Navigating High School with Dyscalculia

As a parent, navigating the educational system for a child with dyscalculia can feel overwhelming, especially when considering the transition to high school. Laura Jackson’s experience, as shared in her podcast, sheds light on the challenges and potential solutions when seeking the best educational path for a child with this condition. While schools may not always provide the support needed, parents have the power to make a difference using the tools and resources available to them.

The desire for a traditional high school experience can complicate educational planning for a child with dyscalculia.
Laura’s daughter expressed a strong desire to have a traditional high school experience, which led to a reevaluation of their educational approach. Previously, Laura had been teaching her daughter math at home using specialized materials from the UK designed for dyscalculia, while her daughter attended other classes at a local middle school. This arrangement had been successful, but the prospect of high school brought new challenges and considerations.

For parents of kids with dyscalculia, finding the right high school fit can be tough; consider smaller schools and focus on your child's strengths while advocating for necessary accommodations. Tweet Now Follow Learning Success

Exploring the possibility of an IEP revealed limitations and potential drawbacks within the school system.
Laura investigated the option of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for her daughter at the high school. This process involved meetings with the school psychologist and special education teachers. However, she discovered that her daughter would need to enroll in a mandatory IEP class focused on study skills, which did not align with her daughter’s needs and interests. Additionally, this class would limit her daughter’s ability to take desired electives, such as drawing, design, painting, psychology, and theater.

Author Quote “

I felt really resistant to this idea…this class did not sound like a good fit but it was required if you were going to have an IEP.

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Interactions with special education teachers highlighted a lack of understanding and support for dyscalculia within the school.
Laura’s visit to the IEP class and meeting with the special education teacher were discouraging. The teacher’s negative attitude towards students and lack of knowledge about dyscalculia made Laura hesitant to place her daughter in that environment. A subsequent meeting with the math teacher designated for IEP students showed that while the teacher was warm, she lacked specific training in dyscalculia, relying on general math mindset experts rather than specialists in the condition.

Key Takeaways:

Exploring Educational Options: Parents should actively explore various educational settings and options tailored to their child's needs, such as different schools or specialized programs. In the case of dyscalculia, understanding the availability and suitability of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 plan can be crucial. It's important to assess how these plans can support the child's learning while allowing them to engage in other areas of interest, like electives that cater to their strengths and passions.

Understanding the Impact of Classroom Environment: The classroom environment and the attitude of educators play a significant role in a child's learning experience, especially for those with dyscalculia. Parents should be vigilant about the teaching methods, the teacher's understanding of dyscalculia, and the overall atmosphere of the classroom. A negative or unsupportive environment can be detrimental to a child's self-esteem and educational progress, whereas a positive, nurturing setting can enhance learning and personal growth.

Advocating for Specific Needs and Accommodations: It is essential for parents to advocate for their child's specific needs, particularly in areas where dyscalculia impacts their learning, such as math, but also in subjects like social studies and science where numerical understanding is required. Ensuring that the school provides appropriate accommodations, such as a 504 plan, can help the child succeed academically and feel supported across all their classes.

Discovering alternative school options can offer hope and a more personalized approach to education for students with dyscalculia.
Feeling discouraged by the main high school’s offerings, Laura sought advice from an advisor at their previous school. This led her to explore a smaller public high school designed for students with learning differences, including those with Dyscalculia . The counselor at this school asked Laura what she truly hoped for her daughter’s education, focusing on her individual needs and strengths. This personalized approach was a refreshing change and ultimately led Laura and her daughter to choose this school.

Author Quote “

This is the first person who I feel like is really focused on my student and what does this student need to thrive in school.

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Parents can overcome the challenge of limited school support for dyscalculia by leveraging home learning and accommodations to improve their child’s educational experience.
While the smaller high school provided a more supportive environment, it still lacked specific tools and education on Dyscalculia. However, Laura’s daughter was able to apply the Number Sense skills she had developed through home learning to succeed in algebra. Additionally, a 504 plan provided necessary accommodations not only in math but also in other subjects affected by dyscalculia, such as social studies, history, and science. As a parent, you have the power to bridge the gap between what schools offer and what your child needs, ensuring a better educational experience and future for your child with dyscalculia.

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