Value of Resource Room

My son has been in a resource room since first grade, and next year he will be starting junior high school. His schedule still has him in a resource room, but I feel it is a waste of his time. He really dislikes going to a different room. Who should I talk to about this? -- Unnecessary
Answer: Often, as students get older, they start to feel a stigma attached to going to a resource room. Most students assigned to a resource room have some difficulty with learning. They may have an Individual Education Plan or have been identified through their school's response to intervention program.
Keep in mind that resource teachers typically have fewer students in a class, so they are able to concentrate on the individual needs of each student. Why do you think being in this room is a waste of your son's time? How are his grades? Is schoolwork easier for him? Are his skills improving? Is he better organized? Being in a resource room has many advantages for students who have had difficulty with learning.
You will need to talk to the guidance counselor at the junior high to make any changes in your son's schedule. Be aware that entering junior high school next year will be a big adjustment for your son. He is likely to have many different teachers. Plus, the workload definitely will increase from elementary school. It probably would be a good idea to have your son stay in the resource room for at least another year to help him handle all the changes that he will encounter in junior high.