2 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

going to guard your child from appearing different from other students. In my class, most of the students with IEPs received modified tests (less answer choices on multiple choice) and were allowed to take the test in a different environment (special ed room). When test time came, the other students noticed something was different and after the second or third test they started to demand to know why. Whatever you tell those students, they will know that the other students are "different" in some way. To high schoolers, different is always bad, and it can lead to teasing.

Finally, in some cases, an IEP or 504 plan can give a student an undeserved sense of entitlement and an excuse for whatever goes wrong. One student was constantly late for class and his excuse was that he had ADHD. That is not a valid excuse; he was wandering the halls and not coming to class. Another student didn't do something and claimed it was because he had dyslexia. He had dyslexia, but that didn't in any way affect the task at hand. You have to make sure that students know that their specialized programs are not excuses or entitlements. They do not absolve them of responsibility for their actions.

Still, I would suggest looking into an IEP or 504 plan for any parent with a child that has some kind of mental or physical disorder. At first, use the plan to make sure that teachers are aware of your child's needs. If your child still languishes, you can then pursue more drastic options and modifications. Just always keep in mind that as you pursue further modifications, your child will appear "different" to the other kids in the class, and you will be getting closer and closer to the old pull-out situations that we are trying to avoid.

Learn more about this author, B. Rock.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Benefits of a 504 plan for children with ADHD?
We want to hear your view. Write now!