IEP

In a sense, every homeschooling student has an IEP - Individualized Education Plan. After several years of less-than-stellar progress with Jon, I've decided he needs something more. And yet, I don't believe it's time to turn him back over to a government school. In many ways, it seems that would create more problems than it would solve. So I prayed for God to show me what Jon really needs and how to reach him.

I cannot claim, except by faith, that the answer I received will work perfectly. But I do trust that we will see significant improvement if we can do our part. Because the answer I received was something we haven't yet tried, and it makes perfect sense to do so.

Jon has "mom issues". He also has significant learning challenges. Sometimes it's hard to tell if a lack of information recall is the result of the former or the latter. I have some of the tools for dealing with Jon's learning challenges, but I can't not be Mom. Meanwhile, my school planning is often filled with self-doubt, because even if I have four children who make visible progress each year, I have one who seems to get further and further behind. And I wonder how much of it is him and how much of it is my failure, or sometimes my unwillingness to keep trying.

I shared this with Loren, and just blurted out, "Maybe YOU should teach him." We both sat in stunned silence for a moment, and both realized that might actually work.

Loren would like to be more involved in the kids' education, but we've rarely had a workable plan for him to do so. He is able to reach all the kids in ways I cannot, but Jon most of all. Why not use that to our advantage?

This would allow me to come up with a plan I think will work for Jon, without the fact that I'm Mom getting in the way of his progress. And at the same time, I can focus on teaching the children who are eager to learn from me. As far as Jon will see, I will be more of a hands-off team member. He can complete his work under my supervision, but the teaching and feedback will come from someone he's willing to hear.

I was amazed at how easily I was able to put a specific IEP on paper. It was great to be able to pinpoint specific issues without feeling overwhelmed by the hopelessness of having to overcome them myself. And detailing methods and goals that seem reasonable and reachable with my husband's help was downright exciting.

As we plan to start the new school year a bit differently, I'd appreciate your prayers. It seems that this could be the answer we've been looking for!