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Navigate Life Texas: Resources for kids with disabilities and special needs
Navigate Life Texas: Resources for kids with disabilities and special needs
October 8, 2024 | By: DeAnna Medart
Categories: Education & Schools
My son had a tough time with in-person school. He has severe Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that he takes medication for. This made it challenging for him to be in traditional classrooms. He was often seen as a distraction to other students, and he may very well have been! Constantly being corrected and punished was crushing his self-esteem.
He had wonderful special education (SpED) support in his elementary school. We couldn’t have designed it any better! His classroom teachers knew his limits and allowed him to take breaks. Middle school was a different story. We tried but it wasn't working for him. We needed to find another way.
I looked for alternatives and was prepared to homeschool again. Then I found an online, virtual school. It has teachers, a SpED program and follows his Individualized Education Plan (IEP). It’s like a brick-and-mortar school in every way except he didn’t have to leave home. It gave him control.
He could choose to attend virtual classes with other students. He could do his work at his own pace. This all helped him finish about two months ahead of his friends in regular school. He’ll be taking the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test just like his peers in a live setting, but in a small group.
It’s great to see so many kids with differences choose this option! Schools even sponsor in-person meet-ups for children who want in-person activities.
Is this for everyone? No, probably not. Is it working for us for now? Yes! I’m encouraged that this is a public-school option and there are folks finding ways to support kids where they are right now.
I don’t know if my son will always choose virtual school. We're always open to trying something new if what we’re doing isn’t working for him. He might want to try something new in high school. He might not. He enjoys his free time. I can see how he could easily work a part-time job or explore other interests as he gets older.
I’m convinced that flexibility is key when parenting children with differences. Finding their gifts, finding what works and letting go of traditional ways can help them grow and enjoy life.
You can learn more about Special Education options on the NLT website.
Help get your child’s education back on track when someone overlooks their potential.
Categories: Family Support, Education & Schools
School doesn’t start or end when the bell rings. The student experience should include access to and participation in school-sponsored or related activities. This includes extracurricular and co-curricular activities.
Categories: Education & Schools
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills go beyond academics. Everyday life provides opportunities to apply these skills. During my son’s educational career, a lack of critical thinking and problem-solving skills was often noted in his Individualized Education Plan paperwork. While he may struggle with these skills academically, he solves problems all the time in his daily life.
Categories: Education & Schools, Transition to Adulthood