The thing about IEP’s and other programs meant for developing the learning skills of children with learning disabilities, is that there are few and they are underdeveloped. Through recently speaking with one of peers that was diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, I have come to better understand what it is like growing up with trouble learning rather than just reading articles online. From this interview and further research, the programs and help for LD’s is immense during the elementary years, when learning is a little simpler. On top of the early school years, parents seem much more willing to put in the extra effort for their younger kids. When she got older, my peer noticed that there was less help for her at school, but her teachers provided her with extra practice to help her at home and she said this made it easier for her to get the hang of things.
But by the time she hit high school, there was no direct help for her like she was used to in years passed. At our high school, there is an Excel/TLC program that helps kids who struggle with getting good grades, not necessarily those with learning disabilities. However, because she received so much help in her early years of learning, she was better able to self teach in high school and work with teachers on the side when needed to excel in her high school career. So although IEP’s are less in high school and even middle school, if there is a strong base in the early learning years, a child will have a higher chance to be more successful later in life.
Reagan,
I thought your post was very interesting and well written. I find it interesting that you said parents spend more time helping their kid when they are younger than when they are older. I would think this would be the opposite because the work gets harder and more complex the farther along you are in school. It is also disheartening that kids with learning disabilities are faced with underdeveloped programs. Why do you think the programs are underdeveloped or completely nonexistent in some schools? You may find this article interesting: https://www.ncld.org/understanding-learning-and-attention-issues.
Reagan, I really liked your post. It’s interesting to see how our extra programs for students really decrease as they get older. I think it’s awesome that we can help these kids at a young age, which then translates into them having the skills they need in higher education, but do you think our schools, especially high schools, should have more programs for kids who need them?
Rae Rae,
Thank you for sharing your post. It was really easy to relate too as I am someone who suffers with the same problem as your friend. Yearly years were very helpful as my old school and my parents helped me to prepare for what was ahead in my life, but once I got into high school all of the support went away. I didn’t have anyone to help me if i needed it but growing up with learning so much you begin to figure it out on your own which i began to do. Thank you for your post I found it really interesting.