAPPY FACE!! Mom, Mom the teachers loved me. I got a book for passing to 2nd Grade..when you have an L/D kids a little things that other people don't see for us the parent it is a Big Deal, and we get so happy and excited that people criticized us. I just pray for his 2nd year to be a better year.. the principal assure me that he will be in resources with less than 18 kids with his auditory equipment and all the services he needs. Also I will provided them with his level of dyslexia and the new ADP-EVALUATION. now it's time to ENJOY SUMMER, making them happy. :).. CONGRATS TO ALL GRADUATE AND GOD BLESS THEM ALL!! I AM VERY PROUD OF MY KIDS- MY SUNSHINE, MY WORLD!!

I am in tears as I read this. Partly because I too have had all of the thoughts of wanting to go back to school to contribute. But, as I read your response, I one know that my decision to send our 13 yo son to a private school for dyslexic children is the right one, but two, I am saddened that what I have always believe has been confirmed. It is a hopeless world out there for these children in public school. Generations of children are being abused due to their disability. How will they ever regain their childhood years of learning back? will they ever feel worthy of an education? or will the years of being told that they are stupid, lazy and really do not have a disability " get over it" just consume them and strip them of all of their dreams?

I am a mother of a child (now 20) with dyslexia and am a special education teacher. I was my child's advocate for years while she attended public schools in two states. Too many times I had to find outside tutoring or other help for her--other times I did the research and figured out what she needed. I actually went back to school to get my special ed. credential because I was tired of telling folks what they should be doing to teach students with LD. I then started teaching in a public school resource room--I was floored. There were too many students, not enough time and no money for the resources/curriculum that I know I needed to help my kids succeed. I thought I could make a difference because I care and I know what to do--but I finally quit. I now teach at a private school for students with learning disabilities and could not be happier. The school provides the services the students need. If I had known that schools such as mine existed when my daughter was young, I would have absolutely have found a way to provide that for her.

Dyslexia and public school is liking making your own maltitolf cocktail. Very bad combo. There are other forums in the great schools sections addressing the issues. Check them out.

my son has 7yrs with dyslexia - auditory dysfunction processing-add and hearing loss.. I am suffering very very very much in his public school.. they do not do what they suppose to -even tho I signed a legal documents IEP, they do not care in informing themselves about our kids learning difficulty.. (of course all teachers and all public school are the same) but in the majority they are the worse. I am looking for a private school after applying for the McKay scholarship. My son is struggling with his spelling test and in his reading, he cries because he does not want to go to school when he knows that he has to do a test. My advice is: If you can afford for a private school stay there (IF THEY HAVE THE SERVICES HE NEEDS) with all the budget cut in public school they will give you the run around.

I have met many people with children that are dyslexic. I dont know how your public schools are, but here in VA we are very limited on resources for such learning disabilities. Unless of course you live right outside of DC which even still is questionable on the availability. In my quest for an appropriate education for our 13 yo son. I have tried public schools, trusted them thinking they always know best. Yet, repeatedly I was told he was not listening! he was not doing his home work! That he needed a tutor etc. We started with any IEP in 1st grade, although the schools would not even recognize dyslexia as a learning disability, one of the special ed teachers said "but he does not switch his letters very often" imagine my thoughts! I thought I was going to jump across the table! We have two schools that are local in Richmond that cater to children with dyslexia only. We also have a boarding school right out side of Charlottesville that is only for dyslexic children. You can contact them, maybe they would be able to refer you to a school near you. Both are highly qualified and of course come with a big price tag. I honestly wish we had put my son in one of these schools in 2nd grade. He would more than likely be able to be in a regular school environment by now. Although that is not promised by any of these schools, they will even tell you that most children that go back to mainstream schools tend to go to private schools with smaller classes. The schools are Riverside School, New Community School in Richmond Va. The boarding schools is Oakridge School in Keswick Va. Best of luck! I know what you are going through. Trust your instincts!

G

I agree with you. I have two adopted children, and both have differing LD challenges. My daughter developed social anxiety from her challenges that I was unaware of(even as a former public school teacher), so I pulled her out and have home schooled her for the past 9 years. She is a junior now, and suffers from dyslexic tendencies, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and low vision. She still has such anxiety toward "regular school "that she finds it hard to even walk into her little brother's private school. Her challenges have affected every area of her life, but being home schooled has given her a calm that is worth its weight in gold after watching her have migraines and complaining of psychosomatic sickness at 8 years old because she was mortified to be in public school. My son is severely dyslexic, around 2-3 years behind, and does not live in the reading world. He goes to a special school in Tulsa, but I wish I could find a place for just dyslexic children, since his only problem appears to be dyslexia, not behavior challenges or ADHD. He tried public school also, and after I knew how much he tried, how hard he struggled, and that the PS wanted to fail him, but NOT test him, I moved him out and to private school. You're right. You have to pick your fights wisely, especially if you have a child with special challenges. Life is already too difficult as it is.

Do you have any idea how much an advocate-I'm assuming this person would be a scribe for my son, his note-taker, and reader-costs? I am paying $7,000 a year for a school in OK for kids with ADHD/ADD and LD, but my son would be fully capable of getting along in a public school emotionally/socially if he just had the extra support. Also, where would I find an advocate? Through the school system, or privately? Thanks!

I agree with you that it is suppose to work that way. Problem is, we live in a city in Va with the worse public school system in the state and one of the top ten worse in the US. We are under mandatory restructure status by the state mandated by NCLB. So.. since we have no "choice" because there is only 1 middle school and 1 High School..3 Elementary and none of the local jurisdictions around us will accommodate our children, private ed is the only choice. In- fact within all of the surrounding counties we do not have one specialist trained in ANY of the reading programs .. there are only a hand full in the are trained in wilson.. but none are fully certified.

A child with dyslexia can do very well in public school with the proper remediation and the proper IEP put into place. This will most likely mean you will need to tap into some outside resources. Make sure the remediation is appropriate - needs to be with a trained Orton-Gillingham specialist. If the school cannot provide you with this then you will need to hire an outside source. Also, make sure you hire an advocate who will make sure your child gets everything he/she needs from the public school. I work with hundreds of kids with dyslexia, and 90% of them are in the public school system. They have remediation and advocacy - and are doing fine.

Take an agressive approach. If you wait for the pubic school system you will eventually have to find a special program regardless. Save your child the struggle now. I have fought with the Public Schools for years. To the earlier posts. Yes they are suppose to pay for the private education. But, you have to get an attorney and there is no promise you will win. I have been fighting for years. Not only is my son adhd, dyslexic and disorder of written expression. There is also no accredited public school for him to attend. The public school system does not offer a choice. NCLB act.. useless.. They insist that in their non accredited school system they can accomodate my son. Even though all of the professionals have said they cannot. Save yourself and your family the aggrevation, wasted energy. Take care of it now.

thks for your support!! like he says "Mommy why the teacher does not give me a paper with my name when I do good" (he calls a paper to a Diploma) I just do it on my own, very nice looking and his face worth a million to me everytime I gave him a DIPLOMA!! HE GETS HAPPY!!

First, in order to qualify for tutoring under NCLB, your child would need to attend a Title 1 school in which the school, not the specific child, has been designated "needs improvement" for over two or more years.

See the following article:

www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/367

(418440)

Be sure that even though he is in a resource room that the teacher is meeting his needs. Many teachers don't know how to deal with dyslexia. You also need to know what type of dyslexia he has. There is a really good book by Sally Shaywitz. She also has a great web site: www.childrenofthecode.org/interviews/shaywitz.htm. Also finding how what way he learns best and the intelligences (Howard Gardner) he is strong in. Here is a sight that can help you with this: www.ldrc.ca/projects/miinventory/miinventory.php

I think it's very important that your son realize how smart he is. Finding the way that he learns best and his areas of strength will help him to see that he is indeed a smart cookie. Once he knows the areas that he is strong in he can develop those areas, feel good about himself, and his weaknesses will get stronger because he will believe that he can.

As far as spelling tests go, a better way to test him would be a multiple choice test where he picks the correct spelling of the word. This would be my suggestion to the teacher and then my demand to the school. They should be giving your son activities that highlight his strengths and make them obtainable for him to achieve.

If your child is not having his needs met at his school, you may be able to get a voucher for him to go to a school that can under no child left behind.

Good luck in helping your child. Don't give up. He will appreciate all that you are doing for him in the future.

i wish that my son could have a teacher LIke YOU...i have being fighting for his rights for the past 3 years and it it now that the school gave me the documents for my to sign for the FM Systmes that he needs.. He get frustated everytime they give him the spelling test changing the words in the ordered he learned them...his teachers does have that much patient, not even his sped teachers.. it is very hard..i have to go with a private lawyer to intimidate the school and let them know that I know my son rights!!Fortunaletly for next year 2 grade he will be in a Resource classroom, with all his special services for his APD and Dyslexia condition...thank you for your advice!!

I think you misunderstood. I do not think that many special education teachers or public schools deal with many types of learning disabilities very well. All too often children have IEPs that are generic and do not specifically help them in with their disability.

I was lucky 28 years ago, when I was in fourth grade to have a teacher in a public school actually know how to help me with my dyslexia. Too many children who attend public schools are not as fortunate as I was, as teachers are not taught about the reading process in college, because whole language is what is taught to most elementary teachers and few teachers understand the OG, LInda Mood-Bell, Wilson, or any other reading program that helps children with dyslexia.

I have a boy in my class right now with dyslexia, that I know what to do and how to help him, but am not able to, because I am not the special education teacher and don't have the classes to have reading specialist after my name, even though I have a very deep and strong understanding of how to help this child. The special education teacher has no knowledge of how to help him and doesn't care enough to take me up on my offers to show him how to help this boy. I can't begin to explain the pain that I feel knowing that this very intelligent boy is not going to get what he needs because our public school system has failed him and his parents don't know how are intimidated by the system because they have similar issues as this great child.

I think that parents with children who have learning disabilities need to be aware of what goes on at their child's school. They need to know and understand the law that surrounds special education, so that they can insure that their child receives the services that he/she needs. Parents need to not be afraid of standing up to teachers, principals, and other school officials. They need to make sure that any IEP that is written is as specific as possible, because many public schools don't want to this because it is a binding contract and it is easier to write something very vague, so that it is less likely they can be sued.

It is my experience that parents need to fight for more detailed IEPs in public school than in private schools that cater to children with learning disabilities.

I totally agree with Michellea on this point:

I would urge parents to be good consumers - learn what it is your child needs and then research to find the setting that best addresses the needs.

Parents need to learn as much as they can about their child's disabilities to ensure that their child is getting everything that they need to receive the best education that they can regardless of the situation.

dmforman,
I agree that in general, public schools are better equipped to deal with learning disabilities. However, there are private schools that specialize in teaching kids with various LD's and my experience is that they out-perform public schools to this end.

Likewise, there are some "mainstream" private schools that are more flexible, have smaller class sizes and able to integrate technology into the curriculum. They often have learning centers that offer instruction in reading, writing, organization and math. If a parent is lucky enough to find such a school, this could be a good match.

I would urge parents to be good consumers - learn what it is your child needs and then research to find the setting that best addresses the needs.

In my son's case (who is severely dyslexic, dysgraphic and unorganized), a private LD school staffed by very experienced special ed teachers trained in OG has saved his life.

I would not have a dyslexic child in a private school, teachers don't know what they are doing and I am a teacher and a dyslexic.

Linda Mood Bell has excellent programs for dyslexia, they are expensive, but effective. I would also want to know a private school's outcome with the children that they serve and with children with similar needs to your child.

When you go looking at schools, ask questions and expect good solid answers. Ask them the methods that they will use and how they will help your child with his needs.

I am dyslexic and went to public school. I was lucky to go to a small school district and have a wonderful reading teacher who understood my needs. I do think that it is possible to have your child transfer to a public school if he really has a strong grasp of the reading skills and develops an understanding of his strengths and weaknesses and what he needs to do to help himself. You will also have to advocate for your child throughout his education career, always remember to do what is right for your child.

You need to find a private or public school which can provide remediation to children who have strong abilities. Depending on where you live, the options vary. However, if you have a proven track record of success with a particular program - you have a very strong argument! From the heart,and experience, what works for your child?

I thanks my self everyday for being able to find such a good website, finally were we can express our concern and tell our situation with our kids.. thks for you advices!! Going crazy in seeking information on how to help my kids found it.

Reading all this post is making sad, I wish that I can enroll my son in a private school. I did it with my little 1 since we considered was the best for him as per his doctor recommendation since he was an indigo child.. after paying A LOT for two years he ended up getting worse.. I had to transfer him to a public school and now I am suffering the situation with the two of them.. 1 with ADP/DYSLEXIA/ADD-HEARING LOSS and the 2: with ADHD, Even tho if I take him out of his sport activities to be able to pay private still can't and as per his doctor won't be fear for him. I am so disappointed of public school, but that what I have, I have to fight for my children education and be there for them. It's not easy.. it's very stress full.. I cry a lot !!my boys needs help..but I won't give UP!! good luck to you, you made the good choice!!

I suggested you and advice you to go private, don't waste more time.. I had to take my son private in order to get a professional diagnostic. Even tho I provided all the doctors docs to the school it's being 3 years and they still has to give him the full services base on his L/D He is now 7 yrs. very slow in reading and writing. he was retained in kindg. now he is getting good grades, but he still struggles.. it is hard! kids makes fun of him because he reads with difficulty..I am in a constant fight with the school, requesting services. next year they already promise me that he will be transfer to resources. good luck.. and fight for you kids education!!

hw cute.. like your pict...thks for the post...

your son is very lucky, being able to enrolled him in a private school for his L/D is great.. I am in the same situation with a different that I can not affort a private school. I have being fighting with my son school for the past 3 years for him to recieved the services he need for his ADP/DYSLEXIA/ADD/HEARING LOSS conditions and stilllllllll waiting.. In the mean time I just bared with him and give him as much support and love. Today I got very upset to his teachers because I do not think is fare of what they are doing to him.. He was tested on Friday for his spelling words. He got a C - today the teachers gave him the same test to improve his grade, he got an F (he already forgot the words) She convined the grades and gave him a D...I sent her a note asking her if the retaking exam was to improved his grade not to give him a worse grade.. You thinks is that correct? It is frustating the situation with public school and kids with problems.. they just don't want to deal with the problem, they just want ROBOT KIDS

Thank you all for your responses, they helped to confirm what I think a public school experience would be for my son.....a constant battle and effort to get the remediation that he needs for his dyslexia.

The private school we chose is for bright children with language based learning differences. We are lucky that we live near a large city with several private schools for children with dyslexia/learning differences. It is a great school and I know he will be very happy there, I just wish it was not 28K a year!

Hi marylandmom,
I have a 12 year old son that was diagnosed with severe dyslexia at age 6. We kept him in the public school through grade 2 and it became clear that even with significant support and effort by the public school, he could not be successful, despite his high IQ.

He has attended a school specializing in teaching bright students with language based learning disabilities such as dyslexia and is thriving. While his reading acquisition has been slower than we had hoped, he is able to fully access the curriculum, has become an excellent self-advocate, is learning compensatory strategies and is doing better in language arts than he ever could had we kept him in public.

We intend to keep him at his current school through 8th grade and hope he will be able to transition back to a public, mainstream school for HS.

Could he have been successful in the public school? I doubt it. Even with small classes, taught by highly qualified teachers, 3 periods of language a day, reading and writing integrated throughout all subjects, he continues to struggle with reading and writing. I am afraid that the public school teachers would not have the time, resources or expertise to teach him as he needs to be taught. The peer groupings would not be appropriate. The accommodations and modifications would not be consistently implemented. He most likely would be grouped with non-readers with lower cognitive potential than his.

On the other hand, he has a friend that also has dyslexia who has been able to enjoy some success in the public school. But, this friend is not as severely dyslexic and does not have the same organizational issues that my son has.

In general, less complex kids can do ok in public schools. Sometimes it takes extra tutoring and support at home - but the advantages of staying in-district outweigh the advantages of a private school. A lot depends upon the student, school district and family.

I am thankful that my guy has had the opportunity to attend his private school. It has been life-changing for our entire family.

Best of luck to you and your son.

Well, grades are a double edge sword. Grade don't always equate to proficiency -- they are subjective and can be based upon effort, homework, extra credit, lowered expectations, etc...

In addition, persons who are gifted can often perform well, utilizing various strengths to accommodate and circumvent difficulties.

Where the problem really lies is in the high stakes testing -- in which those accommodations are stripped away. When these scores are the sole criteria utilized to track students it puts them at a real disadvantage because based upon their lowest common denominator -- perhaps a decoding issue, they are remanded to inappropriate placements.

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Parents have various reasons for choosing private schools over public, especially when their child requires special education services. I must commend you for ensuring that your child's processing disorder was identified, evaluated, and addressed. How did you select the private school for your child? Is it a special education setting?
Also, keep the public school on board for testing. Although you might not feel you need it now, your child has protection and services available, that you might find beneficial in the future.

Your child is going to do better in a Private school . He needs a lot of one on one . In public school it is very hard . My son was in Public school for 7 years , Started him in pre-k at 3 years old and he is in 5th grade now he is 12 years old . he was pulled out to go to speech/Language , OT. and reading in public but was not successful in public school .I have my son in a private school now and he is doing so much better . For info on Dyslexia visit there website . www.interdys.org Good luck ! I hope this helps you or someone reading this .

dhfl143: your daughter is an honor roll student! That I would call a success! How does she feel about all the extra tutoring and/or therapy she needs outside of school? How old is she?

tattles: we were advised by several professionals and friends to have our son tested outside of the public school system. He has been tested three times. I can not stress this enough FIND THE BEST qualified person in your area to test your child. We went from a college student testing our son to an OK pychologist who did not uncover the dyslexia, only an auditory processing deficit to the best pychologist in the area. The last evaluation was worth every penny we spent! Also having an outside evaluation helps put you in control when confronting/requesting extra services for your child.

Just wondering how you had you son evaluated? We are in the public schools and trying to get help for our 8 year old son who hasnt progressed in reading. Its been like pulling teeth to get things moving to get help/diagnosing.

I have a child in the public education system. It depends on what you define as successful. She is honor roll student, but the school does not provide the interventions that she needs. We supplement outside of the school system. We chose this option because the private options here would have also required that we provide supplemental services for 1:1 tutoring. If we were going to have to pay for them anyway -- we decided to pool funds to provide more specialized services. Public schools are often not able to meet the specific needs and it has taken an enormous amount of effort to make sure accommodations are provided and course selection meets her needs. The services offered by the school often did and does not match what is/was required. (Reading comprehension services when problem is with decoding, etc...)

It sounds as if you have a good plan. If that had been on the table when we started this journey -- I would much rather pay for appropriate instruction to help my child than spend dollars for diagnosis, advocates, and attorney fees required to get minimal accommodations. Also, some grades with high stakes testing require unnecessary anxiety.

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