Son and his school - advice needed

[amber32002]

Teenage son is dyslexic. He attends a private school (state school couldn't cope with his needs),and he's done pretty well there. Now he has a big problem with one of his teachers. They've taken a dislike to each other, and the teacher yesterday accused him of cheating in his answers, in front of the whole class. He hadn't cheated - his brain can do complicated maths without 'working it out' - it's one advantage of the way his brain is wired. And the teacher knows it, too.

Now the teacher is forecasting he'll get a D in his exam, even though his recent test showed an A. Son is just so depressed about it now. I'd asked for his learning support team to help with this situation a few weeks ago, but it looks like we've got to go into the school and meet with them to discuss things. Could do with some ideas/opinions/words of support. This isn't going to be easy for me.

[Booboomum]

I can give you a teacher's perspective if that helps - although I teach in a state school and am not sure how different a private school might be. In my view the teacher in question has behaved very unprofessionally. Putting aside your son's dyslexia as a whole different issue, I would NEVER accuse a child of cheating in front of other children. If I suspected this I would speak to the child on their own at the end of the lesson. Also if your child feels disliked by a teacher that is appalling. All children need to feel supported and liked by their teacher if they are to learn and develop. Ok, sometimes I find some children difficult but I would always ensure these feelings remain hidden!If your son feels disliked that is the fault of the techer. The teacher is the adult and needs to keep personal feelings out of the teaching relationship.
The teacher should be fully aware of your son's apptitude in certain areas.I assume your son has an individual education plan which would have all this information, plus the ways in which your son needs to be supported in it - if he doesn't have this he should! And it should be something that you have seen and discussed with relevant staff.
I think it is probably a good thing that you are going into school - but why has this taken so long for them to organise? I really think you are in the right here. Also surely more personal and individual attention is what private schools promise??!!Don't want to go on too much but if you want me to expand on anything am happy to!

[Seuss]

Humiliating him in front of his classmates really isn't on. Plus you can't just accuse a child of cheating because they got it right! I agree it sounds very unprofessional and you are def. in the right. It's good you're going to the school even though it might be horrid. Good luck!

[amber32002]

Thanks everyone. The deputy has agreed to see us on Monday evening, so we'll have a few days to think about what we need to say.

[amber32002]

Oh phew...had the meeting with the school yesterday evening. The deputy was really nice, agreed that the teacher should not have spoken with ds in this way, and has agreed to move son up a class to separate the pair of them before it gets worse.
Now hoping and praying that he's as good as his word.

[Seuss]

great!