High School way too hard?

Question

Ok here's my situation, I have Aspergers Disorder, and I'm in 9th Grade in High School. I can not stand my case manager at all because she does not help me at all, and when I do come to her with a problem all she does ***** at me, and say everythings my fault. And on top of that, I have 3 F's, and 1 C in school, The reason of that is because the one class that I have a helper is the class that I have a C in. And I can not do anywork by my self in school, because it is way to hard thus is the reason I have F's. And I even had a special meeting with my casemanager, and the Special Education Directer in my High School to change my case manager, and I explaned everything, and they did not even change my case manager, they just talked about what I could do, when what realy needs to be done is what they could do to help me. It seems to me there is no way to get help, so some time next week, I will have a special meeting with the head principal of my High School to see what the h**l can be..

Answer 1

Wow that c**p.  Maybe the school board does not believe you.  Try to get a type recorder or a telephone and record your interaction with her.  Why are your parents not fighter for you.  I would also not talk to her alone.  The classes that you are failing bring her in front of your teacher and ask the teacher what and how your case worker should be helping you.  Make her spend her breaks in the classroom with the teacher there.  Next time you are at the Special Education director meeting tell them this and be assertive.  I DON'T WHAT TO FAIL ANYMORE.  PLEASE DO YOUR PART AND I WILL DO MY PART.  MY CASEWORKER DOES NOT WORK WITH ME.  IF YOU DON'T DO THIS I SEE NO FUTURE.  PLEASE MAKE MY FUTURE BRIGHT.  and good luck

Answer 2

When you say your case manager does not help you, what specifically do you want her to do that she is not doing.  Make a list of very specific things you need.  Then you can take this list to the Special Ed Director and see what he says.  There might not be another case manager available to take you on as a client, so that might not be an option, but maybe you can have some of your requirements built into your IEP.  Then the school would have to follow through.

From what you've stated, it sounds like some things you could include on your list might be:  1) an aide in each class, 2) time in a resource room for subjects that are especially challenging, 3) a quiet non-distracting place (not the classroom) in which to take exams,  4) an after school tutor or resource time to help you organize and complete homework assignments, 5) regular meetings (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly) with your case manager and possibly also the special ed director to review how things are going and change the plan if things are still not working.  

Definitely change that list to match your specific needs.  Keep in mind that it may take time to set up extra resources for you.  Advocate for yourself, but be patient as well.  Good luck!

Answer 3

The GED wouldn't be much easier, in fact some people say the GED is harder than regular high school.

I would suggest staying in school, maybe going to a special Aspberger's school or ask for a tutor and do home school if you can. It looks better for a job if you have a high school diploma versus a GED.

Answer 4

Get your parents to demand a new case manager. You need someone on your side who understands your situation. Having a special need is not black and white. You learn differently from other kids I'm sure. I don't know much about your condition but I do know you don't need someone like that, that is suppose to be representing you. My daughter has spina bifida and has problems learning and her teachers are clueless and uncaring. Goodluck sweetie and keep your head up just never give up.

Answer 5

If you are failing your academic classes, you need to ADVOCATE for yourself.  Don't expect other teachers to help you.  You really need to practice on advocating.  That is what you will be doing for the rest of your life.  You need to start to be INDEPENDENT.  

Ask the psychologist that you want to be in self-contained classes.  Those classes are designed for students who are FAILING their academic classes.

Answer 6

Your parents need to get involved here. Educators, as dumb as it might seem, do not listen to students. They figure you are lying or trying to get out of hard work. You need them to advocate for you. They need to be tough with the school district. They should read the Parent's Rights, Procedural Safeguards and threaten to go to a due process hearing if they can't get you what you need.

The other thing you may need to do is to get an autism advocate. Autism Speaks is and organization that works with children on the Autism Spectrum and provides advocates.

It is unacceptable that you are getting F's in three classes. They need to provide support in all of your classes or you may need to ask to go back to a special class and only go out for certain subjects. This may mean a change of school, but it would be worth it. This is another example of how inclusion hurts students by not providing the kind of support you need.

You need to have a school district autism specialist at your next meeting if you can. Have your parents call the school district special ed office and ask for someone to attend your meeting.

Finally, go to the Wright's Law website to find out your legal rights to a free and appropriate public education.