This book was written for every parent who has ever struggled with that uneasy, anxious, apprehensive gut feeling. You are convinced something is wrong or perhaps different with your child but you just cant put your finger on it. You talk to teachers, administrators, anyone who will listen. They suggest this or tell you to do that. You know deep down inside that it probably isnt the solution, but you are not the expert, so you do what you are told. Slowly, the school year goes by, then the next and the next and nothing changes. Sometimes you start to feel like you are going crazy, that you are obsessing. This book is for any parent, who has lost hope, to know that you are not alone. It is for the parent who needs to ask questions, but does not know where to find answers. Most of all, I hope, through our story, some parents will feel empowered enough to fight for their child, no matter what it takes, without fear of retribution, from their school system. You are your childs best advocate. You need to speak up! Whatever issues you might be having with your child, there is something in our story for everyone. Included are actual emails, transcripts and more. I want to share the pain, the fear, the joy, the uncertainty, some direction and hopefully some insight. You must look beyond the report cards but prepare yourself. You might uncover your own incredible, mind-boggling, unbelievable stories that may seem absurdly unREAL!

More than 100 whole language educators, researchers, parents, and students have contributed to this comprehensive source book of innovative approaches to student evaluation.

Vol. 73- include the section ASSE journal, 1956- .

New Book Offers Support and Information for Parents with Special Needs Children, As They Navigate the Special Education System A Mom tells her painful yet inspiring story that both her son and family endured within the public school system as a result of an incorrect Special Ed diagnosis. Offering readers a glimpse into her son's heartbreaking yet ultimately triumphant story, author and mother, Elaine Mellon, unmasks a compelling portrait of the astonishing and overwhelmingly frustrating experiences and roadblocks she faced. Her new book, unREAL Education: Beyond Report Cards (Second Edition), offers a powerful expose' on the public school system (both good and not so good) through the true story of her son's academic struggles. Mellon candidly reveals actual accounts, over a 25 year period, with sometimes shocking revelations that she encountered for many years - often times battling on her own and without the advocacy of school officials. From a mother's perspective who fought tirelessly on behalf of her son, the author reveals how initially, though unsuccessfully, she tried balancing the academic systems put into place in an effort to assist her son, Blake, with his personal educational difficulties. This balancing act provided Mellon with both the sensitivity and understanding of special education both academically and through personal experience. While she initially learned the basic foundation in her graduate studies, it was her ongoing research and advanced training, which proved vital to the plight of her son, thus providing her with the tools to actively and effectively advocate on his behalf. Her successful accomplishments - fueled by extensive research, on-going participation in educational workshops and attending dozens of seminars and conferences for more than a decade - are shared within the pages of her recently published book. (www.unrealeducation.com) Ms. Mellon hopes unREAL Education: Beyond Report Cards (Second Edition) will encourage and offer a fresh perspective of support to other parents and child guardians as they navigate their way through the maze of the public educational system.