Statistically it has been shown that when a parent decides to home school their child that has learning disabilities; the child’s learning ability is excelled more then in a school setting. This is said to be accredited to the one on one learning technique and the ability for the child to move at their own pace while not feeling pressured from class mates.
In order to home school your child that has learning disabilities you would first need to find out the laws relating to home schooling a child with disabilities in your state. Make a copy of these laws and become familiar with them, so you can advocate for your child’s rights.
If your child is already registered and attending a school you would need to contact their guidance councilor and special education teacher. Notify them in writing, of your intent to home school and ask that there be a new IEP meeting. The IEP will need to be rewritten to accommodate the home schooling plan.
Parents should have the option of doing some lessons at home and being able to have the child continue professional academic therapy within the school system or other resources that are funded by the school district. If your child is on an IEP then the school is receiving funds to give your child special educational classes, use them. Do not allow the school to continue the IEP if they refuse to offer your child any special educational classes or services.
Design your home schooling plan before you attend the IEP meeting. If it has been a while since your child has had an assessment, then you would need to have an assessment done before you write your home school plan to determine what your child knows and at what grade level. For children with learning disabilities they will have different grade levels for different subjects, you will need to know each one. You can ask that this be done at school as it is your child’s right to have an assessment done (check with your special education laws to see how often they are legally required to be performed). You can also administer an achievement test to your child yourself. There are several assessment of academic skills tests available online in pdf format. If your child’s assessment is up to date then you can begin writing your home school plan. Start by writing down what areas you plan to work on. These areas are referred to as benchmarks, the standard point of interest. For example reading, writing, and math are all benchmarks. As a parent you know your child better then any one else. You can also refer to your child’s current IEP and see what areas your child needs help in and also write down what areas you feel your child needs help in. the second thing is to add how you plan on strengthening these areas in your child.
What curriculum or lesson plans will you use? You would have to know your child’s learning style. Is your child able to learn better by visual, auditory or a tactual-kinesthetic? Sometimes children need a combination of these styles to learn. Your curriculum lesson plans will need to be designed to your child’s learning style.
To find curriculums you will need to do some networking and research on what kinds of lesson plans are available. Talk to parents that are actually using these programs; to get a feel on how well the lessons really work. Do not rely on the advertisement testimonials as proof the lesson plan works.
How do your find parents that are home schooling their children with disabilities? Join online home schooling e-groups, and forums. In your home town area, look for home schooling support groups. It is good to be involved in social gathering with other parents that are home schooling their children that have learning disabilities. These groups should meet at least once a month to discuss home schooling issues. These groups are great places to find the most current lesson plans that are being used and how well they work. You can also find out the prices of these plans. Take advantage of networking, you may find someone close to you that can give you a lot of advice.
Once you have decided on your lesson plans, write out your home school plan. If you have a computer type and print it out. If you don’t have a computer at home, visit your local library and use their computer and printer. Place the plan in a folder binder to present it to other attendees at the IEP meeting. Put a copy for yourself in a strong binder along with a copy of the disability laws for your state. Be strong at the meeting and be firm on all your request and do not settle for less. Your child’s education is very important.