From: PsychMom53@aol.com
Date: 1/1/99
Time: 11:07:46 PM
Remote Name: 152.163.207.83
I am a school psychologist (working with students in grades six through twelve). While I agree that we should use/build upon a student's strengths, I feel it is necessary to know what the weaknesses are in order to address the student's needs properly.
I work in a state that currently does not require "labels" or "diagnoses" to deliver special educational services for students. While this may sound good, it is like going to the doctor and having him simply tell you that your child is "sick", and that he is going to prescribe "something" he thinks will work. Wouldn't you rather know that your child has strep throat and that an antibiotic that is specific to strep is being prescribed?
I can't tell you how many parents of students whose cognitive abilities are in the Borderline range have been misled by non-lableing and focusing on just strengths. After years of services, these students are still struggling because they have never been given the services they need to strengthen their weaknesses (i.e. functional math skills)!
I am always open to new ideas and look forward to hearing from you.
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