I worked in the school setting for many years, first as a teacher and then as a Speech-Language Pathologist.  Every year I saw parents that were concerned about their child for one reason or another. 

-“I can’t understand anything my child says”

-“My child is not reading on grade level”

-“It takes us HOURS to complete homework every night”

-“My child is failing”

If you have concerns about your child’s progress in school try these:

1. Document it

 Keep notes on your phone or in a journal.  If it is taking hours for your child to complete homework- track how long it takes each night to complete it.  When you get your child’s teacher in a room or conference you want to give numbers and facts.  Many parents walk into a meeting and say “it takes us hours to complete homework.” If you have a sheet of actual times and people see it on paper-it makes the problem more glaring.  I have also seen the opposite happen, after documenting it-the parent realizes that there many not be that much of a problem afterall.

•  Communicate (in a nice way) your concerns to your child’s teacher

I suggest the first way to communicate with a teacher is through email or through their agenda/planner.  Express your concerns and ask for any suggestions.  Constant communication with your child’s teacher is always the best.  Keep in mind when communicating by email or text-that tone can be implied to be sure to double check your message before sending.  If you are feeling frustrated or angry, these feelings are ok, but it is not ok to send nasty email messages or texts to your child’s teacher.  Wait until the morning to send the message.  Once a nastygram goes out-you cannot take it back.  Also document this communication.

• Schedule a conference

 If your concerns are not addressed by email-it is time to set up a meeting.  DO NOT JUST GO TO THE SCHOOL AND EXPECT TO BE SEEN.  Teachers and administrators have full days and often the mornings will be their only quiet time.  

• Request a meeting with the school staffing specialist or the person in charge of Exceptional student education (ese director). 

If you think there is a bigger problem and would like your child tested for further difficulties (learning disability, speech difficulty, language difficulty, behavior difficulty).  You must make a request at that meeting.  But in most cases-immediate testing will not happen.  Schools are required to try ‘interventions’ before formal testing can be completed.  This process can take up to nine months. We have had many parents come to our office for therapy intervention during this process.  While the school is trying interventions, we are able to treat them.

• Follow up

Be sure to follow up with your school staffing specialist or child’s teacher.  Unfortunately, educators are severely over worked so it is important to follow up do your child does not fall through the cracks.

If you have concerns about your child at school-teachers and administrators are there to help you.  Work with them to get the best possible education for your child.