by TRL

Created on: October 20, 2008   Last Updated: October 21, 2008

Speaking out as a mother of a son who came close to being labeled another "ADD" student, I chose to reevaluate my son's learning disability and search for an alternative solution to the ever popular "teacher recommended, doctor prescribed" method. My son, literally, did not fit the mold in public education. Public school classrooms are too large, too distracting and only moderately controlled. In most public school classrooms there is on average approximately 19-21 students and 1 teacher. Within this classroom you will most likely find 4 different learning styles present in these students. It can become extremely difficult for a teacher to immediately distinguish exactly which student has what kind of learning style and how to incorporate these styles of learning into their daily lesson plans.

Classroom time, for each subject, is limited and today even much shorter. I knew my son was in a bad situation, he was just about to enter the 5th grade at the public school, but, my concern for his educational progress led me to consider a much smaller private Christian Academy. Prior to enrolling my son in this private school, the academy conducted a placement test to determine exactly what level of education he fell within. I was shocked to discover that my son was performing at a third grade level of education. This placed him nearly 2 full years behind his current level. Of course my son was fitting the signs of "ADD", he was not even close to the grade level he was about to enter. It didn't take me anytime at all to make my decision and place him in this private school. I could not have made a wiser decision. It was as if a lightbulb had finally come on in his head. My mother and I was simply amazed and ecstatic when we discovered that after less than 2 months in this Christian Academy, my son could read fluently. He was reading everything, everywhere. This was definitely heartwarming for me to witness as my son was enjoying the art of reading. Before, he fought and struggled every night with homework and reading. The small private academy was good for my son due to its structure, discipline and individualized learning capabality. This academy assisted in rebuilding my son's confidence and provided him with a will to excel. He couldn't wait to go to school, he enjoyed every ounce of learning. Listening to him talk about goals he was setting for himself and the challenges he was taking on was my realization that not "every" child with symptoms of "ADD", really have

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