It’s a backward concept, and it feels all wrong. But recently, when I sat down with my autistic son’s ninth grade teacher, she suggested that we not have him graduate from high school.
What?
That was my thought, and I’m still a bit perplexed by it all. But I learned that in my state and others, children who are receiving special education services become eligible for vocational programs if they are not able to graduate from high school. Special needs students who do graduate may lose their eligibility for these services and training. I suppose the government assumes that if your child is capable of graduating, he or she is also capable of finding a job and even pursuing college and independent living. Yet sometimes teachers who are mainstreaming special needs children will give those kids “A” grades and pass them through their classes, advancing them from grade to grade and enabling them to graduate. But as bizarre as it sounds, this could potentially work against them.
What vocational programs might a child who graduates be ineligible for?
After high school, special needs students who did not meet graduation requirements may be eligible for programs such as supported employment, either in an individual or group setting. For example, a coach might work with your child until he or she is able to handle a job independently. Follow-up supervision is provided so that your child’s experience on the job is a positive one. Transportation to and from the job may be provided. And your child is then able to earn his own money and develop a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.
How do I find out whether or not it would be beneficial for my child to graduate?
Children with mild learning disabilities should certainly be encouraged to graduate. Absolutely. However, if your child has a significant cognitive disability, you should contact your child’s teacher, transition counselor, special education coordinator in the school district, or contact your local Division of Services for People with Disabilities Regional Office. Find out what programs are available to your child after high school, and whether graduation makes your child ineligible. You should also ask yourself honestly whether your child will need vocational training or special services as a young adult.
Kristyn Crow is the author of this blog. Visit her website by clicking here. Some links on this blog may have been generated by outside sources are not necessarily endorsed by Kristyn Crow.
Related Articles:
Preparing a Learning Disabled Student for College
Will My Special Needs Child Attend College?