Another meeting, another lightbulb - but for who? This meeting was at a middle school for a boy that has some significant needs. He has had an IEP since 4th grade. One of his major issues is handing in work. Coupled with being a slow worker and wanting to do everything himself, much of his work does not get graded. I will not go into all aspects of the conversation just this one highlight.
The principal of the school sat in on the meeting. This was the first time he was there. This was not an IEP meeting but rather a meeting to address some continuing ‘behavioral’ supports. Mom brought up her sons’ grades which reflect a lot of ‘missing assignments’. In one class he got a zero, although, almost all the work is done in class and the teacher admits to seeing the student doing the work and the work itself. The student says the work is done, and it often is, But it is not handed in.
The principal asked how classwork and homework are submitted. One of the teachers responded - directly from one or more of our computer programs. Another indicated on paper. One said homework is only collected one day a week. The principal then remarked ‘Oh so each teacher has a different way of collecting homework? ”No, they responded - there are multiple ways in each class.
Thank goodness this principal understood immediately what needed to happen for this student to be successful. Success with accomplishing the task of submitting work. Success in raising his grades. Success in understanding that finishing your work includes handing it and and thereby doing better in school.
We brainstormed multiple systems that might work best for him. The team at the table settled on two choices. The principal offered to have a discussion with the student on what it means to complete the work - handing it in.
The student would get to choose between the two choices. His EC teacher would assist him in implementing it with success. The principal would make sure all teacher’s implemented the Change.
If the system seems too complicated. It is too complicated a system. The goal is to hand in the completed work. You may just have to adjust the goal posts. A deliberate Super Bowl Connection!
Is your child struggling with a system or learning? Make sure you know the difference.
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