hearing loss in yor child and the schools' responsibilities

Re: hearing loss
anonymous

Question:

Okay so here is my question!  My husband and I found out our daughter has some hearing loss that may end up to complete hearing loss.  When we went to her school to speak to her teacher about

how she needs to make sure our daughter heard her properly and to be patient with her until we figure out whats going on she was not only rude but put blame on us.  That morning our daughter was sent with a note and we made plans to speak to her in person after school, well during the school day my daughter was sent to the nurse to get a hearing test without our permission,  then they shrugged it off as her not paying attention and us placing this in her head even after her doctor faxed papers to the school stating that special accomidations for her is needed until problem can be resolved!  Today my daughter came home crying cause she got a F on a paper for not doing it correctly, when I asked her why she did it wrong she said her teacher wouldn't repeat herself and she did not hear her.  How can I get this to stop before my hands go around thier necks?

My Advice:
 

Hi there.  As your post is anon, I can't ascertain where you are living.  If you were in Australia, you would have grounds to contact the education department in your State.  You also don't mention whether the school is private or public, so for now I will assume it is public.

From what you say, you have taken responsible and proper steps to make the school aware of the situation, and offered suggestions to assist in the period that the problem is being investigated further.  In offering professional advice, you have acted in a way that assists not only your child but her teacher, and this appears to have been disregarded by the school.

From what you write the school has:
A)   Failed to follow suggested professional advice that is in the best interest of your childs' wellbeing
B)   Flagrantly dismissed your parental consent to or knowledge of a hearing test.  You should have been consulted if the school feels ANY "special" testing is necessary.  As far as I am aware they do NOT have the right to do anything of this nature without parental consent.
C)   Disregarded the fact that you and your husband are already aware of, and taking steps to address the problems your child is having
D)   Not followed up on suggestions as to how this problem can be less stressful for the child AND the teacher
E)   violated your parental rights by way of suggesting this problem, although professionally diagnosed, is being imagined by you

Before contacting the education department I would request an urgent meeting with the school head, deputy principal, childs' teacher, and ask that if they ahve a special needs teach and school counsellor they also are present.

Make notes on how you wish to run this meeting so that you and your husband are in control from the start.  This will assist you in feeling empowered and not intimidated by the group you are addressing regarding your concerns.  Remember at all times, no matter how hard it is for you, that letting your emotions take over will not help you.  You must treat this as a business meeting and act and react accordingly.  Minute your discussion and ask that a copy be put on your childs' file, signed by all in attendance.

Meantime I would also suggest you keep diary notes of every conversation with dates, and specifics as to what was discussed and direct quotes from whoever is involved.  Also keep notes on any incidents you child is involved in.  Make sure all notes are kept 100% and don't omit anything you say or do even if you feel it is negative.

It is distressing for any parents to be experiencing something like this with their child, and modern school policy is in place to enable parents and teachers to work together to provide the best support and opportunities for every child, as well as the parents and teachers involved with your child.  It seems to me that your school has not adhered to this ethos, and from my experience you have justifiable grounds to take action on several accounts.

I sincerely hope this helps.  Sharon