Kindergarten parent teacher results..

Okay, I got my second parent teacher conference done.. DS is in kindergarten.. she said he is reading at first grade level and is a top student in all areas..the only issue is that he has to be 'pushed' into starting worksheets and group projects.. almost like he's not paying attantion but obviously he is bc he's learning everything well. He also doesn't always listen to directions when they are given. Basically he is a sweet, non hyper boy who always behaves but doesn't listen to his teacher when she asks questions or gives directions.. a daydreamer.. but is somehow learning everything she is teaching.. I asked if his concentration has improved since the fall and she said a very small amout.. so I was just annoyed and asked if I should just have him evaluated for add inattention form bc I am worried that 1st grade teachers will not be as sweet pushing him along with class work. She said she already had many kids evaluated in the class and DS was not one of them bc the person would look at her like she was crazy bc he is so smart and is learning all work so well. So what the heck should I do? She doesn't want him evaluated but is concerned ab him needing the 'push' to get work done.. I'm really hoping this is an immaturity thing bc I'm going nuts.

Re: Kindergarten parent teacher results..

I remember questioning if my child has add in kindergarten. Since he was reading when he was 3.5-4 & was ahead of the class, teachers tended to dismiss it because he wasn't off the wall ADHD. Eventually we did get a proper diagnosis & help. It bothered me too.

It may just be immaturity or boredom on his end (for ds it was a combination of boredom & ADD).

Re: Kindergarten parent teacher results..

Sometimes that's just a kids personality. My son is in 3rd grade, at the top of his grade academically, and STILL needs to be pushed to get started on things he's not completely interested in.

Re: Kindergarten parent teacher results..

I didnt even know they send in people to evaluate the kids. Does this happen without the parents permission? So do I assume I am in the clear since I havent heard about any evals with the exception of speech? Everything you mentioned above sounds like my dd as well. She is "on target" when asked to do something. She reads well. When the teacher isnt directly there she is picking glue off her fingers...no joke...

Message edited 3/19/2012 9:23:12 PM.

Re: Kindergarten parent teacher results..

That sounds like a typical kindergarten kid to me! Especially a smart one. I mean, a smart kid would pick up on the fact that the teacher doesn't mean business until she prods him a bit. I honestly wouldn't worry yet.

Re: Kindergarten parent teacher results..

We had the same issues in K and now they are in first grade and they were diagnosed with Adhd inattentive type. They are not hyper but they have a hard time doing one on one work and following instructions.

IMO, it doens't hurt to look into it, and see someone about it. I wish I would have done it last year but we were dealing with a few other issues in the classroom, and the fact that the teacher was changing from teacher to sub to perm sub and then back to teacher again and they didn't do great with change. We thought the issues had to do with that.

I wish I had looked into this over the summer and not started this process in Feb, since before we get any concrete answers or a second opinion it will be June.

Re: Kindergarten parent teacher results..

ADHD has nothing to do with intelligence. My DS is in the process of getting evaluated (he is in K) and is advanced in reading and math. I think if you are having concerns, you should get your child tested. You know your child best and if you feel its more than just the typical daydreaming K student, go ahead and start the process.

Re: Kindergarten parent teacher results..

Re: Kindergarten parent teacher results..

JMO, but it does not sound like there is a significant problem in school at this point.

Before you ask about an evaluation, consider what you hope to get from the evaluation. If you want to know if your DS has ADHD, the school will not give you a diagnosis. The psychologist may be able to do a screening (usually behavior rating scales given to the parent and teacher), but you'd have to get a healthcare provider or mental health professional to make a diagnosis.

If you are hoping to get special education services, your DS most likely will not qualify at this time. To be classified as a student with a disability and receive special ed services, the student must have a disability that significantly impairs educational progress. If your DS is on grade level, his learning is not significantly impaired. Whether he has a diagnosis or not is irrelevant.

FWIW, needing prompting to start on hsi work may be a sign that he is not challenged enough, or that he's just a bit of a daydreamer, not necessarily ADHD. You can take a look at this for info on the symptoms of ADHD. If you continue to have concerns, call the school psychologist and ask about an observation or screening. Just know that right now is the middle of a very busy time (annual reviews for all special education students), so an observation or screening may take a little time.

Parent guide provides info about the special education process, if you'd like to learn more.
HTH and Good Luck-

Re: Kindergarten parent teacher results..

THANK YOU all who replied. I agree that it SUCKS to have to wait until DS fails to get help but that is how many schools gauge a disability I guess. I have to inquire- Who can I take DS to get a screening?? Is there a specific Dr or therapist that does these evaluations. Sorry if dumb questions but I'm so clueless ab this stuff. I have been reminding ds every morning to pay attention to his teacher and listen and he seems to be aware and wants to "use his eyes and ears".. So I am hoping things straighten out or we get some answers.