I figured it would happen sooner or later. But I didn't figure it would happen this soon. But, sigh, here we are barely half way through the kindergarten year and already I am butting heads with the public school system.
It is now "strongly recommended" by her school that we go through a formal process to have Riley tested for ADD. Do you want to hear my thoughts on ADD? Do you really want to get me started on yet another made-up condition by the pharmaceutical companies to pump our kids up with their drugs? Or how I can longer purchase a night-time cough suppressant for my miserable child, but apparently I could easily get her a prescription for Ritalin?
Oh, but wait, I was told by my daughter's school, the end result doesn't have to be drugs. Well, thank goodness that makes me feel so much better. Rather I am told that if she can be "formally" diagnosed with ADD that she will receive spacial treatment, especially in regards to the CSAP tests. She can take the tests in a quiet room and not be timed. Am I mistaken, or is the purpose of the CSAPs to judge how a school in performing academically? What about the fact that my daughter will wonder why she is being treated differently and wondering what is wrong with her?
I am sure some kids really do have this condition. But I think there is a whole group of kids that are just really active and physical. Yes, my child has problems sitting still. Yes, she can be ultra-sensitive. Should she receive special treatment and a label because of it? Mind you, this is the same kindergarten class that just played BINGO and was told by the teacher that "everyone is a winner".
I am just starting to see what I am really up against and frankly, I am very concerned.
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6 comments:
Welcome to any school system - public or private. Always remember that you are the parent and you know your child best. You are your child's best advocate! And remember too, as with most parental decisions, you have to go with your gut. My heart goes out to you. We are bucking the system here and Rich is on the board of directors. Oops!:) Miss you!
I am sorry that you have to go through this, in Kindergarten. Is there only one teacher? Is it possible that she would do better with a different teacher? Henry loves his teacher, but this is her first year teaching and she has zero classroom control, and for a child like Henry, this is not a good thing. I feel for you. You do know Riley best and what would be best for her.
How long can you really expect to last in the traditional public school system Torrie? : - )
At least you are in a place where you have options, and not just private. You've got charters/magnets etc. within the public system that might fit better. It's not just Riley, I think most kids were not designed to sit still and be quiet all day.
But what do I know, I'm just a wacky homeschooler.
The main thing, everyone else is right, you know your own daughter and your own situation. It seems like she loves her school, so maybe you'll just have a lot of head-butting in your future.
Oh Torrie, I am so sorry. Do what your heart feels is right. Once you make that decision don't give up!
Stand your ground.
Have you had a chance to volunteer at the school? If not, line up 3 days a week for 2 weeks if possible, even if it's only for a couple hours per day. It is a big committment especially with your new addition (yay!)but you'll get a really good chance to see what is bugging the teacher. Getting a lable on Riley right now is just not cool. Who can sit still and be quiet all the time anyway? Not me! There's a lot going on in her life...new sibs rock the world of all little kids. You're doing awesome, don't let one teacher's opinion and frank laziness make you worry about your kid!
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