Learning Disability, testing, IEP results

His first round of testing: cognitive.

I finally decided to have my middle son, Sam tested for a learning disability. It was brought to my attention years ago, when a sweet friend of mine, who had previously worked as a special ed teacher, told me she suspected he had dyslexia. 

From that point on, she voluntarily began to tutor him intensely. He could barely read when she started. She helped him learn to read effectively, build up his learning endurance and learn how to concentrate despite environmental distractions.

Every year, I would have the same debate with myself, should I get him officially tested? Every year I would conclude, no. Though, I was always left unsure of what the testing results would really do for him. How would it benefit him?

After his immense struggle last year for ninth grade, barely passing his classes, I could see that we needed more help or at least some answers. By this point, my friend had been tutoring him for about 5 years now. His standardized test results have pretty much always been below average.

I didn't know how or if having him tested would help. My friend also pointed out he may not qualify for any services because he may not test low enough anymore. She's such a great tutor and she was completely correct on that aspect: academically he tested average on most aspects. That is absolutely amazing for him!

However, the cognitive testing did, in fact, conclude that he does have a learning disability, a processing disorder and therefore qualifies for services. Hearing the conclusions alone was so validating in and of itself. The services he will now receive are basically an hour of tutoring a week, not on homework or assignments but on specific skills that he lacks, his areas of weakness.

The academic tester was SO encouraging too. She shared a lot of helpful information about services and resources he can use when he goes to college. That will also be part his support, is to prepare him for college, help him set goals etc.

I am so excited. The testing also explained why he reacts the way he does sometimes. He is not only affected academically but emotionally and socially. If a person has trouble processing and communicating their thoughts, well of course it's going to over flow into normal every day life, interactions, discussions and disagreements.

I regret waiting so long to have this done. I am so happy now thought for what this extra support can mean for him. He now has an official 'IEP' that outlines the goals set for him and services provided to help meet those goals.

I had no idea what to expect. I am more than happy so far. The future looks bright. This alleviates some of my worry, as most moms have anyway, for him. It's hard to watch your child struggle and not know exactly how to help them or understand what they are thinking when they make choices or responses that don't make sense.

Now, I can understand him better over all. 

Second round of testing: academic.

Student of the Month

This is the face of a young man that has put in a lot of extra academic hours! (like working through summer and holidays) Via tutoring and regular academic work. Some of you may not know this but my son, this handsome fella here, has a learning disability.

We are blessed with an amazing friend (and pastor's wife) that has been volunteer tutoring Sammy for the past 2? 3 years? She was the one who unofficially diagnosed him with the learning disability to begin with. Her heart is so devoted to serving God that when He told her to help Sam--she did not hesitate. She has put in her own time and energy to not only feed his mind, but his soul.

I haven't written much about it yet but our current academic adventure involves home educating through a public charter school. We haven't always done this (but we've always home schooled) but the past 4 or 5 years, it's been a good fit for us. We meet with an Education Specialist every 20 days to turn in work samples and fill the ES in on what we have been doing.

This year she started awarding a Student of the Month from one of the families she over sees. This time it was Sammy. She told him such nice and sweet things; how she had seen so much improvement in his work, how he has worked so hard and she recognizes it.

What a blessing. She made this award and gave him a full size of his favorite candy bar: Three Musketeers.

I am so proud of him and grateful for the help he has received.

Here's one of his most recent watercolors. He personalized it by adding the ear phones. Pretty creative, huh?

Monthly ES meeting

We had our monthly ES meeting today.  I did not know that they were going to do their "Scantron" testing that day. (tests that the charter school administers, not state testing) I was able to see their scores immediately.  


Birdy showed the most improvement.  That was comforting.  The big guy did well as usual.  Sammy....oh Sammy....his scores are just not accurately showing his potential or improvement.  I guess this is what it's like when you have one with a learning disability? Awful test taking skills?  It's frustrating to not be able to show concretely and tangibly  how hard you know your child has worked and how much they have truly improved.  I felt rather discouraged.



He's been working with a tutor for over a year now.  She's wonderful and he could not be making the strides he is if it weren't for her support and guidance. But those test scores.....still showed below average. {sigh}  


Birdy actually scored high average. Wow! I was surprised, really.  They didn't even get to present their work to the ES. ("education specialist", is their official title) I had to do it for them because they were testing all that time.


The big guy was able to present his work himself, which is great because I would not have any idea.  I think she was impressed with how much he is able to get done now. Thank goodness. Over all, it was another good meeting.  I am so blessed by our ES this year.  She is such a great support and blessing to us.