Q
My eight-year-old has ADHD and dyslexia. He wants to learn, but he has such a hard time he doesn't want to go to school. He has an IEP, but he says the teachers don't help him enough. How can the school help him better?
A
I would contact the Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities (www.aboutld.org) at 1-888-GR8-MIND or Schwab Learning (www.schwablearning.org). You can get information from them about local resources in your community that can help you walk through the special education system and get appropriate help for your child.
You need to find out in writing exactly:
What your child can do now academicallyWhat the teachers are planning to teach him and how they're planning to do itHow he is doing on a regular basis
If he is not making adequate progress, you may be able to request funding for a professional tutor or even a private school that can better meet your son's needs.