move to NT class? what would you do?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
move to NT class? what would you do?
6
Thu, 09-15-2005 - 2:37pm

Hi Ladies.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-24-2003
Thu, 09-15-2005 - 4:44pm

I can understand being thrilled they think he is ready to move on.

Pat

Happiness is a conscious choice, not an automatic response. --

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 09-15-2005 - 5:03pm

Tough decision.

First, I would find about what the level of support would be in that nt preK class. Is it more an inclusion or integrated class with NT peers but special ed support or straight NT type class? Will there be other HFA type kids in the class.

If there is lots of support and special ed component and they can still work on the things that Pat mentioned I would likely go for it as a transitional thing. But if it is a straight NT type class I would be reluctant to do it.

If anything a slow transition should be considered, for instance, maybe 1 or 2 days a week in the NT class and the rest in his autism class. He has an aide in the NT class and an autism specialist that consults to the class as well as all the pull outs for OT, speech, etc.

Also, on the point that Pat made about individualized education etc. I have to say even though the evidence is for inclusion, Pat is right. Last year Mike (9 and in 3rd then) was completely removed from all mainstreaming and was in a learning handicapped class despite being very bright. His state testing scores went up signficantly even though he wasn't in a grade appropriate class because they were teaching him often in a 1:1 setting in a way he understood. So even though the class material was below him his teacher individualized his material and he understood it and did far better than he had in mainstream class.

Renee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Thu, 09-15-2005 - 11:35pm

Fran,

Toughie,

Somebody (sorry, I forgot who) made a point that is it hard to regain services once you have given them up and that is true. However, I strongly believe in typical peers.

Have you been to see the regular ed class? have observed the class and met the teacher. For me (and I have so BTDT) the trick was to go and observe the class, then try to picture Peter therein. If my stomach flipped, that was not the program for us. I lierally went with my gut, and it worked for me.

HTH and let us know what you decide.

-Paula

-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
Fri, 09-16-2005 - 8:54am
Fran, As a special educator myself, I say go for it. Make sure the IEP is written so that he can still get services. Perhaps a aide part-time if needed. I think now is the time to get him acclimated to his NT peers. THe sooner you start the easier it will be for Jack in the long run. Ultimately, as a teacher, we want all students to be able to function in society so the sooner you start, the better off he may be. Plus, it is always possible to have him put back in his old classroom. Think about what you want on the IEP. Maybe he could start out half days. You will not lose services. By law this is impossible unless he is reevaluated and "tests" out. If you have any specific questions feel free to email me. I have a masters degree plus additional post graduate work and I have been doing this for 10 years.
Good luck
Sonya
sagarner@finneytown.org
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 09-16-2005 - 9:55am

I have to disagree on one point. No he cannot always go back to his old class. Space fills up quickly often and there may no longer be opennings in the old class. In fact, I hate to say this but it has been my experience that sometimes with offers of classroom change that there is alterior motive. ie, they have another student or students who need a placement such as this and they need to make space. The other child is about ready so might as well try moving them on and see how they do.

Also, I am a former special educator as well with my main experience with autistics. I am SAHM now but will be going back in a year or so and one thing I definitely caution is to move slowly. Quick changes with ASD children are often not good. That is why I recomended starting out slow with a couple days a week in the other class and also check out what services are available there. A child with ASD who has been in a preschool class for autistics really can't just go into a class without support and a teacher who is experienced with autistic children. This is a new class, and an NT class. It is possible it is a brand new teacher with no autism experience. That is why you have to check what kind of classroom it is.

No she won't lose her "IEP" but there is always the chance that the district will in having the IEP meeting negotiate changes to reduce extra services that may not be readily available at the other site. This is done in a variety of ways. For instance, "Well, Mrs. X, we understand your concern of keeping his OT at the current rate, but this classroom is really the best placement for him now. If we continue OT I guess we could bring him back here but he would lose lots of valuable time in that class.' Or I have even heard "Gee, We really feel this is the best class for him but if you want to keep those services he really has to stay at this school and you have said it is your desire to have him move toward inclusion"

Last there is the old, progress report update types. "He has made so much progress he really doesn't need to continue OT at this time and we are recomending he graduate from those services as well"

Sorry, been on both sides of the table too long and burned to many times not to question the motives of a district at least a little.

Teachers themselves are often wonderful, but things come from higher up too.

Renee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 09-16-2005 - 12:56pm

Ladies, THANK YOU ALL for the great input.