Student w/ autism denied graduation b/c of law

[whitewolf]

lol at I am posting from Fox News, too.

Autistic student denied graduation due to Georgia state law


Published May 12, 2012

| FoxNews.com


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A Georgia state law is blocking an autistic student from getting his diploma, and his family blames a lack of communication and compassion, MyFoxAtlanta reports.

"I won't be able to graduate. I can walk, but I can't graduate," Sinclaire Coffers, a senior from Fulton County, Ga., told MyFoxAtlanta.

Coffer has good grades, but the problem is that he has not been able to pass the math exam required for every Georgia student to graduate high school.

"Once he starts it, and he learns it, he can do it. But when you walk away, he forgets the steps," said his mother, Linda Coffer.

Coffer is autistic. The state allows for students with disabilities to apply for a waiver that allows the state board of education to vote on whether or not to throw out the exams, and allow a student to graduate. In Coffer's case, the board denied a waiver for reasons his family has not yet been told.

The state department of education seems to agree to some extent. They've changed the law that says all seniors must pass these tests in order to graduate. But those changes don't take effect until next school year after it's too late for Coffer.

"It hurts my heart because he is such a good person. And for him, not to graduate and not to be able to pursue his dreams, it's really just an injustice," Capri Coffer said.

Coffers dreams of one day directing for the big screen.

"I want to go to a film school and learn how to make movies," Coffer said.

The end of high school is the exciting first step in reaching that dream. Except, just a week before the North Springs Charter graduation, Coffer received the devastating news in the mail.

Coffer is hardly alone. The state says last year, 16 percent of students failed the math exam.





Read more: www.foxnews.com/us/2012/05/12/autistic-student-denied-graduation-due-to-georgia-state-law/print#ixzz1uhSbAfxW

[ttt]

I'm kind of torn on this. I mean, if you can't pass the basic math standards test, should you really be allowed to get a diploma? Should everyone get a diploma because they're good people and because not getting one would hurt their feelings?

I'd be interested in knowing why his waiver was denied.

[whitewolf]

May 12, 2012 18:18:24 GMT -5 ttt said:

I'm kind of torn on this. I mean, if you can't pass the basic math standards test, should you really be allowed to get a diploma? Should everyone get a diploma because they're good people and because not getting one would hurt their feelings?

I'd be interested in knowing why his waiver was denied.

yeah, that's some boo-shit to not have to explain its denial. Even credit card companies have to give you a reason if they deny you.

[myst]

May 12, 2012 18:18:24 GMT -5 ttt said:

I'm kind of torn on this. I mean, if you can't pass the basic math standards test, should you really be allowed to get a diploma? Should everyone get a diploma because they're good people and because not getting one would hurt their feelings?

I'd be interested in knowing why his waiver was denied.

This is where I'm at. Also (and I don't know this for certain, so please someone speak up if I'm wrong), but is autism as a disorder associated with poor math schools? In other words, is the autism causing him to not pass the test, or is he a kid who's bad at math who also has autism?

[ttt]

May 12, 2012 19:51:22 GMT -5 myst said:

May 12, 2012 18:18:24 GMT -5 ttt said:

I'm kind of torn on this. I mean, if you can't pass the basic math standards test, should you really be allowed to get a diploma? Should everyone get a diploma because they're good people and because not getting one would hurt their feelings?

I'd be interested in knowing why his waiver was denied.

This is where I'm at. Also (and I don't know this for certain, so please someone speak up if I'm wrong), but is autism as a disorder associated with poor math schools? In other words, is the autism causing him to not pass the test, or is he a kid who's bad at math who also has autism?

I was wondering this too. It's not like he has Down syndrome or something that would make it impossible for him to master that level of material - plenty of kids with autism are capable of passing math tests. He apparently passed the English and science tests, so it doesn't seem to be a problem with test taking itself.

[earlgreyhot]

It says he can walk, which I think is important. It sucks if he knows the material and just having trouble with the environment the test is given under. But if he doesn't know the material, then, well, figure out how to learn it, retake the test and a diploma will be awarded.

I feel bad for the guy, but I also believe that there are solutions to this problem that do not include going to a local newspaper.

[UMaineTeach]

I don't know why other people care if he gets a diploma without passing the test.

They are still going to go around thinking they are better than him - having the same piece of paper doesn't change that. And honestly, it doesn't devalue anyone else's diploma - this guy is not going to steal your spot at Harvard. At least give him a chance to succeed with a HS diploma.

I would figure that him not passing is a manifestation of his disability, but I would also hope that the board was trying to decide this very question. I agree that the parents and the student should appeal the ruling and that there should have been a detailed report outlining why they think that failing the math test is not an manifestation of his disability.

[ttt]

May 12, 2012 20:46:32 GMT -5 UMaineTeach said:

I don't know why other people care if he gets a diploma without passing the test.

They are still going to go around thinking they are better than him - having the same piece of paper doesn't change that. And honestly, it doesn't devalue anyone else's diploma - this guy is not going to steal your spot at Harvard. At least give him a chance to succeed with a HS diploma.

I would figure that him not passing is a manifestation of his disability, but I would also hope that the board was trying to decide this very question. I agree that the parents and the student should appeal the ruling and that there should have been a detailed report outlining why they think that failing the math test is not an manifestation of his disability.

I think it does matter. Otherwise why bother with diplomas at all? It's supposed to mean that you have a certain level of ability or knowledge in certain subjects. That's why jobs require them. They don't require them just for fun, they require them because it ensures that the person being hired has at least a baseline degree of competence. At least, they're supposed to.

The point of diplomas isn't to make people feel good - it's something you earn by fulfilling the requirements.

[StrawberryBlondie]

May 12, 2012 18:18:24 GMT -5 ttt said:

I'm kind of torn on this. I mean, if you can't pass the basic math standards test, should you really be allowed to get a diploma? Should everyone get a diploma because they're good people and because not getting one would hurt their feelings?

I'd be interested in knowing why his waiver was denied.

This is where I'm at, too. I really want to know why the waiver was denied. And I'm wondering if it's the autism that's causing the problems or if it's a "bad at math" that's causing the problems with not passing.

[damnrepublican]

May 12, 2012 21:23:50 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

May 12, 2012 18:18:24 GMT -5 ttt said:

I'm kind of torn on this. I mean, if you can't pass the basic math standards test, should you really be allowed to get a diploma? Should everyone get a diploma because they're good people and because not getting one would hurt their feelings?

I'd be interested in knowing why his waiver was denied.

This is where I'm at, too. I really want to know why the waiver was denied. And I'm wondering if it's the autism that's causing the problems or if it's a "bad at math" that's causing the problems with not passing.

I'm on the same page. Even for "just" a high school diploma, it's something that's earned, not just given. I mean, if you didn't have to prove it, then everyone should just get one on their 18th birthday, and we should do away with schools all together.

[osulori]

May 12, 2012 21:23:50 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

May 12, 2012 18:18:24 GMT -5 ttt said:

I'm kind of torn on this. I mean, if you can't pass the basic math standards test, should you really be allowed to get a diploma? Should everyone get a diploma because they're good people and because not getting one would hurt their feelings?

I'd be interested in knowing why his waiver was denied.

This is where I'm at, too. I really want to know why the waiver was denied. And I'm wondering if it's the autism that's causing the problems or if it's a "bad at math" that's causing the problems with not passing.

Same here...I think knowing the reason the waiver was denied could definitely add some clarity here. IMO, the fact that he passed the other two necessary tests shows that he's able to retain and learn subject matter in other areas whereas he has more difficulty doing so in math. And that, to me, is more of a "bad at math" issue. Could the fact that he has autism affect that? Sure, but I don't think that's the sole reason he didn't pass the math test.

[bab]

Wow there's a lot of ignorance in this thread. Autism can affect all areas of learning. You can't determine that this boy is just "bad at math" without knowing anything about him.
There are a number of reasons (that are related to his disability) which could cause him to struggle with math and still be able to perform in other subjects.

Also, the notion that a high school dipolma must be earned with no exceptions or accommodations is pretty laughable. If this kid had crazy football skills they would have NO PROBLEM figuring out a way to get him that diploma.

I would be interested in knowing why they denied his wavier.

[ttt]

May 12, 2012 22:11:49 GMT -5 bab said:

Wow there's a lot of ignorance in this thread. Autism can affect all areas of learning. You can't determine that this boy is just "bad at math" without knowing anything about him.
There are a number of reasons (that are related to his disability) which could cause him to struggle with math and still be able to perform in other subjects.

Also, the notion that a high school dipolma must be earned with no exceptions or accommodations is pretty laughable. If this kid had crazy football skills they would have NO PROBLEM figuring out a way to get him that diploma.

I would be interested in knowing why they denied his wavier.

I think that's ridiculous too.

[msmerymac]

Huh. I know this kid's sister. And actually, we met through the Knot/Nest. She used to post on P&CE sometimes.

[Deleted]

I didn't see anyone saying they knew for sure this kid was bad at math. In fact, I saw plenty say they wondered which was the case making it clear they are aware that autism can affect one's ability to aquire and retain math skills.

[friskypanda]

I have a family member on the spectrum, and his IEP was changed to allow him to graduate without the same math classes. He doesn't have the retention (ETA: not sure that's the right word...abstract thinking would probably be better) necessary. It isn't that he's bad at math, he can't take an example problem and relate it to the problem in front him. I tried helping with homework, and it was hard because it's too abstract for him to grasp.

[2vermont]

I see no mention of his math grades here. It is very possible that he did well in his classes. Once again, a test determines everything? Seriously?

Ridiculous.

[lizlemon19]

As someone who works with special needs students, I find this appalling. In MA, we have similar high-stakes testings required for graduation. Some students simply do not test well. This is a student with a disability, and I think if he showed up to school and did the work required for his classes, he should get the high school diploma. I don't think they should be given out like candy, but if he did the rest of the work they should make a consideration.
What's the alternative? A higher drop-out rate?

[sporky]

May 12, 2012 22:11:49 GMT -5 bab said:

Wow there's a lot of ignorance in this thread. Autism can affect all areas of learning. You can't determine that this boy is just "bad at math" without knowing anything about him.
There are a number of reasons (that are related to his disability) which could cause him to struggle with math and still be able to perform in other subjects.

Also, the notion that a high school dipolma must be earned with no exceptions or accommodations is pretty laughable. If this kid had crazy football skills they would have NO PROBLEM figuring out a way to get him that diploma.

I would be interested in knowing why they denied his wavier.

i think you should go back and reread. no one is saying that the autism didn't definitively affect him. they are simply questioning whether it had an impact or not, and none of us knows that answer.

[dev22]

I have no problem with this kid getting his diploma if he was able to pass the math classes he took and he has a documented issue with this, from a Dr or Occupational Therapist. If he also did not pass the math classes required to graduate, then no, I do not think a diploma is necessary. I feel bad saying that, but graduating from HS does have to mean SOMETHING.

[rugbywife]

*lurker* - and *Canadian lurker* at that...even better still...*Canadian teacher lurker*...

ASD can lead to a lot of different learning challenges depending on where the student is on the spectrum. I have seen students on the spectrum that ranged from non-verbal to extremely high functioning (Asperger's Syndrome falls within the Autism Spectrum and many people diagnosed with Aspergers are very strong intellectually).

Anyways...I have a question: do most states have 'levels' of graduation? We have three in Ontario: Ontario Secondary School Diploma, an Ontario Secondary School Certificate and Certificate of Participation.

In order to get an OSSD you have to pass the grade 10 literacy test (with accommodations if necessary) and have a certain breakdown of the 30 credits required to graduate. For the two other options the requirements are different. So pretty much, as long as you meet the requirements of the program that has been prepared for you by the school (that meets your needs and ability level) you get to 'graduate' in some way.

Math is interesting for a lot of the students on the spectrum. Most of the students I have taught with ASD have a lot of problems with abstract reasoning (for example: a student couldn't understand that a cube had 6 sides even if they were counted out for him because he couldn't 'see' them all at the exact same time). This can make it very difficult as the math concepts become progressively more abstract.

[taratru]

If he has a documented disability, then why doesn't he have a 504 or IEP that addresses his test-taking strategies? I don't know that I've ever had an autistic student without a 504 - even the most brilliant ones.

I agree there is more going on here that isn't necessarily solved by running to the press.

[UMaineTeach]

May 13, 2012 9:28:21 GMT -5 rugbywife said:

*lurker* - and *Canadian lurker* at that...even better still...*Canadian teacher lurker*...

Anyways...I have a question: do most states have 'levels' of graduation? We have three in Ontario: Ontario Secondary School Diploma, an Ontario Secondary School Certificate and Certificate of Participation.

I don't know 100% what it takes to graduate HS in Maine anymore. I know there is no high stakes test. I am am 90% confident that different districts (town/group of towns) get to decide what they want to do within state guidelines. Some do a standards based portfolio, some just need you to have so many credits of the right classes and pass.

I know my HS had 3 different levels of graduation 10 years ago (College Prep, regular, and thanks for coming). Plus, there might have been a forth level for the kids in Alt. Ed.

The HS in my town now is a private school that partners to take town kids 'free' to the parents - but they make 0 mention on their website of this fact or that anyone with special needs goes there so they have no publicly stated alternate diploma.

[Deleted]

how about "student denied graduation bc he didn't fulfill mandatory graduation requirements; wavier not yet received for reasons unknown, who knows--he might have his diploma by next thursday."

[laurenpetro]

2v, would you feel the same if this kid was in NY and this was about the. Regents diploma? Either you pass and you get it or you don't pass and you don't, from what I understand.
I do know there's a difference between no diploma and a regents one so I'm just asking.

[2vermont]

May 13, 2012 16:33:29 GMT -5 laurenpetro said:

2v, would you feel the same if this kid was in NY and this was about the. Regents diploma? Either you pass and you get it or you don't pass and you don't, from what I understand.
I do know there's a difference between no diploma and a regents one so I'm just asking.

IIRC, there are regular diplomas in addition to Regents diplomas in NY. I would think that this student would at least get the regular diploma, no?

[laurenpetro]

May 13, 2012 17:47:23 GMT -5 2vermont said:

May 13, 2012 16:33:29 GMT -5 laurenpetro said:

2v, would you feel the same if this kid was in NY and this was about the. Regents diploma? Either you pass and you get it or you don't pass and you don't, from what I understand.
I do know there's a difference between no diploma and a regents one so I'm just asking.

IIRC, there are regular diplomas in addition to Regents diplomas in NY. I would think that this student would at least get the regular diploma, no?

it's not clear in this article. That's why I asked you because I didn't go for one in nj.

[bab]

May 13, 2012 7:59:06 GMT -5 sporky said:

May 12, 2012 22:11:49 GMT -5 bab said:

Wow there's a lot of ignorance in this thread. Autism can affect all areas of learning. You can't determine that this boy is just "bad at math" without knowing anything about him.
There are a number of reasons (that are related to his disability) which could cause him to struggle with math and still be able to perform in other subjects.

Also, the notion that a high school dipolma must be earned with no exceptions or accommodations is pretty laughable. If this kid had crazy football skills they would have NO PROBLEM figuring out a way to get him that diploma.

I would be interested in knowing why they denied his wavier.

i think you should go back and reread. no one is saying that the autism didn't definitively affect him. they are simply questioning whether it had an impact or not, and none of us knows that answer.

No thanks. My reading skills are fantastic! Someone questioned whether his autism had an impact on his math skills or if he was just "bad at math."
If you know anything about the disorder, you know that it causes a variety of issues with respect to neurological impairment. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible to tease out autism as the root of ANY of that child's issues. To say he may be "just bad at math" doesn't even make sense. He can't separate his math abilities from his neurological disability.

You're welcome.