My son has ADD and is on an IEP. He is in his 2nd year of a multiage classroom (1/2).

I'm hearing from his teacher that he is very distracted, and she believes he has regressed. This multiage class is new to our public school just this year. I've heard that it's somewhat chaotic (while I have not witnessed this myself). Naturally an easily distracted child would suffer is this setting. He needs prompting often, and she "is not able" to help him on demand during "independent work time". There are 24 students in the class, 15 1st grade, 9 2nd. He's very anxious about school, and not being able to "finish his work" (and go to recess!). What can I do? Can I ask for a one-on-one for him or at least help in the class? (They would all certainly benefit.) Should I have him moved to another class? What are my legal options?

Parent Answers to "My son has ADD and is on an IEP. He is in his 2nd year of a multiage classroom (1/2). "

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My own son (who is now in college,) has ADHD and learning disabilities. I believe the statistics show around 50% of kids with ADHD also have LDs, and yet the reaction of your son's school is not uncommon.
Truthfully, many seminars and speakers I've heard DO say that treating the ADHD first is the best way to help a child learn, because even the best tutors and teachers, using the best instructional methods, still won't be as effective if a child isn't able to focus on what they're trying to teach. If you had the luxury of 1:1 instruction, or could homeschool, you might be able to downplay the attentional issues, but kids in larger class settings often do struggle.
I would definitely request a change out of the multi-age classroom in your case and into a straight 2nd grade class, so hopefully he will pick up more positive influence from his peers, and perhaps not be as distracted by the teacher going back and forth between groups, and by antics of the younger kids.
I also encourage you to join Greatschools Learning and Attention Difficulties Group at community.greatschools.net/groups/11554

I regretted telling the school also, but in the long run it will be better for you and your son because ADD is difficult and a real cause of the inattention. The one thing you must remember is if you do eventually use medication for your son, which I did. They can not longer blame the ADD if it is managed by a DR. If the ? of attention comes up while medicate you will KNOW for certain it is not do to the ADD but to the teaching methods your son is not understanding. So, in the long run it will work help that the school knows. Although, while the ADD is not managed it will hinder his performance and their addressing his academic challenges. I have to admit the Ritalin really did not work for my son until he was 8, then we saw the difference. Good luck and keep me posted.

Yes, he has been tested by the school (March 2007). They did find broad learning disabilities (specifically language). We have a meeting on 11/6 with the team to discuss placement, his present IEP and classroom modifications. I regret sharing his ADD diagnosis with the school. Since then, they've been dismissing his LD's with ADD... lesson learned.

You can request a meeting of the IEP team to discuss other options for your son, once you request this they have to grant it within 10 days. Has your son been tested for LD's? Which usually are a underlying problem with a child with ADD .Teachers are quick to blame attention instead of looking at other reasons for the distraction.

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My son has ADD and is on an IEP. He is in his 2nd year of a multiage classroom (1/2).

Parent Answers to "My son has ADD and is on an IEP. He is in his 2nd year of a multiage classroom (1/2). "

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