We had Elijah's IEP meeting today(here in Texas it is called an ARD, but I figure I would use IEP meeting since every other state uses that terminology but us!). It went really well. It was one of the best meetings I have ever had for him and was just easy. He is working on grade level in reading and math. He will take the accomodated state testing....which is the same as the regular test that everyone else takes....minus the field test questions. He will get some accomodations, the main one being one on one testing. He won't be in a room with anyone but the test administrator. This is to decrease the distractions in the room, but also due to his tics. He would be a major distraction to any other students in the room.
Overall, everyone is pleased with his progress. Behavior is so much better and he seems to have fewer "off" days. Of course, some of those days he cannot help, due to them being neurological in nature. We are hoping that on test days in April that he is having a GOOD day!
When he makes level 5 he will be mainstreamed out in one class daily. After 21 school days he then will mainstream into another class. Once he is over 50% out in mainstream then we have to go back and have another IEP meeting. He will also get a keyboarding device to use in the classroom instead of having to write his assignments. I am glad it will be a slow transition for him. I think that will help. He will also have an aide that goes with him to his classes.
His deaf ed. teacher thinks he is doing very well. She is amazed at how well he hears with his implants and his language skills. He still has things he needs to work on, but he has come so far. He was not even talking at the age of 3 and now I cannot get him to be quiet sometimes! His teacher had me tell everyone the story about him saying inclined plane and using it correctly in a sentence!
I am not sure what the future holds, but for today things are good! Sometimes all you can focus on is the present and try not to worry too much about the future. It can drive you nuts.
so glad to hear how well elijah is doing. thinking of you and your family and hope you guys have a great 2010!
ReplyDelete~jamie