Interesting View

Before I became a full-time mom, I was a special education teacher. I taught all sorts of children with special needs, but mainly those with mental retardation. It was a job I loved, but it wore me out each and every day. The kids I worked with presented me with some of the most difficult challenges I have ever faced, but it was rewarding. The school was a special education center for students from ages 12 to 22, so they were there for awhile. It was a wonderful chance for the staff to get to know the parents very well.

One of the things I am most proud of when I was teaching was starting a parent support group at the school after learning how different parenting was for parents of special-needs kids. I tried to start a sibling support group as well, but it didn't take off. The parent group was a great way for me to learn about the concerns of the parents, especially as their children got older. I had lawyers, social workers, teachers, and many other specialists come to talk to the group and I hope they found it worthwhile.

That was when I was a teacher...now I'm a parent. Things are so much different as a parent. I always said the best teachers are parents so they can see both sides. Now I'm beginning to think the best special education teachers should have special needs kids.

Steve and I have been worried about Kyle for a couple of years in regards to his learning. At age two we had him tested for a language delay, but he was found ineligible for speech services. In kindergarten and first grade, he was eligible for summer school because of his low achievement in reading. When we moved, we had him repeat first grade. It wasn't a perfect solution to the problem, but was probably one of the best things we did for him.

Since then, Kyle has really done well. He is reading above grade-level and especially loves science and social studies. His math skills are great, he's a great student and his teachers love him. The biggest issue is his spelling. It stinks! We can't figure out why, but he has trouble with even the most basic words. Every year we try to work on this with him, but his frustration level is getting higher whenever he writes. Something must be done!

And so this afternoon I sat at a large conference table, a place I have sat plenty of times before as a teacher, but this time I was the parent. We talked about ways to help my dear mispeller and tears came to my eyes as I spoke of how hard this was. As a teacher, I never thought such a meeting would be so emotional, but now I'm sitting on the other side of the table. These teachers and psychologist and administrator were talking about my son! He's not spelling well, his written language is not holding true to his full potential. It pains me to think of accommodations which may have to be made for Kyle to help him with his spelling, but which also make him stand out. A Franklin speller in his desk or working on the computer when everyone else is writing at their desk can lead to teasing and other problems for Kyle.

As I reflect on the meeting and my tears, I know we are on the right path to helping my boy. The specialists at his school will find the right tools to help him to spell and they will have our full support at home. I'm just hoping it doesn't create more problems!