Hallowell Connections January Newsletter about Renee Goldberg and Educational Planning

The end of the first semester is when many parents start wondering about whether or not the school their child currently attends provides the best fit. If you’re concerned, you can work more closely with your child’s teachers (see next article) and do an inventory of what you believe are your child’s specific needs, but after that the next step is often unclear. Is it better to stay put (here)? What are other options? How do I understand the quality of other potential schools? Have I assessed my child’s educational needs correctly?

You know from your own experiences how important having a “good fit” with a school can be for students. In a school that’s a great fit, your child thrives. In one that isn’t such a good match, your child can languish or worse. Professional, objective guidance when selecting a school for yourself or your child can increase the chance of a successful fit and future. Particularly in the case of families with AD/HD this kind of educational planning can save money, time and heartaches.

Renee Goldberg Ed.D, the educational planner at the Hallowell Center, helps families find the right elementary, secondary and college education. She translates test results, aptitude, special needs and talents into action and guides students and their families to appropriate educational settings. She consults with the student to develop a list of appropriate schools that have the right combination of services, personnel and programs. She also assists in the application process (including developing essays and personal statements), practices interviewing, self-advocacy skills, and in the case of a student with ADHD, helps clarify their understanding of their strengths and weaknesses so they can flourish in an academic environment.

Some families decide that it’s important to keep their child in place at the current school with greater support. Dr. Goldberg conducts school visits for purposes of observation and will meet with the child’s special education staff to discuss progress or needed accommodations.

If you are thinking about your child’s educational experience right now and could use professional guidance, contact Dr. Renee Goldberg by phone at (508) 304-9672 or by email at renee@optionsined.com.