Yesterday we had our end of the school year meeting with Ian's Therapist, Teacher and Service Coordinator. It went well for the most part. I felt they graded Ian a little low in general. I hate the grading system. They pulled out that stupid Hawaii Standards Test (the one that compares Ian to "typical" kids). I said jokingly, "Do I really have to look at that?". The Teacher stiffened ever so slightly then went into this long speech about how it's a good guide and about how well Ian is doing. In my mind I'm saying, "Um, yeah he's doing great, but compared to a regular kid he's NOT doing that great." She then goes into detail about where Ian is at on that blasted test. Hello! I just said I didn't want to hear how Ian is doing compared to "typical" kids.
At any rate, the conclusion of the meeting was that Ian is doing well in the area of PT. He is, for the most part, doing what "typical" kids are doing at his age and therefore his therapy will be reduced from twice a month to once a month. That sounds good to me. I tried to suggest that Ian's Teacher also come once a month along with the PT, but the Teacher wasn't having it. She said that 9-12 months is a crucial time in speech development and she wants to keep coming every other week. Nuts! She's the one who is long winded and I would have preferred that she come once a month. Ach vell! I guess I'll do what's best for Ian and have her continue coming every other week. Anyhoo, I just thought I'd let y'all know the results of our meeting. I appreciated all your advice on this!
4 comments:
I'm glad that the meeting wasn't too painful. Ian sounds like such a trooper! But how annoying to have to sit through such a ridiculous comparison. Yuck! Who knows though, maybe somehow you can make an impression on the teacher and help her see things more accurately. (that's me trying to have a half-full glass) :)
We get to go through all those types of evaluations this summer, so I'd appreciate any advice you have, too!
Annie, I hate getting those testing results, I try not to give them any thought, but, sadly they do bug me, and they never ever capture truly how darn smart my little guy is. I hate tests, truly they mean nothing. Now if only I could listen to my own advise :) Good Luck!!!
Cristylynn- Take what they say with a grain of salt. Use their assessments as a guide, yes, but let your little one progress through this life at his own pace. I know it's difficult not to compare to others though...
Monica- Thanks Monica. I sure appreciate your validation! ;0)
Another piece of seemingly busted glass in this stained glass window (how's that for an analogy?) is that, sometimes, it's those nasty assessments that get the goodies for us. . . like the OB doc coming up with some issue so Vicky could stay an extra day or two at the hospital when Emma was born and in the NICU. . .
Inaccuracy is one thing, a bureaucrat looking out for you (like the Dad in the Incredibles 'not' telling the old lady about how to work the insurance co.) could be something else.
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