Smoothing the Way online

I haven't made the final decision to homeschool...yet! I want to be prepared to jump right in when that time comes. My reasons for even thinking about homeschool are many & never-ending! My 9yr old son has been struggling in school for 3 years now. I ask for help, have conference after conference, he's been tested for special ed, his DR doesn't see the need for ADD meds although his teachers suggest it....and the list goes on! This year in the 4th grade, he's been failing since day one, I've asked them to give him a lil extra work time to finish things and a lil extra help in areas that are hard for him. I never get a reply! I'm not only blaming the school, my son is very laid back and doesn't get in a hurry for anything, also a bit on the lazy side! He is forgetful and forgets to bring homework home, or forgets to bring his books from class to class when they change, he forgets his pencils in other classes and for all this he gets conduct marks. I've asked if teachers remind the students at the end of the day to get all their homework before they leave, I was told no they do not because the children are old enough and should be responsible enough to know I feel everyone needs a lil reminding once in a while! What the school has done the last 2 years to help my son....they wait til the last 2 months of school and then they assign him to about 35-45 mins of afterschool tutoring, the tutoring is great but why wait til he is so far behind and then try to cram a whole year of stuff into his head??? And then there is a month of summer school, that's fine too...but it takes away from his summer and our summer plans because they refused to help throughout the year. He does very well in tutoring and summerschool, so I believe he is one that will do better in a one on one situation? Another reason that has just occured this year, is the attendence decisions...I've sent several DR's notes, ER release papers, the school nurse has called me at home and told me to keep him home until his infection completely cleared up (staph infection, boils...5 at once on his bottom, started with heat rash from football) all these absences were unexcused and they are threatening to press charges against me. I've been up there to fight it, and the principal said the school nurse was not allowed to make those decisions that no matter how sick he is I have to send him to school and it will be up to the principal to send him home. Since when does it work that way??? I've asked to speak with the superintendent, principal told me I couldn't request that, I had to go through her first...which is another lie coming from her! There are more reasons, but afraid there might be a maximum space limit here haha Just tired of the public school system, and hate seeing my son slip through the cracks!!! Sorry for any typos, in a bit of a rush this morning!

I know how you feel my son is in the 7th grade and is reading 3rd grade 6th month. It took me forever to get him tested. I also have a 9 year old step son who has all of the same things as your son. he has been diagnosed with dyslexia. My oldest also has dyslexia. I will be home schooling my 13 yo next year. I am totaly overwhelmed by all of the choices. I found a program for his dyslexia, also helps with add. it is audiblox. I am just so tired of fighting the schools. he goes every year and learns nothing, but they pass him anyway. he is in the special ed classes. they are doing absolutly nothing, just teach him the same thing over and over every year. than they throw him into regular classes for science and history and wonder why he is failing. Just wanted to let you know that there are a ton of us out here in the same situation.

So sorry for all the frustrations you are experiencing. I have been through several. How are you doing? How is your son? Infection? Desire to attend school?
I have taught college to adults and often THEY forgot books, supplies, and assignments, so I have a little more tolerance for children's shortcomings. Please only consider the child's best interest in this situation. I strongly caution you not to let yourself mistake what could be ADD or similar handicaps w/laziness. It can look that way. Sometimes, they are so overwhelmed by a task, that they zone out or even go to sleep. Are you in Texas? Laws vary from state to state on attendance, etc. Often, the school administration doesn't know their own laws very well. Before beginning homeschooling, pray, pray, pray. If you feel called to move ahead, make a plan. I have always gone a step further by being a member of support groups in which we help hold each other accountable to meet the highest of standards for our homes and children's education. No need to reinvent the wheel. Many others can help you along the way. Now, I am going to pray that you get rest when you need rest, and strength when you need strength. I pray for complete healing for your precious little one. I pray that he will grown up healthy & strong, regardless of the decisions you make about his education. May God bless your family.
Becky Rankin