|
Diploma
Sept 23, 2010 7:45:16 GMT -5
Post by Haleysmom on Sept 23, 2010 7:45:16 GMT -5
Hi all, hope someone here has some insight. In our state (RI) we have adopted a "proficiency" program required by all students to prove high school proficient in all core subjects, including digital portfolios and more. Haley has moved on to HS this year and has been removed from all GLE's and NECAP testing. She is now on an "alternate assessment " testing. What this means to me is that Haley if she stays in the program (life skills - my definition) she will NOT get a diploma. I have a real problem with this as she has already expressed interest in college. Will this be a reality? Not sure, but clearly @ 14 I don't want to take this opportunity away from her. I do have DS society/Parent Info network and a contact @ dept of Ed looking into providing me with an "alternate assessment" handbook. I have found some data online implying that for my state if an IEP goals are met - the student qualifies for diploma - I met w/school today and they are looking that. Does anyone else have issue w/how their state is dealing with our kids? Any input appreciated.
Thanks
|
|
|
Diploma
Sept 23, 2010 13:38:55 GMT -5
Post by Jackie on Sept 23, 2010 13:38:55 GMT -5
You know I think all of our kids who meet their IEP goals should get a diploma. As far as what it constitutes in terms of college...most institutions of higher learning require SATs and ACTs which we all know would be an almost impossible challenge for our kids. Most of them go on to community colleges where they take associate degree classes. and are often given special modifications and adaptations to make this possible. If a college or other degree type program wishes to see their IEP it would be the same as having to submit a transcript IMHO so don't think they should be penalized at the HS level by not getting a diploma is their set goals are met. Otherwise sort of puts them in the category of those non didsabled students who skip classes or simply fail for whatever reason.
|
|
|
Diploma
Sept 23, 2010 16:44:13 GMT -5
Post by dannysmom on Sept 23, 2010 16:44:13 GMT -5
Hi, I don't have any insight to offer since Danny is still in prek....but I'll be watching this thread closely....cause time flies and since we are also in RI.....you are forging the path for my Danny (no pressure LOL).
Prayers it all works out for Haley. We have a friend in Cranston whose daughter (with Ds) just graduated from West. I don't believe she got an actual diploma. She just turned 19 and now in another program (not sure of the place). I could put you in touch. Her name is Jillian (RI is so small you might already know her). Her mom is Rose.
|
|
|
Diploma
Sept 24, 2010 9:52:22 GMT -5
Post by Haleysmom on Sept 24, 2010 9:52:22 GMT -5
Of course we know Jillian - her mom was actually Haleys aid for about a minute when Haley was in kindergarten. You aren't from West Warwick are you? I use to speak w/a "new mom" - hubby was firefighter I believe - is that you?
Not excited about this road trip - but I do have DSSRI contacting dept of ed and Claudia is looking into maybe a general membership meeting about this - also contacted RIPIN. I have requested the school provide a special needs handbook/alt assessment handbook - since they keep droning about the hs proficiency handbook with requirements that some kids w/o any special needs are not going to succeed at. School looking into my requests, including life skills that she will actually use - one of her electives is intro to online, and I have asked them to have her email some of her homework, get her involved in after school activities (she is already in project respect) - so we'll see.
|
|
|
Diploma
Sept 25, 2010 17:24:40 GMT -5
Post by alisonzmom on Sept 25, 2010 17:24:40 GMT -5
Alison is only in second grade but this is an issue I've been thinking about already! Here in NY, my understanding is there are three levels of diplomas - Regents diploma where students take exams in the core subjects that are from the state. Then there is a local diploma where the kids have to pass their core subjects but don't take the state Regents exam - being a parent rep on our districts CSE it seems that most kids with IEPs get this type of diploma. Lastly there is an IEP diploma for kids who are not able to take the "regular" curriculum classes but have met their specific IEP goals.
Not sure yet where Alison will fall in this three tiered system but we'll set our sights on a Regents diploma for now! Who knows what will happen in the next ten years or so!
I wish you and Haley much success in the effort to get that diploma and achieving her goal of going to college!
Barb
|
|
|
Diploma
Sept 29, 2010 8:44:38 GMT -5
Post by momofrussell on Sept 29, 2010 8:44:38 GMT -5
Technically that is correct. If a child (read IEP team) determines they need alternative testing and take that route by 3rd grade (when that decision needs to be made) then that sets the child up to take the road of not getting a regular academic diploma but a diploma of completion instead. They didn't explain this to you years ago? Some districts don't, which sucks. Something all parents must be aware of before their child w/IEP turns 8. NOW...that said.....usually most colleges require an academic diploma to get into college BUT NOT ALWAYS. I would look into your community college to start off with and ask what the criteria is for admissions and what help they do for children graduating with completion diplomas and supports they give. More and more colleges are allowing children to enter college then they use to. It's up to each college individually. A.
|
|
|
Diploma
Sept 29, 2010 8:46:10 GMT -5
Post by momofrussell on Sept 29, 2010 8:46:10 GMT -5
Also...MB if you are reading this....you can shed some insight as to your son's college experience.....you would be a great one to help! A.
|
|
|
Diploma
Sept 29, 2010 8:53:00 GMT -5
Post by Googsmom aka Jennifer on Sept 29, 2010 8:53:00 GMT -5
Yeaaa A. Thx for getting to this. I was just going to say the same thing. It can be so frustrating when the school doesn't explain this to parents. Right now i'm actually dealing with this with one of my parents. None to happy with what the school has decided. They have 4 diploma options in said district and the mom was never told about this.
There is of corse the diploma. Then the modified diploma. An extended diploma and an alternative certificate. A is right more and more colleges are excepting these other diplomas for certain classes. Best wishes {{{{{HUGS}}}}}
|
|
|
Diploma
Sept 29, 2010 9:11:44 GMT -5
Post by Jackie on Sept 29, 2010 9:11:44 GMT -5
Enjoying reading this thread...but probably cuz its ALL in the past for us LOL. Can hardly remember what we did back then but I know it worked and now 10 yrs down the pike...life is good and Emily is happy. So hang in there.
|
|
|
Diploma
Sept 29, 2010 9:28:34 GMT -5
Post by momofrussell on Sept 29, 2010 9:28:34 GMT -5
|
|
|
Diploma
Sept 29, 2010 15:35:24 GMT -5
Post by Haleysmom on Sept 29, 2010 15:35:24 GMT -5
A. Haley is in 9th grade - was on all GLE's until this year - she was moved to alt. assessment based on the new proficieny graduating requirements. When we discussed moving her to alt assessment @ her IEP in May I asked at least 3 times if she would still be on track for diploma and was told yes. I can check Comm College - but again feel this limits Haley - she actually plans on going away to college - not saying this is going to happen, but @ 14 can't see them already putting the cabash on it.
A.- since we didn't take that route @ 3rd grade - that would make a difference or no?
|
|
|
Diploma
Sept 29, 2010 15:39:05 GMT -5
Post by momofrussell on Sept 29, 2010 15:39:05 GMT -5
Good questions, let me ask! And also, I am hoping MB sees this thread and answers!!!
A.
|
|
|
Diploma
Sept 30, 2010 8:04:21 GMT -5
Post by Haleysmom on Sept 30, 2010 8:04:21 GMT -5
would also like to mention - the district has a 2010 proficieny handbook - I asked for the alt assessment one - response "thats a good ?" This is really tearing me up - so many dreams for Haley were rearranged when we found out she had DS - and this is still hard for me to deal with (selfish of me I feel) but now I feel like they are stomping on her dreams. I don't KNOW that she will even want/be able to go to college - local or away but feel like that is being taken from her. My dreams - I'll deal - her's I wanna fight for
|
|
|
Diploma
Sept 30, 2010 20:56:47 GMT -5
Post by MB on Sept 30, 2010 20:56:47 GMT -5
Hey guys, MB here, mother of a diploma bearing college student with Ds. Now the rest of the story. Our state of KS requires that the core curriculum be adapted/modified/whatever until the student demonstrates some proficiency. My son has a diploma. He is in a special program at a major university that is not a degree program. It is a certificate program. I am not sure it requires a HS diploma for admission.
This really isn't much help. I would look into post secondary programs and work backwards from their requirements.
mb
|
|
|
Diploma
Oct 2, 2010 17:36:09 GMT -5
Post by dannysmom on Oct 2, 2010 17:36:09 GMT -5
Rose grew up with my husband's family and has been friends with my SIL's I think since grade school. Years ago (early 90's) we went to a birthday party at one of my SIL's house. Jillian was 2-3 years old and it was the first time we were meeting her. She was SO adorable, jumped up on my lap and was just SO precious!! When we left and were in the car driving home, both my husband and I had a conversation about her. We both said we never realized how precious kids with Ds were...and IF ever we had a child with Ds...we had to be sure to remember Jillian cause she was such a joy. Fast forward 15 or so years to 2005 and my ob tells us Danny has Ds. The FIRST person I thought of was sweet Jillian....and my husband and I knew it was a sign all those years ago and the afternoon we spent with her at that party. I just saw Rose last week at a party, but Jillian wasn't with her. I saw Jillian at a Buddy Walk maybe 2 years or so ago. What a riot she is...she LOVED my Danny and it was so good to see her all grown up after all these years.
And, no..we are from Warwick and my hubby isn't a firefighter. We might go to the buddy walk tomorrow....but we might not since we went to the NYC Buddy Walk last weekend (Danny's pic was in the Times Sq video).
|
|