Homeschool World Forum

[rachelinnys]

I'm rachel from NYS...hence my handle.

I'm the mother of a multiple handicapped teenager who was Williams Syndrome. I just started home schooling her this last 3 months when she could no longer handle going to school. She would vomit from stress everyday. Plus one of the teachers had placed her in roller skates which was too dangerous for her. She is prone to falls as stated on her IEP. (Plus she has edema in both feet.)

Needless to say I'm home schooling by default. The school was nothing more than a institute to baby-sit her. Her retardation is moderate. Is currently at a 1st to 2nd grade level. Plus has many physical issues, emotional issues on top of the retardation.

The last 3 months has show a drastic improvement in her health since she was removed from school. She was also getting chronic infections as well. Unfortunately the school has given me little as far as home schooling a handicapped child and this is the only special needs child they have in home school. However the CSE has offered her PT,OT, Speech and Music free of charge.

Right now my biggest issue is the year end state assessment testing. According to law she needs to take a 9th grade level test but I know she will not be able to handle that. I wrote a thread on the situation under the special needs section with more details.

Anyways...I'm glad I found this forum. I'm so relived to find a place with other parents of home schoolers.

[Jill]

Welcome! Glad you found this forum. Sorry I can't help because I'm not familiar with the laws in your state or having a special needs child. Hopefully, you can find the answers you are looking for here.
Best wishes!
_________________
Jill
http://www.homeschool-by-design.com
Where love and learning go hand in hand.

[rachelinnys]

thank you, Jill.

it hit me last night that there is no law that states she has to be assessed at the level of her peers. that was placed in her IEP from the school as means of comparing her against the normal school body.

but in homeschool there is no "peers" to test against. So, she should be tested on her level. Each year of home school assessment should be compared to the previous in order to accurately gauge her learning.

testing a 1st grader on a 9th and 10th grade level would only show a decrease logically.

the only issue I can think of for the school to give me would be they would want an actual test done rather than the written report. of which I will test her on her level...not someone else's. She's not in the district anymore...so the test must be geared to her level.

[Jill]

Glad you have figured it out.
_________________
Jill
http://www.homeschool-by-design.com
Where love and learning go hand in hand.

[rondawilliams00]

Hi,

I am also fro NYS. So happy to find a place to discuss homeschooling with like-minded people.