August 2, 2007

Learning Disabilities in Middle School
The path to middle school may be extra rocky for a child with learning challenges. Here's how to smooth the way.

By Ellen H. Parlapiano

The transition to middle school can be overwhelming for any student, but for a child who has been diagnosed with learning disabilities, the move is often especially traumatic. Here's how to help your child adapt, while readying yourself and the school staff too.

Prepare Yourself

Understand how middle school is different. Instead of one teacher, your child will have several, each with different styles and expectations. "The new demands on memory and organizational skills can be particularly challenging for children with learning disabilities," says Myles L. Cooley, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and author of Teaching Kids with Mental Health and Learning Disorders in the Regular Classroom. There will be more varied assignments, increased homework, and less individual attention.

Know what services are available. Meet with the district's committee on special education to firm up accommodations. (Ideally, this meeting would take place in the spring before school begins, but if you miss that timeframe, schedule a meeting later; you and your child will still benefit.) "The strategies that worked in elementary school — un-timed tests or front-of-the-room seating — should still be helpful," says Kristin Stang, Ph.D., assistant professor in the department of special education at California State University, Fullerton. But also ask about new modifications. For example, having an extra set of books at home prevents problems when texts are left in the locker. Technological tools, like Franklin Spellers and portable word processors (like AlphaSmarts or QuickPads), can benefit certain students.

Establish a support system. Find a liaison at the school — like a resource room teacher or counselor — who can communicate with the teachers and make sure appropriate services are being provided. Other parents can be your allies too. Dr. Cooley suggests asking the director of special education for names of parent advocates experienced in middle school issues, who can share advice and strategies and even coach you on how to work with particular teachers.

Prepare Your Child

Talk about the transition. Explain what to expect, and ask your child what she's excited and scared about. "All kids worry about the workload, looking different, making friends, changing classes," says Dr. Stang. "But kids with LD may worry about these issues even more." Reflect on the academic strategies that worked in elementary school, and reassure your child that there will still be support in place to help her achieve. "Kids this age will be embarrassed to admit things are hard," notes Dr. Stang. Let your child know that it's okay to struggle, but that she must tell you so you can help. Most of all, "stay positive," says Amy Clarke, mom of a 14 year old in Edgewood, Washington. She lessened anxiety about friendships by pointing out neighborhood kids who would be at the school.

Foster self-advocacy. Go over the IEP (individualized education plan) with your child, so he understands what he is entitled to, and teach him how to advocate for himself. If the teacher forgets to seat him in the front, your child must remind her. If he needs more time to write down the homework assignment before the teacher erases it from the board, he must let her know. Support your child, without doing too much for him. If he is reluctant to speak up, or feels the teacher isn't responsive, discuss the concerns with the teacher in your child's presence. Ask her to suggest best ways for your child to get her attention. "In middle school children are learning to do many things independently," says Dr. Stang. The self-advocacy skills he develops in middle school will be crucial for high school and beyond.

Visit the school. Even if your child already toured the middle school, visit again, right before the new school year begins. This gives her a chance to try out her locker, walk the halls with schedule in hand, and check out classrooms. Sometimes teachers will be there setting up, so your child can say hello. "Having familiarity with the building and teachers assuages your child's anxiety and fear of the unknown," says Jennifer Parker, M.Ed., director of curriculum and instruction for Educational Services of America, a provider of special education programs.

Organize your child for success. Typically, kids with learning disabilities have trouble organizing schoolwork and belongings, and struggle with multiple sets of instructions. Set up systems to help manage the vast amount of learning materials. Start with the locker. A hanging shelf keeps things tidy. Color-coded notebooks and matching folders (for example, blue for science, yellow for social studies) can also prevent papers from going astray. "But remember, each child has individual needs," cautions Dr. Stang. Separate folders may work for one, while another will do better with a big, tabbed binder that holds everything.

Set up a homework routine. If the school doesn't provide your child with a planner or agenda, get one and review it together every night. (If handwriting is an issue, make sure there's ample space for writing everything in.) Dr. Cooley suggests also using a large wall calendar for tracking long-term projects. "Set a consistent time and place for homework," adds Dr. Stang. "Kids with learning disabilities thrive on structure." Supervise homework time, but don't do your child's work. "Teachers won't know how to help the student if they can't see the mistakes," Dr. Stang explains. If you find yourself providing a significant amount of help with homework, let the teacher know.

Prepare the School

Call a meeting at the beginning of the year. Around the second week, ask the school counselor to arrange a meeting with you and the teachers in one room. Introduce yourself to everyone, and share your child's strengths and weaknesses in a friendly, collaborative way. Bring along a summary of the IEP, highlighting the most important accommodations and strategies, as well as samples of work that reveal his challenges. "The more information you provide the school about your child's learning style, the better equipped teachers are to help him," says Parker. "Invite dialogue and problem-solving," she adds. If your child has trouble taking notes or remembering to hand in homework, ask for suggestions. A teacher might designate a note-taking buddy, or create a special system for remembering assignments. "View teachers as advocates, not adversaries, and you'll discover wonderful solutions together," says Dr. Stang.

Keep the lines of communication open. Continue corresponding with teachers throughout the year, by e-mail or phone. Also schedule periodic follow-ups with your special-ed liaison to stay updated on progress. And keep talking with your child about her accomplishments and remaining struggles. With teamwork, and plenty of encouragement, you'll smooth the middle school transition, and empower your child to achieve all she's capable of.