Defending and Parenting Children Who Learn Differently: Lessons from Edison's Mother

by Scott Teel

Overview

We all know Thomas Edison was a genius of seemingly limitless imagination. Yet few know that he was a failure in elementary school. Teel shows us how Edison's mother, Nancy, guided the boy who was deemed a dunce by officials-even assumed mentally retarded by his father-to become one of the greatest inventors of all time. Edison's progressive and imaginative teaching methods hold lessons for all children who learn differently from conventional methods and for the parents and teachers who care about them. Teel also explains how parents can negotiate the educational maze created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). An Individualized Education Program is explained in detail, and options such as enlisting the assistance of a professional advocate are also discussed.

The latest research about current medication therapies and the origins/potential benefits of ADHD are reviewed. A leading professional advocate explains what every parent needs to know about the public school system. Other topics addressed include the effectiveness of homeschooling and parental and student rights. Teel also offers an extensive list of local and national resources.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781578868032
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	11/16/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	218
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Scott Teel is a freelance writer based in Texas. He holds a degree in nuclear technology and is also a certified employee benefits specialist. Teel is an adult who has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. As a child he was a tangential thinker who despite a high I.Q. struggled in the conventional school system.

Table of Contents

Foreword Vincent Monastra v

Introduction vii

1 Nancy Edison's Miracle 1

2 Why Thomas Edison Was Such a Poor Student in School 9

3 Nancy Edison: Advocate for Her Son 17

4 Current Rights of Children Who Learn Differently 25

5 Using a Professional Advocate 37

6 The Homeschooling Option 45

7 The Importance of Self-confidence and Self-esteem 57

8 Independent Learning as a Core Strength 69

9 The Importance of Discipline 81

10 The Medication Question 91

11 Comorbid Conditions 101

12 Getting Both Parents on the Same Track 119

13 Local Resourcess 123

14 Online and Print Resources 187

Notes 195

Index 201

Editorial Reviews

In contrast to the success he enjoyed as an adult, Thomas Edison's early school career was a dismal failure. In this resource for parents of children who learn differently particularly those with ADHD freelance writer Teel draws lessons from the story of Edison and his mother, whose progressive teaching methods helped her son to develop his talents. Teel also discusses a number of practical considerations for navigating today's school systems. Topics include professional special education advocates, homeschooling, self-esteem, and the medication question.

Reference and Research Book News

In contrast to the success he enjoyed as an adult, Thomas Edison's early school career was a dismal failure. In this resource for parents of children who learn differently particularly those with ADHD freelance writer Teel draws lessons from the story of Edison and his mother, whose progressive teaching methods helped her son to develop his talents. Teel also discusses a number of practical considerations for navigating today's school systems. Topics include professional special education advocates, homeschooling, self-esteem, and the medication question.” —Reference & Research Book News

From the Publisher