Not Sure What the Advice Would Be Under

I don't understand why his speech would keep him in K. If he is doing the work, understanding instructions, reading, I see no reason to hold him back. Seems a speech therapist can just work with him on that aspect in 1st grade as easily as K! I've never heard of anyone born with 2 uvulas before, bless his little heart.

I homeschooled for many years and there is no one that will ever convince me that parents working with kids at home doesn't help. The ones I see now in my sons PS that struggle are usually the ones where the parents aren't involved. You can always tell which child has a caring parent at home! So continue working with him, it is making a difference.

Hi B.,
I only know about the school systems in NC- I notice you live in TN. You said you had an IEP meeting- was a plan set up at that time? Are they following the IEP? The IEP should outline goals, services needed to attain those goals, how these goals are measured, and so much more (too much to go on about here). Also, the IEP should be reviewed every year to have the plan updated for that academic school year. If I were you, I would set up a meeting for the teacher, principal, and the guidance counselor. If his academic work shows that he is ready to go on to the next grade, they cannot hold him back because of his speech problems or shyness. That is called discrimination and it is completely against the law. When it comes to the school system, the squeaky wheel gets the oil in most cases. Keep pursuing this and don't stop until you get satisfactory answers. Or threaten to sue... You have the right to if they are disregarding his IEP and have "given up" on him for this year.
Good luck and hope things get better...

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If it were me (and I have dealt with IEPs with all three of my boys) I would set up a meeting with the principal. Take your copy of the IEP with you and any written correspondence between you and the teacher about this. Is he on grade level for everything else other than speech? Either way, you need to push hard for a real answer. Don't wait until the end of the school year to get clarification.

Sorry the school system is failing you....I am with all the rest of the replies listed.....you speak up for your son! If that school principal does not seem concerned enough than you may need to find another school.

B.,

Sounds like you need to check with a physician. May need to have the second uvula surgically removed. However, continue to work with your son at home. As a homeschool mom, I am well aware that teachers in public settings often put down working at home with children. Strange response since it can only help their job. Even if you do not solve the speaking problem, you and your son will bond in a way never before. Time spent with your children is wisely invested. J.

Push the school for a answer...under the IEP they have certain responsibilities to the child and if they dont give you answers at school level go to the superintendent....don't be scare to speak up for your child...if you don't who will..
I have been having the same issue with my children and schools.

I don't really see any reason as to why they would hold him back. You should definitely talk to the teacher and the therapist again, I think. I would work with him at home. Educators almost never want to admit that YOU working with the kids on something like this would help. I honestly wouldn't worry overly much about it from the school standpoint, just look at your son. Talk to a doctor and a therapist about it and see what they say can be done. If the general consensus is nothing, then how will waiting a year help?

Start with the principal if you are unsatisfied with your answers. Complain to the school board. Let them know you are completely unsatisfied with the treatment and lack of help your son is getting. Also check and see how many times a week your son is actually getting his speech therapy. Mys on is suppossed to go 3 times a week. I just found out that he hasnt been going at all for a month or so now. You need to search down where they are failing him. Be as loud in your concerns and make sure that you heard. If you have concerns make sure they are answered toy our satisfaction. You are his voice until he can fight for himself so fight hard for him.