My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions *with pic of my cutie*

My son just went from a mainstream class with 24 children and no aide to Boces. 7 children and 4 adults in his classroom! SWR said he would not be able to be in their inclusion classes and would not fit right in their self contained classes. He is very smart, but has social emotional and behavioral issues. I was tired of my son being singled out and picked on etc b/c of his behavior. I know no matter where he goes he will have trouble. :(

Anyway, there were no satellite programs they thought he would fit in. Our only option given to us was BOCES, so thats where we are at.

Anyway, my son IMO is very intelligent. I am shocked that he was getting no homework or 1 item, lasting 5 minutes or so, when last year he was working on HW until bedtime. 2 extremes for sure. I figured I would show his teacher my sons ELA, Math & Science scores so he would know where my son is at - at least a glimpse. I went to his Parent Teacher night and didnt exactly like what I heard. I dont think he will be challenged at all. Well someone else brought up the tests and he went on and on about hos scores dont prove anything etc.

So should I still send them in? Do they really mean anything? Does anyone know a lot about BOCES b/c this is still new for us. I figured since theres only 7 kids in my sons classroom it should be easy to differentiate the HW? IDK Am I expecting too much. I want my son challenged. Our goal would be to have him in the mainstreamed classroom again one day, but I dont know if thats just dreaming :(

Anyway, he got above average in every singe category except 1 below average on the ELA test. Maybe you can tell me what that category was like? Wondering if it was a lot of writing b/c he hates writing essays etc.

In Math he is Level 4 - 89/100
In Science he is Level 4 - 707/800
ELA - Level 3 - 679/775

In the 3rd ELA category he got a 47/71. It was Language for Critical Analysis and Evaluation? Whats that exactly?

Message edited 9/25/2011 12:29:38 PM.

Re: My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions

Re: My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions

Since it sounds like your son was put in this placement for social and behavioral issues but his test scores are so high, academically his instruction SHOULD still be challenging, or at least on grade level. The kids in his class could be ranging along a vast range of academic abilities though. The main focus on this type of program is to provide intensive behavioral and social interventions and supports, so that may take up a great deal of time, depending on the circumstances. I would try to make it very clear that although you understand and support the behavioral programs they are investing time into, that you still feel very strongly about quality academic instruction as well. Offer that you are willing to do projects and homework at home with your son as well. Hopefully he will progress across the board in all areas here! Best of luck!!!

Re: My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions

To me it sounds like a big jump. He went from 24 students with NO aids to 7:4. Why not a self-contained class in the district? How do they know a self-contained would not fit him. It is a lot different than being in a class with 24 students. Smaller classes are almost like a family. I have seen children really do well in self-contained classes. There isn't too much stimulation, as in background noise and other student interuption.

If he isn't getting challanging hw. I would be worried about his class work also. The teacher is required to give him work on his level. I am assuming he is in fifth grade, since he took the science test. I don't know how your district is, but I have had parents come take tours through the classrooms to see if placements for their children would fit them at my school. To me (even though I don't have all the information), he doesn't seem like he is in the right placement.

Re: My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions

What are the classifications of the other children in the Boces class he is in? You can legally ask for that, but they won't tell you who is classified as what. I would not want my academically thriving child to be put into a classroom where they are really working on remedial skills and not challenging him enough.

I'll be honest, I've heard by many that Boces programs are better suited for those that are cognitively delayed. It sounds like this is not the correct placement for him, it seems like it might be too restrictive in a 7:4. I would push to have him be put into the self contained classroom in your district, or into another district that is nearby. Many kids go out of district to another school that is not Boces.

Re: My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions

It also sounds like you were bullied at your prior school!

Your child should always be placed in the Least Restrictive Environment. That is the law.

Did your son have an IEP in the class with 24 students? The next step should have been inclusion class, or a 12:1 or 12:1:1 in the school district! Your son can also qualify for a 1:1 aide in a general ed class, inclusion class, or self-contained in your home district!

I am so angry right now! What was the reason your child could not go into an inclusion class or self contained class in your district?

Re: My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions

Also, I am not saying BOCES isn't the right place but what I am saying is that they did not follow the steps!

He should have been put in the inclusion class ... if that did not meet his needs, then he should have been placed in a 12:1 class... if that didn't work the ratio could have changed to 12:1:1. A 1:1 aide should have been implemented along the way.

And if all of this did NOT work...
then, BOCES should have been suggested.

Re: My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions

It really seems that the BOCES class is overly restrictive for him. If you don't mind me asking, what kind of behavior was he demonstrating in the inclusion class where the district felt that it was no longer an appropriate placent for him? Also, did the district implement a behavior intervention plan with him first before making the change? It just seems to me that a lot of steps were skipped based on the info you gave.

Re: My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions

My son was never in an inclusion class. When my son was so young I KNEW something wasnt right. He had a lot of issues socially. He just never fit in. I couldnt exactly place why but nonw of the kids wanted to play with him after 1 or 2 play dates.

Anyway as he got older preschool started telling me in their own way - hes having a lot of trouble. You may want to get him tested for ADHD.

After a bad spell of pneumonia he started sniffing and blinking often. Pediatricians kept telling me to give him allergy meds. I knew they were wrong. He then started major body tics. He would get so dizzy he would fall down and the doctors then thought he was having seizures. Turns out it was Tourettes.

He then became obsessed with folding paper. Hes very into magic and science but Im not sure I would say obsessed. Its like he goes through fazes where he finds something he likes but takes it to the next level.

We moved to SWR in 1st grade. Ever since things have gone downhill. Im not sure its the school. Seems like his behaviors have gotten worse too. He has trouble sitting in a chair, sitting still on a rug, not touching others, taking turns etc. He then had a lot of trouble socially b/c all the kids pinned him as the trouble maker. He couldnt deal with constantly being picked on so he would react back by cursing or sometimes fighting back. I feel like the school just often took the other kids side, but my son really isnt malicious. He is dying for friends... A FRIEND. They called him Gay Gabe etc. It has been a nightmare.

He has always been EXTREMELY bright. He doesnt like writing. He started refusing to do work. They lost him a few times. Hed walk out of the classroom. One day walked out of the school. I then fought for a 1:1 aide, but then my son still had trouble.

He started saying he didnt want to live etc and I truly felt his sadness. Sure I want him to be "normal" but I dont know he will ever really fit in socially.

So I called an emergency CSE. They had said in the past hed be fine for 5th grade but not for 6th. I couldnt deal with another year like last year so I said no - he needs something else! I have asked for him to be put into a classroom with an aide since Kindergarten b/c I knew hed need extra help behaviorally and socially. They would always say no b/c the only class with an aide was the inclusion classroom. They said Gabe would be a distraction to the kids who needed help academically.

They then said they have 2 self contained classes. One has students who are severly disabled and the other has students who are very very very low academically. They said BOCES would be our best option.

I dont know how the other boys in his class do academically but they are mixed. 4th 5th and 6th. No matter what I just want my son to be accepted socially and I also want him to be challenged. I am buying a house in the Connetquot school district and am hoping they will have a better placement for Gabe. thanks for all your responses and sorry for the length of this reply!

Re: My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions

I truly feel for you! Such a difficult thing to go through I hope that your son finds a better fit. In my opinion, after reading your new response, I still do NOT feel like BOCES is an appropriate setting w/o trying more restrictive settings in your current school district.

Re: My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions

Posted by fdnywife

My son was never in an inclusion class. When my son was so young I KNEW something wasnt right. He had a lot of issues socially. He just never fit in. I couldnt exactly place why but nonw of the kids wanted to play with him after 1 or 2 play dates.

Anyway as he got older preschool started telling me in their own way - hes having a lot of trouble. You may want to get him tested for ADHD.

After a bad spell of pneumonia he started sniffing and blinking often. Pediatricians kept telling me to give him allergy meds. I knew they were wrong. He then started major body tics. He would get so dizzy he would fall down and the doctors then thought he was having seizures. Turns out it was Tourettes.

He then became obsessed with folding paper. Hes very into magic and science but Im not sure I would say obsessed. Its like he goes through fazes where he finds something he likes but takes it to the next level.

We moved to SWR in 1st grade. Ever since things have gone downhill. Im not sure its the school. Seems like his behaviors have gotten worse too. He has trouble sitting in a chair, sitting still on a rug, not touching others, taking turns etc. He then had a lot of trouble socially b/c all the kids pinned him as the trouble maker. He couldnt deal with constantly being picked on so he would react back by cursing or sometimes fighting back. I feel like the school just often took the other kids side, but my son really isnt malicious. He is dying for friends... A FRIEND. They called him Gay Gabe etc. It has been a nightmare.

He has always been EXTREMELY bright. He doesnt like writing. He started refusing to do work. They lost him a few times. Hed walk out of the classroom. One day walked out of the school. I then fought for a 1:1 aide, but then my son still had trouble.

He started saying he didnt want to live etc and I truly felt his sadness. Sure I want him to be "normal" but I dont know he will ever really fit in socially.

So I called an emergency CSE. They had said in the past hed be fine for 5th grade but not for 6th. I couldnt deal with another year like last year so I said no - he needs something else! I have asked for him to be put into a classroom with an aide since Kindergarten b/c I knew hed need extra help behaviorally and socially. They would always say no b/c the only class with an aide was the inclusion classroom. They said Gabe would be a distraction to the kids who needed help academically.

They then said they have 2 self contained classes. One has students who are severly disabled and the other has students who are very very very low academically. They said BOCES would be our best option.

I dont know how the other boys in his class do academically but they are mixed. 4th 5th and 6th. No matter what I just want my son to be accepted socially and I also want him to be challenged. I am buying a house in the Connetquot school district and am hoping they will have a better placement for Gabe. thanks for all your responses and sorry for the length of this reply!

Re: My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions

Re: My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions

Thanks everyone. I think I will call Connetquot on Monday and see if anyone will talk to me since we should be moving there in November or December depending on when and if we close :) Im not sure going back to our current district now will really help and things take time. If were leaving soon KWIM? I wouldnt mind after winter break if he made the transition to a Connetqout program IF they can handle him. Fingers crossed.

Re: My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions

this makes me so sad

he shouldn't have a classroom aide--he should have a one on one! depending on his classification, he may be entitled to one. a classroom aide is just that--they assist in the classroom. organizing things, helping out, etc. a one on one would be there just for your son. helping him organize, helping him socially, etc.

obviously, i don't know your gabe. but it sounds like it's more than just Tourette. has he had a psychological done recently?

Re: My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions

Posted by browneyedgirl

this makes me so sad

he shouldn't have a classroom aide--he should have a one on one! depending on his classification, he may be entitled to one. a classroom aide is just that--they assist in the classroom. organizing things, helping out, etc. a one on one would be there just for your son. helping him organize, helping him socially, etc.

obviously, i don't know your gabe. but it sounds like it's more than just Tourette. has he had a psychological done recently?

Re: My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions *with pic of my cutie*

Posted by Jacksmommy

Posted by fdnywife

My son was never in an inclusion class. When my son was so young I KNEW something wasnt right. He had a lot of issues socially. He just never fit in. I couldnt exactly place why but nonw of the kids wanted to play with him after 1 or 2 play dates.

Anyway as he got older preschool started telling me in their own way - hes having a lot of trouble. You may want to get him tested for ADHD.

After a bad spell of pneumonia he started sniffing and blinking often. Pediatricians kept telling me to give him allergy meds. I knew they were wrong. He then started major body tics. He would get so dizzy he would fall down and the doctors then thought he was having seizures. Turns out it was Tourettes.

He then became obsessed with folding paper. Hes very into magic and science but Im not sure I would say obsessed. Its like he goes through fazes where he finds something he likes but takes it to the next level.

We moved to SWR in 1st grade. Ever since things have gone downhill. Im not sure its the school. Seems like his behaviors have gotten worse too. He has trouble sitting in a chair, sitting still on a rug, not touching others, taking turns etc. He then had a lot of trouble socially b/c all the kids pinned him as the trouble maker. He couldnt deal with constantly being picked on so he would react back by cursing or sometimes fighting back. I feel like the school just often took the other kids side, but my son really isnt malicious. He is dying for friends... A FRIEND. They called him Gay Gabe etc. It has been a nightmare.

He has always been EXTREMELY bright. He doesnt like writing. He started refusing to do work. They lost him a few times. Hed walk out of the classroom. One day walked out of the school. I then fought for a 1:1 aide, but then my son still had trouble.

He started saying he didnt want to live etc and I truly felt his sadness. Sure I want him to be "normal" but I dont know he will ever really fit in socially.

So I called an emergency CSE. They had said in the past hed be fine for 5th grade but not for 6th. I couldnt deal with another year like last year so I said no - he needs something else! I have asked for him to be put into a classroom with an aide since Kindergarten b/c I knew hed need extra help behaviorally and socially. They would always say no b/c the only class with an aide was the inclusion classroom. They said Gabe would be a distraction to the kids who needed help academically.

They then said they have 2 self contained classes. One has students who are severly disabled and the other has students who are very very very low academically. They said BOCES would be our best option.

I dont know how the other boys in his class do academically but they are mixed. 4th 5th and 6th. No matter what I just want my son to be accepted socially and I also want him to be challenged. I am buying a house in the Connetquot school district and am hoping they will have a better placement for Gabe. thanks for all your responses and sorry for the length of this reply!

This truly angered me. First of all, he is obviously being bullied and it doesn't seem like they did anything to handle it. They are absolutely LEGALLY responsible to do something about the bullying! As for Boces being your only option that is not true. You can investigate other districts that have different co-teaching/self-contained programs and have your district pay for him to go to those districts ...or a private school could also be an option. IT looks like the school district bullied you too! In addition, did your son ever have an FBA (functional behavior assessment) or a BIP (behavior intervention plan)? If not, I would absolutely fight for one!
As for your current school, I would ask to have a meeting with this current school to discuss their academic programming. Find out if the students in his class are all taking state assessments or if they are taking the NYSAA (New York State Alternate Assessment). If they are taking the NYSAA, they have moderate-severe cognitive delays and this is not an appropriate placement for him if he is not cognitively delayed.

Re: My sons ELA Math & Science scores - questions *with pic of my cutie*

Well I contacted his teacher in BOCES and he feels that Gabe needs to be there due to his social and behavioral issues. He said I could contact Connetquot to see if they would have a better placement but thinks Gabe may benefit from 2 years or so in BOCES. IDK. He said that he is challenged in school and that he will be working on a 5th grade level.