Re: middle school programming

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I am a consultant for a few kids in middle school. Here are a few things

that we use that help the kids get the most out of school:

-Get a copy of class notes from the teacher prior to the lesson so that your

son can highlight as the teacher talks or puts notes on the board. Many of my

kids can't copy as fast as the notes are given, but can follow along nicely to

pre-printed notes.

-During class presentations, have your son write down each students name as

they go up to speak, and 3 things they said. Sometimes a printed list of all

the classmates helps, your child can point to the speaker's name while they are

speaking (and/or write their topic or a few facts next to their name).

-Have the teacher use direct questioning to make sure your son is listening.

The teacher can ask a simple WH question after a statement e.g. " lemon juice

and soda are acids, (name) what are lemon juice and soda? " . Or have the aid

check for listening after another child responds " what did (name) just say? "

-Require your child to tell his aid 3 things he learned following a lesson or

class period.

-Use graphic organizers (venn diagrams, charts etc) and flash cards for

studying.

We don't use one specific program, but modify for each student. I don't know

what level your son is at, so I am not sure if these suggestions would apply

to him. If you have any other questions, feel free to e-mail me.

-Jannine

[Guest guest]

Deb and group,

My son will be in 7th grade at O'Keefe Middle School in Madison,WI this

September. Some of the elements that have been important for his success have

been:

great teachers--both regular and special education

well trained and carefully supervised sp ed assistants

assistive technology always accessible

staff and classmates who ALL buy in to inclusion

flexibility esp. in scheduling and passing times.

, Colin P's mom

[ ] middle school programming

My son will be entering middle school this year with an experience 1:1

ABA therapist who also is a great teacher. He will be one of the first

students in the city who will be graduating from an inclusion model

elementary school to go into an untested inclusion model at the middle

school level. For my son, I am anticipating that he will have a hard

time keeping up with the academic material since the material is

presented more auditory than visual. My question is, Does anyone know

of a successful middle school program/model that will allow for

learning but not having to reamain in the learning resource room for

most of the day that is in a public school setting? What are the

components that make it a success? Thank you Deb mom to

Nick, 13 years old