Case
New Student with Unsupportive Parents

I have a student in my classroom that has enrolled in public school for the first time this year as a third grader. Previously, he was homeshooled. I noticed quickly that he had a difficult time reading and calling basic site words. After performing a reading assessment on him, I realized he was on a first grade reading level. After bringing his parents in to discuss his progress, I asked their permission to begin the RTI process on their child to start inventions in reading. They were against the idea and said their son could read just fine and I was the first person to ever comment on his reading ability. They did not want him to get any more support because they did not believe he had a problem, even after showing them his responses to the testing information. How can I make them see that he needs help and is struggling in all subject areas because he has difficulty reading?

Posted on: 03/15/15 | Views: 901
Solution #1
You may want to compare their child to an average third grade student so that the parents can see the difference. For example, I would record an average reader in your class or find a recording on the Internet. I would then have their child read a passage and answer questions so that the parents can see the difference in their child's progress and other students. If this does not work, I would get the counselor involved and have a meeting with the parents to explain how the child's grades and progress could affect him in the future if the issues are not addressed now.
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Solution #2
Ask the supporting teachers to be involved with the parents in another conference. Maybe give the parents some work to do with the student at home that will help him catch up. If the parents see their child struggle with the work his classmates are doing then it may help them change their mind, but we also do want to discourage the student.
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Solution #3
The fact is that it is parents right to refuse services but, enlisting the aid of administrators and Sped educators in ideas would be my fist plan of action. Sharing concerns about the child and asking for help to formulate a plan with others that the parents may listen to would be my first step in meeting the students needs.
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Solution #4
I would offer the parents the option to observe a class or two, making sure you complete assignments demonstrates these deficits. Perhaps seeing the other students ability compared to their child's will be eye opening for them. Of course no one has told them the student is lacking - they've been the teachers! I feel seeing real life comparisons can be beneficial for them and their child.
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Solution #5
I would move on with the RTI process anyway. He needs help. They do not have to agree to the process for it to happen from my understanding. At the end of the day, it is about the student, not mom's pride.
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