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We have a few more weeks left of school and cannot wait! So proud of our son who just completed his SBAC testing(***SIGH***). It was definitely nerve wracking, but he has such an awesome special education teacher that helped him through each painstaking minute, moment and second of his test taking ordeal. Thankfully we were able to get it all done and so now we are just chilling and celebrating with a three-day-weekend of sorts, so that we can just exhale for a moment. For those of you that are still test taking, GOOD LUCK! We know how painstakingly stressful these days can be not only for the parents, but the students as well, especially students with special needs challenges, anxiety, tears, panic attacks, etc.
I am not sure where your stance is on state test taking is in general, but it is and has been a debate for YEARS, especially in the midst of the pandemic. Without sounding too negative about state testing in general, the only thing I will say is that testing students should not be the only alternative or pathway to graduation. There should be options for students who don't always meet the criteria for graduating from high school and that alone should raise a red flag for parents everywhere.
If you are a parent of a special needs child who happens to be graduating this year from your local high school congratulations to you for all of your advocacy, strong communication between your teachers (Gen Ed & SPED teams), as well as a strong sense of trustworthiness, then I applaud you. Of course your journey will not stop here on advocating for your special needs child/teen/young adult but it is definitely a milestone to be extremely proud of accomplishing.
On the other hand, if you are a parent that is having more questions than answers at this time in your autistic child/teen/young adult's high school graduation then you need to sound the alarm and to let the staff know you and your child's needs, especially as they transition to adulthood or continue to struggle because of miscommunication. Usually by this time in your child's life you should know what resources are available to you and them, so that there is no error in the ongoing advocacy and journey you will be facing moving forward. Whatever you do, Don't Give Up!
Advocating for a special needs child is definitely not a race, it is a marathon and you have to pace yourself day by day. It gets better with time, like a fine wine. I wish you well today and always and keep advocating. You are your child's best point of contact and biggest cheerleader in this crazy world.
Have a wonderful day and Be Blessed:-).
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