Does every student have to take algebra in high school? On today’s Home School Heartbeat, HSLDA Special Needs Consultant Faith Berens and host Mike Smith discusses course substitution for struggling learners.
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Mike Smith:
Faith, homeschooling can be such a blessing for families with struggling learners, because it enables the teaching parent to modify their education plan for that student’s individual needs. Last time you discussed how this works for teaching style. Once a student is in high school, can a parent still switch out the actual courses their student takes?
Faith Berens:
Parents can definitely offer alternative courses. Sometimes kids with special needs can be successful with algebra and other higher math, but it may simply require modifying the curriculum, or using a specialized alternative math curriculum to meet the student's preferred learning style. For some students entering the workforce, military, or attending vocational training classes, rigorous math classes like calculus and trigonometry may not be required or needed. In other instances, for example with students who have a severe learning disability or a dyscalculia or cognitive delay, these higher level math courses are probably not going to be feasible. But parents can substitute with basic math, perhaps an accounting class, a consumer math, or a finance/money management class. So I encourage parents to think creatively and plan based on their child’s needs and functioning levels, as well as their future goals.
Mike:
Thanks, Faith. That’s really good to know! And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.
