Question:
I'm trying to obtain a foreign language waiver for my high school
sophomore son who has been diagnosed with ADHD and probable NVLD. At
the time of his last IEP he wasn't currently in a foreign language
course so they wouldn't pursue the waiver. Now he's been taking basic
French for the year, and has failed each term. He took basic Spanish
several years ago, and failed that as well.
He has problems with algebra, and there seems to be a connection
between the two subjects. His difficulties are with decoding visual
symbols, short term memory, and sequencing. He describes algebra as
being like a foreign language to him. His IEP recognized math as
being part of his learning disorder.
I see the problems that he has in learning the language of
mathematics as being the same ones causing him to fail to learn a
foreign language. His school will grant a foreign language waiver to
him if it is presented as part of his IEP. Since he's required to
take algebra II next year, and French again if he doesn't receive the
waiver, I'd like to see him be allowed to circumvent the language
requirement. Otherwise, he has 2 courses that he is certain to fail.
Algebra I was a course that he failed for the entire year and only
passed with a tutor who worked with him over the summer. I anticipate
the same problems with Algebra II, since his learning style is not
going to change.
Does anyone know of some good information that I can use to build my
case when I have his next IEP meeting? I've been searching the web,
but haven't come up with too much that's clear and concise to present
at the team meeting. I've been trying to find articles drawing a
connection between problems in algebra, foreign language and ADHD or
NVLD. I feel very strongly that this connection is a valid one.
I want him to have the best chance he can to succeed in high school,
and I need to be prepared.
Thanks to anyone who can help me out.
Answer:
In canada all people are required to get one french credit in high school
(or english if they are in a french high school....however it is common
practice to not require this in students with learning disabilities if they
are related...i'd be surprised if they made too much of a fuss and fight
them if they do! if it is regularly recognized up here i don't see why it
wouldn't be recognzid down there...and its more important around here to
HAVE a french course than having french or spanish in US
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