The end?
Today, we had a conference with ZB’s teacher to find out wth is really going on in there. We talked about a lot including his math work (inconsistent grades), reading comprehension (I mentioned this before on the blog, and his teacher agrees) since they’re soon going to start reading books on a 4th and 5th grade level, and of course, good ‘ol penmanship.
We are trying to learn if his frustration over how hard the work is is causing him to have trouble writing (he’s never expressed this), and if the math and comprehension are just too hard. His teacher would like to keep him in the class, but I’m not so sure. She said he’s not progressing the way he should, and I guess I’m not surprised seeing that I had my doubts about the cluster class from the beginning. So, what DH and I have decided is to have him evaluated for learning disabilities (ok, DH actually wants to skip this part) and depending on the results, get him help, or move him to a regular 2nd grade classroom.
One thing that pissed me off is that during the meeting, the assistant principal popped into the room. She walked by the classroom earlier and said a (fake) hello when she me and DH. I bet she thought we would just see her yesterday, and then go our merry little way. She later came into the room under the guise of having to give something to ZB’s teacher. She interrupted our conversation and made it quite clear without actually saying the words, that she thought he would do better in another room. She went on about the other teacher’s experience, how well the kids in her class did, and blah, blah, blah. Oh, did I mention she’s(ass p) the school’s TAG coordinator, too? Boo!
Anyway, I just really want what’s best for DS. I even considered homeschooling for a bit. Right now, I still think that public school is the best place for ZB, despite the recent (aggravating) snags. That didn’t prevent me from taking The Well Trained Mind, The Unschooling Handbook*, Real-Life Homeschooling**, and a few others out from the library though. 
I think I’ll put those down and pick The New Public School Parent, Super Simple Origami, and A Child’s Book of Art*** up. I’m glad there’s no school tomorrow. I’m looking forward to just hanging out w/ my kiddos (I say that now…).
*I’ve actually taken this one out before, and like it! So, I won’t put it down.
**I read a few chapters, interesting, I’ll probably pick a few chapters to read.
***For our holiday projects!
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Comments
She’s going to READ 4th-5th grade level books or she THEM to read on their own at a 4th-5th grade level? Garrett’s class has kids reading from 2.5 - 6, they are only expected to improve, not jump a level. Garrett can read some 4th grade level books (according to AR levels). And he can take the AR tests, but I don’t think he could verbally explain the book to me. I hope it can all be worked out. Check your YM, btw.
Posted by: Jennie | November 20th, 2007 15:11
Wow, that Ass P (lol, btw) really is a p in the ass. How rude that she interrupted your conference and butted in with her opinions. She had her chance to talk yesterday.
I hope that you get it all figured out. What does ZB want to do?
Tell me how you like The Well-Trained Mind. I recently ordered the same author’s book (& workbook) The Story of the World (1). I guess they’re intended for home-schoolers, but I just got them because A is interested in history and they’re not really covering much history in kinder.
Posted by: Tricia | November 20th, 2007 17:16
I’m so sorry that you and your son is going through this bs. That’s the thing about institutions… they make everyone behave so insanely, especially the ones in charge. Sheesh. I’m currently reading John Holt’s Instead of Education… and Grace Llewellyn’s Guerrilla Learning. I hope this all ends very well for your son.
Posted by: Nancy | November 20th, 2007 17:42
I can tell you it wasn’t an accident she came to the class and made those comments. I’ll also go as far as saying that she and ZB’s teacher probably discussed it prior to.
I’d move him out of this teachers classroom. He can continue to read on a higher level in the other classroom and you can arrange that with the new teacher. No child should be forced to read on the same level as everyone else anyway. We all read differently than the other person.
I think having him ld tested is not a bad idea simply because he can get some assistance with his writing thru that.
I’m sorry that it continues to go this way but I’m still a believer in public education. I think we as parents must force them to sit up and take notice that we’re also educated and wise when it comes to our children.
Enjoy those crafts, hanging out and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Rosemary | November 20th, 2007 18:44
Ass P, for sure - what a dolt. I’m glad that the teacher is actually aware of it and not just letting it all skim over thinking it might just fix itself. For ZB’s sake, that’s good. And good you have some options. Hope it all works out for him.
Posted by: Anna | November 20th, 2007 19:06
Blah. My stomach hurts so I have nothing constructive to say right now, except boo to the teacher and the ass P.
Posted by: Teresa | November 21st, 2007 01:11
Man, that ass. p. sucks, for real. I hate folks with an agenda that they can’t easily hide, but they think they are so damn slick.
And WTF is up with “not progressing the way he should”? Shouldn’t all kids be allowed to progress at the level where they are comfortable? Now, I get that there probably are some guidelines (can’t think of a better word) in place for what “should” be learned in that particular type of class within a given time period, but I find the timing of this mighty funny. And suspect. (But I’m defensive like that.)
I hope all this works out to SB’s, you and your DH’s satisfaction.
Posted by: TeeYuh | November 21st, 2007 05:36
So, what’s the scoop on this? Maybe nothing new since the holidays and all that, but just thought I’d touch base.
I loved The Well-Trained Mind and would like to read it again. There’s one for adults, as well, which is also pretty good.
I need to read the public school parent one, and that origami one sounds like fun! I bet Tristan would get a kick out of origami.
Posted by: Teresa | November 27th, 2007 09:21