New Student

I am getting a new student in my special education class tomorrow. He is already classified and receiving services--hence why is coming to me.

However, I have never had a student come to me mid-year and all the students I always get are in our most restrictive enviornment, and so i have a lot of history from their prior teachers as well as a good working relationship with their last teacher before me.

That said, does anyone have any helpful tools or tests that they can share to give me an idea of where he is academically? I will do some problem solving, math facts, reading comprehension and some writing... but just curious to see if anyone has anything SPECIFIC that they use that works for them...

And any other tips for welcoming a new student mid-year!

TIA!!!!

Re: New Student

Ugh, I feel like this happens to us all the time with people CONSTANTLY moving into the district. I don't have any ideas, but I just had to commiserate because I've so been there with getting new students mid-year. (And now, of course, I'm wondering if this new student of yours has older siblings... )

Re: New Student

Ok ,these things are semi random not specific, but....

**Benchmark Reading assessment. We do these mid year for every student anyway.
**NYS ELA Exam (as a benchmark)
**NYS Math Exam..these exams would both at least give you a sense. If they are low, maybe assessing them with the grade below
test.
**I always call the previous teacher as well. I like this for those kids who arrive with NO paperwork and files and you need to get an idea of what they need.
**Conference with the parent ASAP.
**I always assign two other kids to give the new student a tour and be their "buddies" for a while. This might work nicely to get your other students socializing and give them a role of leadership.

I know these things are pretty basic, but they are a start for me when I get a new student.

Message edited 3/24/2008 11:42:50 AM.

Re: New Student

Posted by nel

Ugh, I feel like this happens to us all the time with people CONSTANTLY moving into the district. I don't have any ideas, but I just had to commiserate because I've so been there with getting new students mid-year. (And now, of course, I'm wondering if this new student of yours has older siblings... )

Re: New Student

Posted by donegal419

Posted by nel

Ugh, I feel like this happens to us all the time with people CONSTANTLY moving into the district. I don't have any ideas, but I just had to commiserate because I've so been there with getting new students mid-year. (And now, of course, I'm wondering if this new student of yours has older siblings... )

Nope, he's an only child...you're good!

Re: New Student

I would call his former school and speak to the teacher. I am an ESL teacher and when I get a student mid year I always call their previous school for test results to see what the required amount of ESL is. The teachers are always very willing to share info about the student and offer any help and answer any questions I have.

Re: New Student

Re: New Student

I got a new student last month and his previous school took forever to send all this previous test scores over, so I called his teacher and asked her where he was.
I actually am in the process of re-accessing him b/c they never changed his IEP (and they had the meeting knowing he was coming here) they still have him as needing sign...and we are an auditory oral program....plus he is no where near where his teacher "claimed"...so more fun work for us.