I decided to take on this task because of our oldest son, and all the problems we'd encountered with the school system during his elementary school years.

I, like other parents had high hopes for my son. I never had any problems in school, and certainly didn't anticipate that either of my boys would encounter difficulties with learning.

The problems began in Grade 2. He came home with a first term report card full of D's and C's. Parent teacher interviews brought some enlightenment, but offered no help. I was handed a bunch of test papers that had a name on the top and nothing else. No answers to the questions contained thereon. I asked why I had not received a call about these things, or why these tests were never sent home for a signature. I was told that is wasn't school policy to call a parent every time their child didn't feel like working. I was told that Justin was lazy and that she wouldn't waste her time helping a child that didn't want to work.

This was the beginning of our nightmare. Because Justin was not getting the extra help he needed at school, I quit my full time job of fourteen years, and stayed at home to help him.

He was called lazy. He was NOT lazy. He just did NOT understand. Many hours were spent at the kitchen table every single night re-teaching him everything he had learned in school that day. I prepared tests and study notes, and we'd go over them for at least one hour a night. As he got older, the time increased to two and three hours per night.

I know of no other child who at 8 years old, sat for an hour or more each night trying to learn, and he tried. so very hard. I was no longer his mother, I was his teacher. Anyone that has been put into that position knows how difficult it is to have the patience required to teach these kids, and with no formal training I too was frustrated.

Many tears were shed because of teachers who didn't take the time to delve further into our son's educational problems. He was left to flounder because of lack of understanding and no extra help except that which he received by me.

After 4 years of fighting with the ' powers that be ' and with the help of a wonderful lady on the school board, he was finally moved to another school which had a program for kids like him. The program that we were told didn't exist miraculously appeared out of the blue.

He began to see the light !!! He was with teachers who knew how to teach him. They knew which techniques were right for him, and they cared !! I cannot thank them enough for what they have done for our son and others like him.

He continued to study hard every night. He missed out on alot of extracurricular activities, and on alot of 'fun' times, but what a reward he received at the end of it all. He made the honor roll three times in Grade 7. He was also honored with An Outstanding Achievement Award that same year. I had tears streaming down my face as I watched him walk up to that podium to receive that award. I was so proud of him, as he was of himself, and with very good reason.

It was during this year, 3 years after he attended the elementary school where we had encountered so many difficulties, the school that was so busy protecting themselves at the cost of those that didn't fit into the "main stream", that I decided to write a letter to the Minister of Education for the province of Alberta. I did not want this to happen to another child. The letter ended up being twelve pages long. That did not include attachments of various tests, and remarks that were made by certain teachers at that school

You see, I started to record everything from the middle of grade two until he was moved to a new school for grades five and six. I kept a record of conversations that took place. Things that had happened and were swept away; discounted because we were overprotective parents. I had it all written down.

The Minister was so concerned about the issues I had raised, that he called my home himself, and followed up several months later with a letter.

It is good to note, that the principal of that school has since taken early retirement, and the vice-principal was moved to a lesser position in another school.

This is for the families who have found themselves in the same position as we were. Never give up!! There is help. Keep fighting. Keep track of everything! Never stop. These are our children , and they are very special kids. They deserve an equal education just like everyone else. Don't let them fall through the cracks. We are their only voice.

Aauugh!! Justin has since entered high school where he has fallen through the cracks once again. Grades 10 and 11 have been a total waste of time. Instead of going forward, he has fallen back. I shall try to update this page sometime in the future.

I have added links to sites that I have found to be beneficial on this topic. They offer insight and help to both parents and their children. I hope you find what you seek here.