I recently received an email from a mother of a third grader who is very worried about her child’s reading progress. “He still struggles” she writes “and I try to help him but to no avail.” You can sense her frustration and desire to put her son on the “right reading path.”
When August approaches, many parents start experiencing the same sentiments. It’s important for them to share their feelings with teachers and principals in September. Waiting for “improvement” does not usually happen and parents have the right to request an evaluation, often times leading to an IEP (individual education plan).
I have enclosed an excellent link from the National Center for Learning Disabilities which will help parents frame their thoughts when they contact their children’s teachers. It is entitled EIGHT SENTENCE STARTERS TO USE WHEN TALKING TO TEACHERS.
I hope September brings you and your child clarity around his reading profile, targeting his learning strengths and needs to help him move forward this school year.