Well that is a dilemma!
If he already has a diagnosis of ADHD, then why would the mom
think he isn't already labeled? I've seen students just like
the one you describe and medication has made ALL the
difference. I've also seens students come in like zombies
because of over medication or the wrong medication.

You have to keep the focus on the student and what is best
for him. Make this your MAIN motivation when talking with
the family. (I hope grandma isn't at the meeting!) Try to
gently explain that he will gain SO much and be able to
experience success if he gets the meds he needs..or at least
that is your hope.
Show them examples of his work and explain that the
adjustments and accommodiations you are currently
implementing for him are not working, and that it would be in
HIS best interest to either get further testing to qualify
for special ed, or to try medication.

I wouldn't really address grandma's antiquated ideas. I'm
sure she means well, and has experience as a math teacher,
but just say, well, this is our school's curriculum and I
teach it.

If the mom chooses to home school, you really can't do
anything about it..that is out of your hands.
The issue is what is going to happen next year.
Tell them that in 8th grade math he will be introduced to
more abstract concepts and for an ADHD child these higher
level concepts will be very difficult to grasp if he cannot
concentrate. He will continually experience failure and that
would be a worse label than ADHD on meds.

Hope this helps..I feel your pain.

On 6/27/09, Donna/WI wrote:
> I have a student who is going into eighth grade, has
> diagnosed ADHD but is not on meds, who retains a math lesson
> for the day and then immediately forgets, cannot remember
> multi-stepped operations, cannot understand or interpret
> word problems, and estimates wildly. He is very good at
> computing basic operations. He has a hard time focusing and
> paying attention to detail.
>
> His step-grandma is a former high school Algebra teacher who
> is of the opinion that he should be using a math book that
> is copyrighted back in the 50's instead of the traditional
> text our school uses. I have encouraged that he be screened
> for possible disabilities, but mom doesn't want him to be
> labeled. We are a private school. I know once he attend
> public high school, he will be tested. As of today, mom says
> she will home school him for high school. I don't know that
> she would have the ability to do so.
>
> How do I help this student? How do I respectfully explain to
> grandma that a book from the 50's will not be the best
> answer? Right now the best I can do is give him an adjusted
> curriculum with adjusted assignments so he is not left
> completely in the dust.
>
> I meet with the family Monday afternoon.
>
> Losing sleep over this,
>
> Donna

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