Problem: Describe Frank's literacy strengths and challenges:
Home Life:
Frank lives at home with his aunt and uncle who are both doctors. His parents both died in a car crash about 5 years ago. Frank has always struggled with school, but since the death of his parents, he has even less interest in school. His aunt and uncle are both very involved in his life and spend a lot of money on tutors for Frank. They live in a very affluent neighborhood, but Frank has never felt like he really fits in in this neighborhood because his parents were poor. Frank misses his old neighborhood and wants to go back. His aunt and uncle wanted to put Frank in a private school near where they live to help with his special needs, but Frank was very opposed to the idea. In the end, his aunt and uncle did not want to force Frank into another life-altering change, so they left him at this school, which is in a far less affluent neighborhood. Need Assignment Help?
Social-Emotional:
Frank is mostly withdrawn in class, but he does have a couple of friends he talks to at lunch. Also, his aunt and uncle put Frank in sports, so he does know how to work in a team, even though he would rather be alone.
Academics:
Frank struggles academically and has a very low reading level. He is currently five grade-levels behind in reading, but his math score is almost at grade-level. Before Frank's parents died, his math score was an average of two grade-levels higher than his current grade.
Adaptations:
Frank's IEP puts him in RSP (Resource Specialist Program), but RSP students are mainstreamed at his school; therefore, Frank is in regular courses. He is on an IEP because he has a comprehension disorder. Frank does receive pull-out instruction for one period each day with the RSP teacher. He receives extra time to submit work. He takes tests in another room with her RSP teacher, so the tests can be read to aloud to him. The RSP teacher offered to have Frank do modified assignments (only 60% of the questions on worksheets and tests, but Frank's aunt and uncle refused this modification. They want to make sure he is doing all the work of his peers.) All directions for class assignments are read aloud. Also, the teacher must do 1:1 check-ins with him for every assignment to ensure he understands the assignments. Frank's IEP states that he must sit in the front of the classroom. For math, Frank is allowed to use a calculator and tactiles. Whenever reading the textbook or a class novel, the teacher must ensure that he is able to listen to it auditorily. Vocabulary words must be front-loaded both in writing and orally. Also, whenever there is group work, Frank does not need to work with a group. He can choose to work alone. While Frank has no aide or 1:1 support during class, the RSP teacher, whom he meets with for one period a day, is able to help with assignment directions. Whatever work is not completed with the RSP teacher, Frank is able to finish with at home with his tutors.
Homework:
Frank's aunt and uncle ensure he does all his work each night. They have hired tutors for him to help with all of his subjects.
Strengths:
Frank loves listening to audiobooks. He does not have a high enough reading level to read these books on his own, but he can often be found with Air Pods on listening to a book on Audible. Frank seems to "escape" into these books.