Student 4 years behind and little support
Looking for advice on how to advocate for a student. I’m a gen ed teacher in 4th grade. I have a very sweet student who has Autism and struggles very much with reading, writing, and math. This student struggles with counting and doesn’t have an goal for math. He gets 30 minutes a day to address the reading, which happens during during small groups intervention. No other support or minutes are given.
I try my best to scaffold, but it’s extremely difficult. Since they’re unable to read and spell their own words, I’m unsure how to help. 4th grade curriculum doesn’t even address phonics besides some morphology and multisyllabic words.
I spoke to his case manager about what we can do and she told me we can’t do anything else. According to her, he is “functional”, and she won’t consider a change of placement. I asked if he can receive additional minutes and was rebuffed. She did say she would add a math goal. She said the district does not have any Autism units for him and that he’s just low. When reminded of the continum of services she came back with having him watch kindergarten grade lessons.
I know this can’t be right so can I get some advice on what to say/advocate for?