About Maria Batkovic Expertise I can answer any question concerning primary grade (K-3rd) education from the perspective of the student, parent or teacher. My speciality was designing highly creative ways to teach all levels of reading, writing, spelling and math (addition, subtraction, multiplication and fractions). In the last few years, I also became very adept at dealing with students with learning disabilities integrated into mainstream classrooms.
Experience I taught 2nd grade for more than 25 years in Catholic schools in New York City and Northern California.
Expert: Maria Batkovic Date: 2/2/2008 Subject: Where do i turn?
Question Hi, my daughter is in 3rd grade. She has had problems with reading and comprehension since kindergarten. She should be reading 66 words per minute when she should be reading 120. She has made improvements because she is going to EYP after school 2 days a week and she has a Title 1 teacher working with her in small groups. She is also failing Math and Language Arts. I have had several meetings with teachers and councilors with no results. I was referred to a Psychiatrist by her Pediatrician. He recommended a full Psychological exam be done by the school or independently. He stated in a letter that he did not think she has ADD but rather a learning disability. I had a meeting with her teacher and the Title 1 Administrator and I was told that she was getting all the help she was going to get. They feel that her problem is that she is not paying attention and applying herself. They recommended that I work with her on taking more responsibility with her school work so that she will not require as much extra help. They said that she needs to be working more independently. We have now been referred to a psychologist. Her teacher said that her CoGAT score was 106 so she did not qualify for any testing or special education. They said that I could bring the results from the psychologist and they would look at them but would not offer her any extra help due to her CoGat score.I am so frustrated and I don't know where else to turn. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Answer Hello Dana,
My only advice for you is to visit the school district office and request that your child be evaluated academically. Also, there are private tutoring schools that have successfully improved students overall achievement levels. It is important that your child's strengths be empowered. You are more that familiar with her weaknesses.
The teachers did advise that you work with your child at home. Sometimes a parent's involvement can make things turn around for the student. I recommend that you immerse yourselves into reading for fun. There are so many wonderful books that parents can read aloud and the child interract. Math can be practiced using computer math programs that I'm sure the school will give you access to. Also there are grade level websites where kids can practice Math skills through games and fu n activities.
Best of luck to you in your search .
MB
