Learning Disabled working on Eagle Scout

[Katydid]

A scout in our troop has a mild learning disablility. I believe it is called thought processing disorder. From what I understand it is an organizational difficulty. The example his parents used is that he can know in his head how to do a task but it fdoesn't come out of the hand right. He is 17 and still working hard toward earning his Eagle Scout award. His parents would like to know how much help they should give him for his Eagle Scout project.

 

Some in the troop feel they should let him work on it just like the other boys, Others who are teachers feel that they should provide him the same amount of help that is provided for his schoolwork.

 

To make a long story short we need to know what to tell them now. Running out of time. Has anyone had experience with this issue?

[Eagle1973]

I would take a heuristic approach by asking the Scout questions about organizing his project until you find the level that he can function. Then work it in steps. At no time are you giving him the answer or doing it for him.

[Fuzzy Bear]

The Eagle project is basically in two parts. The first is based on Organization and the next is Leadership; one is done on paper and the other with people. You want to determine where he is having the problem. Since he is in your unit, you have observed his leadership qualities but you have also witnessed his organizational skills on several other projects. You may already know some of his needs but if you want to go further, let me give you some guidance in doing so.

 

Request permission for a conference to be held at the home of the Scout and meet with him and his parents to review his Individualized Educational Plan (I.E.P.). Look at his Educational Modifications that he has for his class work and which classes or subjects. Also, ask about how he learns or his style of learning. This might be oral, visual, hands-on, or a combination of any of the three. Observe what subjects he gets modifications in and then look at his transcript of grades to see if what he is doing is working. He should be able to speak for himself as much as possible. The idea is for him to be in the lead in this interview. (*ask to see his I.E.P. and his transcript)

 

Next, ask to look in the Scout's room. A quick view will tell you some important things about him. Is it neat or a disaster? Ask about who is in charge of order in his room. This view is not definitive but is part of the evidential gathering process.

 

Next review his Merit Badge work that he has completed up to this point. How has he accomplished the work with or without modifications? What is the time frame of his merit badge work? Map out how long it has taken him to complete the badges and in what order. What is he doing differently to be able to achieve in Scouting from schoolwork? Are his parents doing the work for him or are they helping to modify some of the ways that he is achieving? Remember, he may not need modifications in every subject area. Modifications vary, such as, writing problems may mean he uses a Word Processor/computer, math problems might mean he uses a calculator, reading problems might mean that he has someone read the material to him. The idea is to modify but he is to do the work himself. (*ask to see his Merit Badge history report)

 

The next modification is very important and that is Extended Time. Many students that are Learning Disabled do have problems with organization but if he has been in Special Education for any length of time, he should have developed ways to organize and prioritize his work. He should be able to show evidence of the ways he accomplishes these tasks. Ask him. He should have learned how to organize and prioritize both his School and Scouting work. (*ask to see his school notebook or organizer and his school backpack)

 

Next, the decision to request Extended Time is based on the evidence that you have personally viewed and can document. A Learning Disabled Scout is as subject to being lazy, the same as any other boy and that is what you are trying to define. If he has been doing things to keep his world in order, then he is trying. If his parents are doing the things for him while he stands back, then he is not taking responsibility. (*taking responsibility is the key)

 

Why would you want to do this type of investigation? Because, if the Scout is trying to achieve and he is lacking because he really does need extra time, then it is best that it comes from someone outside the family. People that are within the family have a vested interest and may not be impartial. If in your opinion he needs Extended Time, then request it from your District Advancement person. If you do not think that he needs the extra time, then be quiet and tell the parents that you have done your job and that now they need to make their request to the District Advancement person.

 

FB

(This message has been edited by Fuzzy Bear)

[anarchist]

What Fuzzy said!

 

Investigate! determine first if he needs help/accommodation before you offer...Counseling sometimes is all it takes, If he can over-come his 'different ablitity' issue and do it himself, think of the accomplishment! Don't be in a hurry to take that away from the lad...

 

MANY BOYS DON'T FINISH EAGLE until the 11th month (or 12th) of their 17th year...I have heard about Eagle boards the night before a boys birthday...

Be Prepared, but besure it is his 'difficulty' that is the issue and not just good ol'fashion american laziness! (warranting no intervention)

 

I think FUZZy has it just right!

 

good luck(This message has been edited by anarchist)

[scoutldr]

"Thought processing disorder"...don't all teenagers have that?

[Katydid]

Thank you very much for your suggestions. Our committee is very interested in seeing this boy Reach the Eagle Rank. He is a really great kid who many times gets overlooked because people think he is stupid. From talking to him many times I can tell you he is far from stupid. He just has problems expressing himself. So our first solution is to always have an adult with him when he talks to the organizations he needs to contact. That way we can be sure of what he is telling and what is being told.

 

In the next week we will be meeting with his LD coach to determine how much additional help he may need.

 

This is a boy who has worked for several years at scout camp and works extensively with the youth in our community. We are all cheering for him. He is also the first to volunteer for scout service projects.

 

 

[Eamonn]

You might want to have a chat with the person he works with at his school. Here in PA. Students work very closely with a teacher who is assigned to look after them.

It is also very important that the goal of Eagle Rank is his goal. While we do all we can for each and every Scout, we do need to ensure that we are helping them reach their goals and we are not forcing our goals on them.

It might be that this Lad is happy doing what he is doing and could rebel against any applied pressure. About 95% of our Scouts never reach the Eagle Scout rank. They still get a lot out of the program and Scouting.

Eamonn.

[OR Pioneer]

One note -- whatever the discussion that takes place in your troop about a special situation, it is the Council Advancement Committee through its Process and Review committee that can modify requirements (including timelines). It is ONLY this committee that can allow a change in any rank requirement.

 

These are dedicated and experienced people. Troops should involve them very early in the scout's career and all the way through Eagle and palms.

[mdkeplers]

Does the scout have an IEP - Individual Education Plan at school. If he is recieving accomodations at school, scouts should provide similar accomodations. If he does, I would hope that BSA would recognize it. This is a real disorder. It is not "laziness".

[Lynda J]

There are ways of getting alternative requirements. Read at the bottom of the Eagle Rank requirements on page 447 in the book.

We have a scout in our troop with the same disability. He is currently 1st Class but it has been a real struggle to get him there. Our CC is in the process of getting all the paper work together to register his disability so that as he

works on Star, Life and Eagle we can use alternative requirements when absolutly necessary.

He is a great kid. If you ask him a question he can give you the answer but have him write that same question he simply can not. But he works so hard we want to help him any where we can. In school he has a tutor that will ask him test questions and write down his answers.