[Star_Gazer]

What is the average amount of time that you feel a 7th grader should spend doing homework? My son has ADHD and he does have an IEP. However, it really doesn’t do much for him.

We are having an IEP meeting next week and I was just wondering what are some of the things that would be appropriate modifications? Not just accomodations, but modifications also

He will spend all evening doing his homework. He starts his homework after a quick snack after school. Then, it is not uncommon for him to spend 5 hours or more doing his homework. There is little time for anything else. He is involved in a few activities like Boy Scouts, Civil Air Patrol and church on Wednesday. These are all activities that I feel are important for him to be able to attend. Sometimes, he has to miss them because when I get him after work from my mom’s house, he just has too much left to do. If he does go to the activity, it usually makes for a later night than I would like before he is able to go to bed. It’s not that he isn’t capable, It just takes him at least twice as long as most kids. I know a lot of it is his ADHD and someone has to repeatedly tell him to quit looking around, messing with whatever, etc… and get back to his work. Even though, I know a lot of it he could do faster if he stayed focused, his disability is his ADHD and I feel that some modifications should be made. I think he is also beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed. He recently changed schools and while this has been a problem for some time it is even worse at the new school as they assign more homework. I don’t think he needs to go to a different type of classroom which is what I think they may mention if I bring up my concern because it’s not that he isn’t able of capable of doing the work. Also, He does take afternoon medicine for his ADHD. It seems to help a little but not that much.

Sorry this is so long. Any advice or input would be appreciated.

[basimah]

I hate it when I can't reference something but I read somewhere that unless it is a legnthy project, time spent on homework generally should not tak more than 10 minutes for each grade level. So for a 7th grader, it shouldn't take more than 70 minutes for regular homework.

[lucyjoy]

70-90 minutes on average. Bigger projects maybe longer. 5 hours is too much.

[sundara]

I agree with the above postings - this is waaay too much homework time for anyone, and especially for a 7th grader.

Please consider a medical re-evaluation, as it sounds like the ADHD meds are really not doing him any service at this point.

Please ensure you are using appropriate dr type for this as well (GP's sometimes prescribe these meds, but a good pychiatrist with mental health hospital clinical work experience who works WITH KIDS can really make a difference).

[roundtuit]

Most of our schools provide time to get work done in school seldom have home work but come on eight hours in school should be enough. Home is time for other things. I am a fan of no homework!

[Beach4]

I'm a teacher and here are my suggestions for the IEP meeting. Ask to modify his work by making him do less. Another modification could be that he should be given more time to do work in class. I have several students who are given more time to complete work. If you do get these modifications, make sure the teachers know of the modifications each year. Remember teachers (especially in middle and high school) teach many students and may not look in each student's records before school starts. Teachers can only make modifications if they know about them. (teachers may be given a list of students with modifications before school starts, but don't count on it. Be an advocate for your child.)

[BlackSheep]

Star_Gazer-

My DS is hearing impaired, ADHD and bi-polar, but he DID graduate from HS a couple of years ago.

You can get modifications in the IEP, if you are unsure about what or how to write it into the IEP, ask. I would also suggest that you have more testing done for other learning disabilities. Normally, with upcoming IEP there will be some testing to evaluate if prior goals met or still developing. Triennial IEP has much more intensive testing done. Make sure they go through all the testing with you and that you understand what they tested, how they tested and exactly what the results were. With ADHD, when you can finally get to where the child "overcomes" one disability, another or more will take its place. In Jr High, my DS had a class that was only for him to do homework, work on tests (more time for tests in IEP along with reading of test to him unless reading was what was being tested) and if project had 5 parts to it, modified to like 3--enough for teacher to know that he knew but not so long that 5 hours of homework a night was needed. We were there and he was absolutely miserable (as was I!)

Beach4 is right, if you don't demand it, you won't get anything. You have to stay on top of the education that your child is entitled to and guaranteed by law. I always "asked for the moon" when I went into an IEP meeting and more at a triennial revue. If it was more than what could be done, then they had to "bring me back to earth". You would be amazed at what schools can do to help your child, but you have to ask!

Also, if possible, go have Dr evaluate meds before the meeting if it has been a few months. There are so many new meds coming out lately that there could be one that works even better for your child. Even ask Dr if they are willing to attend. Dr input at IEP meetings can be very helpful to educators and you do have the right to ask others to attend the meeting too.

Good luck to you! Sorry I got on my soapbox!

[millie58]

My problem is the exact opposite. L, in 6th grade has an IEP and is on meds for ADHD. He goes to homework club after school and tells me his homework is done. I talked to the para who said it may be done, it may not be done or it's not handed in. I think he forgets. Any idea how to get him to remember to do it and turn it in?