I have a teenager also with the same issues and we have an IEP to accomodate his disability. My son's biggest weakness is English also and what I find that works is email and also speaking to his teacher face to face with an action plan to discuss ways that can best help him work better.

My steps have included

Making action plan and copying it to keep for records really help as it shows that you are recording information and serious about what you are wanting to do to help whether having an IEP or not.

Ask teacher for availabilities for afterschool tutoring. This really helped me with my son as my son is very detailed and with English it isn't as cut and dry as math or science. Have him/her breakdown some of the homework/assignment into sections really helps so that it isn't as overwhelming.. If he/she has to read a book and will be tested break it into sections. If it is a 2-3 page essay or assignment on a topic.. Go through their study guide to show how to write essays to make sure they include the topic, body and summary within English boundaries. Don't be afraid to google essay study aids to help and help with him/her. The teacher should also have this readily available if not already in his book/folder.

If you don't have an IEP ask for the school counsellor to request information about accomodations/placement that can be made.

With accomodations having your child at the front of class for English is always the best along with sittin next to a good role model brings out the best rather than distraction.

Don't be afraid if you don't receive an email from his/her teacher. Sometimes you have to cc the principal, counsellor or school board to get replies.. Meetings work just as effective.. In the end it is always down to the style of communication that the teacher has whether in person, by email or by phone... Ask what is best. Remember most English teachers have other classes to tend to so email to them may be overwhelming (as I have found out). A weekly followup is great and if your child isn't on task or isn't handing in assignments work ask the teacher to email/contact you when not doing so... There are also some great tips on writing effective plans and tips included in this site which you can format for a general letter also to any teacher, school official.

Quote

Your story sounds like my story. Our school district has a web site where I can check his assignments every day if I want. He is to write them in his assignment book & then we cross-check them with the list on the web site. If he gets behind or late I have gone to school & helped him "find" the overdue assignment to make sure he gets it home. I am also persistent in communicating with teachers. If I email & they don't respond, I will call them or go to the school to talk to them. It can be inconvenient but I do believe they owe me a conversation at least. I was told by someone that until my son has the skills that I need to be his "executive secretary' . Someday I do feel like that. The challenge is to work with him to do it himself while staying on top of it so he doesn't get too far behind or fail completely. We have consequences & limits at home. "f there are incompletes or failing grades, then you don't get any electronics until it is all fixed." Our son struggles academically so we are careful not to set the bar too high but yet want to make him accountable. It is important to find whatever gives them a sense of success. I frequently tell our son to remember that ADHD is just one part of him, one piece of the pie...he has black hair, he is athletic, he has a big heart, he is kind, he is a good fisherman, and he has ADHD. I tell him that it does not define him but is a part of him that he has to learn to work with. Good luck

Quote