My daughter is 12 years of age, proceeding through grade 6 this year; however, last year her teacher called me in to inform me that my daughter is well below the average, accademicly, approx 3 years. Her teacher gave me a letter for our general practitioner; then we proceed through several assessments in order to gain professional opinion/confirmation. The auditory, speech, psychological and education assessment confirmed my daughter happens to stand below average in her learning; but still, my daughters WHISC (Working memory/IQ) assessment was graded 85%, which is good in a sense. But still, according to the deputy principle he had mentioned in a meeting mid last year, that in order for my daughter to gain a teachers aid her IQ/Working memory(WHISC assessment) must be 70% or below. Furthermore, he suggested my daughter should go to a special school; yet, the school caters for children who have disabilities, only children who fall below the score of 70% relating to the WHISC assessment.
Nonetheless, it was only two weeks ago my daughter was diagnose with 2nd degree of ADHD. I knew earlier but I should had followed my intuition rather believe 2 professionals who gave me an inaccurate presumption; yet I understand where they were coming from and why. In saying this, the teachers believe that my daughter does not have ADHD; once again I understand why. I don't have to be bias in order to say that my daughter is a excellent student. However, my daughter was also born 10 weeks early, but she is totally prone to accidents. Eg. In a period of 1 1/2 months my daughter sprained her ankle 5x, and landed on a hard object two weeks ago, which caused her tail bone to fall out of alignment. But still, my daughter does not often behave impulsive during school hours, but after school in my care or in the care of others she's hypoactive. But on numerous occasions my girl stated there's to much noise in the class, and she cant hear the teacher speak and the teacher speaks to fast. Also, my daughter mentioned she sometimes needs to complete her work in another room. My daughter has been learning to ask for assistance/help, but recently she informed me that she cant always ask for help.
I have been asking people within my circle of supports for help with finding a affordable tutor, no luck at the moment. As a parent, I certainly struggle when it comes to assisting my daughter in her homework; a matter of fact I suck at it (seriously).
The overall point is that prior to this school holidays, I arranged a case management meeting with the school. Usually the deputy principle manages the meeting at school but as soon as he found out my reason for the meeting and the 3 professional advocates who will be attending; I was informed that the principle will be replacing the deputy principles position in the meeting. The meeting is this Tuesday morning located at the school; however, the deputy principle is opposing the idea of allowing my daughter to stay back a year.
Tuesday 8th of July, a meeting was held with the 3 professionals and I, in order to prepare ourself for the meeting. We concluded that it might be best my daughter change schools and stay back in grade 6; my daughter isnt that fuss with the way she goes; yet, two other professionals I spoke to mentioned they don't think its a good idea or its its a drastic move to stay back a year. A good friend mentioned that in high school, students can choose some of their subjects; therefore, proceed through to college. Obviously I'm confused and stuck with hearing all these difference of opinions.
As for me I thought I wanted my daughter to stay back a year, but now I've had a change of heart. I am concern and not sure which way to go. I know my daughter will struggle to ask for help, and struggle with the school work especially without one on one assistance in high school If my daughter stays back a year, we both need to deal with the transitioning of changing schools and friends; and my need to heal emotionally which will be complex for me to deal with a lot of situations at once. Furthermore, I need to purchase new uniforms for one year, which is difficult for me on a pension. Please help :(