Is your child struggling in school, seen as lazy/unmotivated (or not performing as expected given their perceived intelligence), as having behavior or social problems, or more?  

All of the above listed and more are signs/symptoms of a child having one or more “Exceptionalities”.  

If you don’t bother educating yourself on how the education system works, you are gambling with your child’s future.

Would you bet your home in a game which you have never played and do not know the rules? Would you buy a home without seeing it or learning the neighborhood first? Would you get a second opinion if you or your child were told you needed major surgery, or had a life threatening illness?

How much of your child’s future are you willing to gamble?   Get involved in the education system and process. If your child has signs/symptoms of an exceptionality please get them evaluated, and get a second, third, (or as many as it takes) opinion until you feel comfortable with the findings/identification of the evaluation. It took many school and private evals before my son’s abilities and disabilities were accurately identified!  

What is a “Exceptionality”?

It is when a student’s abilities (“Gifted”, very high IQ) and/or disabilities deviate from the “Norm” (or average student) to such a degree which requires specialized instruction, services, accommodations, etc., to allow them to learn and progress academically, socially, and more. This is what Special Education is meant to provide, via an Individualized Education Program (IEP).  

Exceptionalities Include:  

Gifted  

Disability which affects learning  

Twice/Dual Exceptional (AKA 2E) - means a student who is both “Gifted” (high IQ) and has disabilities which impact learning.For more info on 2E check out this site:    www.hoagiesgifted.org/twice_exceptional.htm    

What Special Education is not, and misconceptions about Spec Ed:  

 It is NOT a PLACE, just because your child is in Spec Ed does not mean they will be isolated in spec ed classroom unless that is what the IEP team (which includes the parents, student, and whom ever they wish to add to the IEP team) decide is most appropriate to meet that individual student’s needs to allow them to learn and progress).  

Spec Ed does not mean a child has a low IQ, contrary to popular belief most kids with disabilities that affect learning have average to above average intelligence. They simply learn differently than regular ed students, and require specialized instruction.  

Here are some links I recamend you to start with on educating yourself on education:  

Education Laws Regs, Violations, Info & Help

community.greatschools.net/groups/77570    

Learning Disabilities (LDs), ADHD and Education Support

millermom.proboards.com/index.cgi#general    

Learning and Attention Difficulties

community.greatschools.net/groups/11554    

US Department of Education

www.ed.gov/index.jhtml