Kaitlyn will be going to the 7th grade. She will be in the same school. Her IEP was a bit different than in elementary school. The teachers are not as attentive to the "meeting" although seem more creative in their daily care of her need to be independent. Yesterday was a final testament to her inclusive setting. The gen ed 6th grade class trip went to our local water park called Sunsplash. She did not have a para go, nor any support other than her peers. She had a wonderful day where I arrive to see her in the mix with all the other 6th grade girls..They were collecting their belongings from the shared lockers and she was right there claiming her towel, cover up along with making sure all her items were accounted for. She turned to the girls and said "Oh there is my mom" then said; "I had fun with you today, see you Monday" Many of the girls quickly "eagerly" replied; " we had fun with you too Katie, see you at school Katie" "Have a great weekend" Katie smiled and waved with a huge smile. My only regret is not teaching her to reapply sunscreen throughout the day...my summer goal...She is very red.
One item discussed many times throughout her IEP was that while she is included in gen ed classes she does not want to look different than the others EVER... She will no longer use assistive Tech because it is different. The computer and Kursweil is open to all students therefor she is fine with these normal items but the slant board she hides. When items are different she refuses to use them. It has gone to the books they use and worksheets they get along with taking notes. Kaitlyn wants to be like her peers so the simplest things have been done for her.. The text book cover is THE SAME..They simply took the cover off a book to place over her modified book--know one knows-- the content is hers so it LOOKS THE SAME. Her worksheets are made to look just like the class although the content is hers. She has her notes up on the board; class notes; although a second set is set on her desk for accuracy modified to her ability. She is in the daily discussions and it is obvious when she knows the answer to something and is always given the opportunity to answer and some times peers give her the answer when she offers something not quite correct. She is out in the hall when he break bell rings, busy in conversations with peers. When her para is seeking to check on her to return to class she actually HIDES behind another peer to hang until the very last minute.....LOL How typical is that!
Steven's IEP went equally as well as Kaitlyn's.
Steven will move on to Middle school into the 6th grade. He has buckled down over the past several years and it is agreed HE IS OUT OF LIFE SKILLS!!!!! I cried! He will be in the same classes Kaitlyn did this past year. They will for the first time attend the same school and ride the bus together to and from school. I can not express the delight in just this move. Steven will visit his new school next week and allow the staff to get time to know him for some mental planning over the summer. I believe that teachers have soooo much the first few days of school that getting their head wrapped around a student like Steven or Kaitlyn and their needs is something they should have time to prepare. I like teachers to know leaving the year that they will have one of my children upon the fall return. I AM EXCITED ..
Jordan's IEP gives me so many pleasures of hope... He is in the second grade. We had his planning meeting and his teacher from this year hopes to wrap up?? I do not remember the exact term to move on to second grade to teach so that she can have Jordan again!! HUGE DIFFERENCE... Prior years teacher would duc and avoid being in the choices for having him and now three of his team teachers where very vocal at the meeting their would love for the option to be that they could keep him under them and in Gen Ed 2nd grade. HUGE HUGE mountains moved here... A child just a few years ago that I was told this campus does not have the skill for his needs and he would need to be placed elsewhere and LIFE SKILLS was the direction I fought hard hard hard to keep him in place.. I am so very happy I BELIEVED in him and now they do equally.
Tressa's IEP is next week --will post after
