Now I'm in special ed?

Question

Before, I was in regular school. I have gone through anxiety and emotional problems. After that I got dropped-out and sent to a place called the "Learning Center" next to my school (I'm a freshman). And now they sent me to a special ed class? What can I do!? I feel frustrated. Everything they teach me is beyond basic to me. I have basic math, and basic English. I asked this question because I want to know, how to I go back to regular school! I also have a low self-esteem, and only got five credits so far because of all the absences and waking up late. I only have three more years and I don't want to waste them.

Answer 1

Ok, you're in special education so you have an IEP.  Are your anxiety and emotional problems being addressed by that IEP as well?  Do you talk to a school psychologist or counselor on a regular basis?  I would talk to them about your feelings and try to work up a plan of action.  As a freshman, it's time you start assuming more control and advocate for yourself.  The counselor or psych will help you.  

Have you talked to your teacher and parents about the work and how easy it is?  Just because you're in a special education class doesn't mean you have to do only "basic" work.  IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan.  Perhaps you need the smaller class size due to your anxiety/emotional issues.  That may be why they've been giving you such easy work. So you could focus on being in school successfully, and not worry about the anxiety of producing grade level work.  If you want more difficult work, you can and should have more difficult work.  Your IEP should state your educational levels and have goals that are above your current functioning. Giving you "busy work" will not help you reach those goals.    

IF you and your parents agree that the work is not challenging enough, then they should request an IEP meeting to change your educational goals. Ask what type of work you'll be doing to meet those goals. It should be at a level that will challenge you, but not frustrate you and increase anxiety issues.  

Good luck.

Answer 2

And you are absent because?  You wake up late because?

I am not diminishing your problems BUT the programs that work the best are those where you learn to take action yourself with help and support.  Special Education is not a place where everyone does your work for you.  It is a place where your needs are evaluated and supports and instruction are provided so that YOU can maximize your potential.

So the school has a role in this, your parents have a role in this but you have a role in this as well.  You can start doing your part by either showing up on time - OR working with folks at the school to see what of your emotional problems are impacting your attendence.

Answer 3

Have you always been in special ed? Does you mom and dad feel like you need tuttoring? If not then have your mom talk to the principle and see why they put you in special ed to be sure that was the only reason

Answer 4

OK, first of all, did you just now get an IEP plan and get in special ed? Or, were you already in special ed when you got sent to the new school?

Did your parents agree in writing for you to go to the new school?

The answers to these questions are VERY important and if the school did some  things wrong, you can go back to the regular school.

PLEASE email me [e-mail]  so I can help you more, it's too complicated to explain it all here.

Answer 5

Have you been involved in the development of your IEP (Individualized Education Program)? You can ask your parent(s) to request an IEP meeting and attend with them. You have a voice and you should tell the team how you are feeling and listen to them discuss the placement options. If you feel the work is too basic, then let them know. Review your current IEP and look at the goals that were written. Do they seem too simple for where you are currently functioning? If you think you have already met/mastered the goals, they need to be revised/changed. If the goals look good and appropriate and are just not being addressed in your current placement, bring that up at your next IEP meeting, which you and your parents can request.

Answer 6

Do your parents agree that these classes are not the proper place for you to be?  If so, they need to request a case conference and discuss any changes that they feel need to be made.  If everyone is in agreement about the placement (other than you) the best thing to do is request a conference yourself and voice your concerns.  Typically when I have a student who feels this way we'll make a deal...they pass the classes with at least a C and we'll move them up to the next level of class (either sp. ed. to basic, or basic to academic) at the end of the grading period.  If you have failed a lot of your classes so far, it is difficult for the school and your parents to decide what is a proper placement.  It is so hard to decide...are they failing because the work is too hard (a lot of kids try to cover up when this is the case out of embarassment) or are they failing because they don't care/ aren't trying/ have other issues that need addressed?  Sometimes being in a lower level class is a confidence booster for some kids...they get a chance to be successful in school and feel good about going to class instead of stressed, this may even be the rationale in your case.