Parents Supporting Education

It has long been proven that the best way to teach is by example. Telling your child to value education is not nearly as effective as valuing education and leading by example. Showing your child that education is important to you is the best way to help your child be serious about learning. Life is busy, but here are some practical ways parents can support education.


Encourage literacy

• Turn off the TV for awhile and let them see you read. Showing your children that reading is a part of your life can encourage them to develop similar habits.
  
• Make books accessible in your house. Having books on shelves provides an enriching environment. If you are lacking, head to the book store, thrift store, or yard sale.

Volunteer at School

• Ask in the office for ways you can volunteer at the school.
• Attend field trips with your child's class if you can take off from work.
• Join the Parent Teacher Association

Stay Connected With Your Child's Teacher

• Introduce yourself early in the school year, or even a few days before school begins.
  
• Email or write notes to one another through an assignment book.
• Attend parent teacher conferences.

Help with Homework

• Set aside a regular time of the day for homework.
• Be available to assist if there are questions.
• Check to ensure assignments are complete if necessary.
  

Emotional Disturbance

Emotional Disturbance is a disability category of Special Education. Students who qualify for special education under this category have emotional difficulties that are significantly impacting the child's education. The child may or may not have a psychological diagnosis. A child with a diagnosis of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or others may qualify under this category. However, someone with undiagnosed emotional problems may also qualify. Some believe that students with extreme behavioral problems should qualify under this category. That is not the case. A student can only qualify if it is determined that the behavioral problems are due to an Emotional Disability.

I strongly dislike the term Emotional Disturbance. Some systems will refer to it as Emotional Disability. However, the official name within the federal guidelines is Emotional Disturbance. Personally, I feel that "disturbance" is degrading and really does not describe the child.

IDEIA 2004 Definition of Emotional Disability/Emotional Disturbance

A condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child’s educational performance:

• An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors.
• An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers.
• Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances.
• A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression.
• A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems.

Emotional disability includes schizophrenia. The term does not apply to children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that they have an emotional disturbance.

Check out the chart on School Psychologist Files to see the difference between emotional disturbance and social maladjustment.

Where to find the resources on School Psychologist Files and Blog Files for these Disabilities:

ADHD

• Overview of ADHD
• FAQ about ADHD
• Diagnosing ADHD
• Classroom Interventions for Children with ADHD
• Other Health Impairment
  

Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Autism Overview
• Asperger's Syndrome Overview
• FAQ Parents ask about Asperger's Syndrome and Special Education
• Structuring Environments for Children with Autism
  

Specific Learning Disability

• Specific Learning Disability Overview
• Skills Needed in Reading
• Visual Processing
  

Others

• Developmental Delay
• Emotional Disturbance (Emotional Disability)