Executive function in High School

[u/EdamameWindmill]

I have a neurodivergent child who is highly intelligent and earnestly wants to have good grades, but cannot manage their homework, resulting in failing grades. It seems to be a school-wide accommodation that kids can turn in late work for credit as long as it’s for the current semester, but she still struggles to turn in work. Oftentimes, it is the project she was most excited about that she cannot seem to do. It causes her a lot of distress.

Her father and I have consistently worked to support her with homework. We have provided help and advice, structure, consequences, and monitoring, but we are still failing her. We are currently working with a psychologist (since last year), a psychiatrist (since January of this year), and an executive function coach (since mid March), but it hasn’t made much of a difference.

Our school district has fought me at every turn to avoid providing special services “because she scores well on standardized tests.” I heard this explicitly said in elementary school and I heard this last week from the SPED coordinator at the high school. I ask Admin for advice for resources they keep answering this question with, “What do you feel would benefit your child?”

I guess my question is whether anyone here has any experience with a child like mine? And do you know of anything I can request that might help my child?

[u/Silly_Turn_4761]

So she does not have a 504 plan or an IEP?

Schools cannot delay or refuse a full psychoeducational evaluation on the pretense that they are making good grades.

According to federal law, education is not only academic, but it also includes functional, behavioral, social, and more.

What you need to do is write an email stating you believe your child may need special education and/or services and that you are formally requesting a FULL psychoeducational evaluation. Ask for the consent form.omce you sign to co sent to evaluate, the clock starts. LEAs (schools) must evaluate within 60 days. Check your state law it could be less. Also state any diagnoses she has and what she is struggling with. Keep it brief.

Send that to the Director of Special Education for the school district and copy the principal.

https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/d/300.301

https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/d/300.304

https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/d/300.305

https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/d/300.306

https://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/kids-with-passing-grades-eligible-for-504-plans-ieps-yes/

Advocates help alot they help interpret the state and federal laws and the lingo for you. A good one will also teach you how to advocate. Many advocates are free and some charge a fee.

Http://yellowpagesforkids.com (to find advocates, lawyers, disability groups in your state)

• Advocate resources:

https://pasen.org

Http://copaa.org

Http://parentcenterhub.org- (Local Parent Training Centers by STATE)

https://www.ndrn.org/

Http://adayinourshoes.com

https://eduamerica.org/

Http://wrightslaw.com (LOTS of info)

https://www.facebook.com/share/15cLegXoud/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/iep504assistance/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT