"I Can't Say It"

My son timidly handed me a packet of papers the other day.  I asked him what it was and he said, "I can't say it".  

"What do you mean you can't say it?"  By this time, I had flipped the packet over and saw that it was an update on his IEP a.k.a. Individual Education Plan.  I didn't understand why he couldn't say it.  I thought we had talked about his IEP.  He said, "I can't say it because other kids will make fun of me."

I took a deep breath and composed myself for a response while trying not to cry or get mad...not at him but at our cruel world.  I reminded him that an IEP is a plan to help him do his best and that's all we ask of him is to do his best.  We reviewed the assessment together, which was very positive, and he began to sob.  

Again, I took another deep breath and asked him why he was upset because it was good news along with feedback on how he can improve.  I have to say that I was really impressed with the extensive feedback we received including tips on how to interact with teachers and peers.  

For the first half of the year, we have been reviewing the grades the teachers posted in the parent portal each night as part of the homework routine and from time to time, we would review the boys' planners.  For the new year, we are focusing on planning and then outcomes.  The homework routine starts with what is coming up and then moves to addressing issues with grades.   Based on the feedback in the IEP, we talked about how to approach a teacher to learn about the best way to prepare for an upcoming test.  The teacher suggested making flash cards.  I was so proud of my son because he wrote that down in his planner, he came home and made the flash cards, he studied them and reported back that he made the second highest grade in the class.  What progress!  

Public middle school has been a new world for us.  We made a good decision to make this move and we are so pleased with the work the boys are doing.  Both of them love school, they talk about how it feels like a second home to them.  Middle school typically isn't an easy time in life so this has been a very pleasant surprise. There are ups and downs but forward progress is so exciting and worth celebrating!