A question for the teachers...

A question for the teachers...

What are your views towards the School Psychologist at your school? Do you feel that they address your needs? I feel like some teachers at my school (Im living in Ohio and work in a High school) just dont feel like dealing with a student who isnt progressing and want me to just test them for special ed. Some teachers actually say 'well if you dont classify him then teachers will have to deal with him' or many actually say 'oh he looks learning disabled.' It really drives me crazy. Im trying to remain calm and friendly because im the new girl but in reality I just want to jump across the conference table and shake them! (Im really not violent, lol) As a teacher, how would you recommend I explain that they have to exhaust all options before referring a student for special ed. I give them ideas for interventions, I create little outlines for them, I observe the students in class, we have endless meetings, etc.

TIA

Re: A question for the teachers...

I feel as though in my school it's quite the opposite of the situation you wrote about. In my school I feel like NO ONE wants to recommend kids being evaluated because it's also a mountain of paper work for us. With that being said, if I feel that a child could benefit from an evaluation, I always attempt to have one done. Before doing so though, I try to speak to past teachers and even the psychologist to see if this child has been evaluated in the past or if they just have any information that might be helpful. I also contact the parents to see if they have ever been told about the 'issue' that I think they would need to be tested for.

Re: A question for the teachers...

Maybe thats the problem...its been too easy for teachers in the past. They would just refer the students and that was that. They complained when I drew up an outline for them to record their interventions before referring their students. Only some of them do it and those who do fill out dont even fill out all fields. I think I have to find a way for them to be more involved in the whole process. I work at a charter school, and although they do have to follow the same guidelings as the public schools, they dont feel much pressure to do so.

Re: A question for the teachers...

I can't believe they are trying to have kids tested for special ed. so quickly. As a special ed. teacher that is so annoying because I have kids who do not belong in my class but regular ed. teachers did not try other interventions but recommended students for special ed. They may have been below grade level or struggling but could have improved with academic intervention, resource etc.. but instead were put into my small class when they should be in regular ed.

Re: A question for the teachers...

It sounds as if you need a protocol or a system that everyone follows in order to get a student evaluated. In our school (middle school) we meet as a team to come up with strategies that we have tried to help the student such as: preferential seating, extra help, parent communication we have had etc and we have to fill out a form to bring to a meeting. Then we have that meeting with the guidance counselor, as many teachers the student has as possible, our principal and the school psychologist and sometimes the social worker. We discuss the student in question and then form a plan to help the student succeed. Sometimes that means he/she gets a referral right then and there and sometimes we monitor the student with interventions...sometimes they get something added to their schedule to help them.
*I want to also point out that there is a difference between a student that is learning disabled and a SIFE (student with interrupted formal education)-meaning that if the student did not go to school consistently in their country of origin, they have gaps in their learning but may actually not have anything neurologically wrong...they just need supplemental services to 'catch up.' There is also a difference between those students and the unmotivated student who has psychological problems. I could go on and on lol...in general though it sounds as if you need a system though. In order to implement on you would need the administrators on your side...
GL if I can help you in any way please let me know!!