[kay]

Hi all,

I'm usually over in the special needs board, but now have a question specific to California, and hope that someone here can help!

My son, 15, has been called in for a SARB (attendance) meeting, because of excessive tardies at school. I see this as a pattern that's been developing for years, a symptom of a bigger problem, and I think he needs additional support from the school in order to succeed. I need to know the correct language going into the meeting, so that I know what to ask for! Is there a 501 plan, like a more specific IEP? (Do I have the right number, or is it called something else?) If so, where would I find those provisions?

Maybe there's a teacher or administrator here who can point me in the right direction? Many, many thanks!

[kayb]

Is this your foster son? The parents/guardians are the one's who are summoned by the SARB board to appear. Older children often attend to answer for their behavior, but are not required to attend. (Ironically having the leave school defeats the purpose of an attendance board.)

The parents/guardians are ultimately responsible for their childrens attendance - of course we know we cannot be with our self-willed teenagers 24/7.

If you cannot abide by the SARB boards contract, the penalties come to YOU not the child, which is good for your son to hear, that YOU will suffer the consequences from HIS actions. Even with the special ed codes, the school cannot do much about his tardies unless maybe it is a medical problem. Maybe you can PM me or explain more on why he is tardy.

I served 3 years on my county's SARB board, so I hope my experience helps you!

[kayb]

As for the ed codes, talk to his counselor and see if the three of you can make a plan, or redo his EIP before you go in front of the SARB, it's good ammo

[kay]

He's adopted, and has been with me for 6 1/2 years. School problems getting progressively worse over the years. Last year he was ditching classes; this year he hasn't ditched at all, but can't be bothered to get there on time. His statement is "You should be glad I'm even going!" He's on campus, socializing with his friends.

The counselor has told me that when the kids are younger, they come down really hard on the parents, but she thinks they'll be harder on him than me, due to his age and the fact that he's actually in school.

He's not on an IEP now; I think it's time to pursue that, since he obviously needs more support than he's getting. He's been diagnosed with RAD, ODD & ADD. Up to now he's been passive aggressive at school, and hostile at home with me; yesterday, however, his algebra teacher decided to keep them all after class, and he got very indignant and walked out! So the defiance is starting to show up there, too.

[kayb]

Even if they are stern with him at the SARB mtg, you should know they can give him lots of threats, but know they are shallow, you are the one who's standing at the gallows with the rope!

Nothing can happen to him, don't let HIM know that!!, The Calif. Penal Code, thru SARB can't hold the children accountable, he can't even be put on probation for skipping school!

Have you tried moving a favorite class of his to 1st period? He might be more motivated to go. Second semester is coming up after xmas vacation, now would be the time to do it...Also, I've seen parents walk their kids to class, just to make they arrive, but not all working parents have this luxury.

3rd option is the occupational experience, ask a counselor, I don't know what your school's requirements are (age, grade) he could get a job in the am and then after brunch or 3 period he reports to class as usual. A local HS here has a group occup. exp,, like construction, where they meet at various job sites around town at 7am and a then the teacher brings them, via a school owened van to school by 10am for regular class. Best of luck to you!!

[sudeetoo]

Hi. If your child has been diagnosed with the conditions you mentioned, I suggest you do the following. Have his doctor write on a prescription pad his recommendation for a "504 Plan" and testing by the school. The school must have him tested by the district psychologist within a certain time frame (I think it is 60 days). A 504 Plan (which I am all too familiar with) can help accomodate and address the problems your child has. You sit down with the teachers and the principal and figure out what course of actions is going to best help your child. From, modifying his homework, to taking tests orally instead of written, letting him take open book tests, whatever. You as a team figure out this out. I also suggest that you take a good hard look at how he is doing in each class - what time of day does that class occur - do you see any patterns? There are many ADD/ADHD medications that that specifically target certain times of day, i.e., if he has math first thing in the morning he may need meds that peak quickly, etc. Talk to your doctor about this. My own bio son who is 15 has ADHD/ODD and he is on a 2nd medication (Tenex) which has significantly helped with the ODD symptoms.