Have 504, do I need IEP to get help? Or hire Edu Advocate? Recommendations needed Boston and Area south.

[mblearning]

ADHD Inattentive 8th moving to 9th grade boy. Very high scores on neuropsych, does well on mcas. Executive Function deficiencies cause him to struggle with completing assignments on time, organizing himself remembering to pass in HW etc., therefore final grades suffer. For high school they have placed him in all lowest level classes, due to the final grade (only brought down by missing or late homework). What supports can one expect the school to provide to aid him in showing his knowledge? Can I force them to put him in the midlevel classes? Also wondering if anyone has used an Advocate in the south of Boston vicinity that they would recommend?

[Teresa12626]

If your son has a 504 you can request he have extra time for work ,homework, test and that someone reminds him to turn it in etc. But if you want him to have a iep the school can't denie it he qualifes under other health impairment in the qualification it

[EJsMom]

My son is the same age, going into 9th, put in lower level class due to end of year grades, did not complete any assignments. I’m not fighting it, even though I know he’s smarter than they think. I’m hoping if he’s in an easier math and English, he will be able to keep up with the work and feel successful. We shall see. Not sure how it is in your area. My sons school has a math class that is the same material but they take two semesters to go over it, instead of one. That type of thing.

An IEP gives you more rights I believe, that’s what my son has. Of course you have to do what’s best for you and your son. An advocate is always a good idea.

[Frustratedmom]

Get ready for a period of serious adjustment! If you already have a 504 plan, you don't really need the IEP just make sure to meet with his school counselor to reinforce implementation of the 504. Once my son got acclimated to high school, he flourished! He did well enough to get into a very prestigious liberal arts school. However, now I'm struggling with the new adjustment of college! Enough of me, back to you. Don't let them pigeon hole your son into low level classes. ADHD just means they need more help with organizational skills, time management, etc., it doesn't mean they aren't smart! One thing that really helped my son was his meeting with his school counselor, initially once a week and gradually went to once every two weeks. She helped him with organization, setting up folders for classes, time management, checked with teachers to see what assignments were missing and why. It really was the difference between making it and not making it. He also played football which was a great stress reliever and also forced him to be more disciplined in all aspects. If your son struggles first semester, it's okay! He's getting used to everything that is new! Just be prepared to step in when needed. Our kids didn't ask for ADHD so we have to do everything we can to help them combat it. Good luck!