Education and Public School (Center: homes, middle school, vs)

[maryjh1976]

We just got a call today from my 4th grader's school. We are in District 11. We just moved from Las Vegas, NV where he attended year round school. Well the principal called to tell us that they got his test scores back and his scores are the lowest they have seen, and they want us to come in and talk about grade level placement. I'm honestly scared...my son was A/B honor roll in Vegas through most of his elementary education, and then he hit a tough streak at the start of 4th grade. That blowing off homework thing, and not trying or seeming to care about his education, and lets not forget the I can't...it's too hard, etc. I knew he would be behind slightly because he still had 4-5 months of school left in Vegas, but is Colorado so advanced that he is just out of his league? He was just starting division in Vegas, and they are deeply into it here I believe. He had just started speech therapy in Las Vegas too which kind of makes him feel different than the other kids, and I don't want my son to have to repeat a grade or drop down to 3rd and then start 4th, unless absolutely necessary. He is already above average size for his age, and I am afraid this will lower his already hurting self esteem. This leaves me asking did Vegas just shuffle him through? We go into the school today at 3:30 to talk to the principal.

Okay, sorry for venting. I'm a tad frustrated, and worried.

I have some questions for those of you who are involved in public school or home schooling. How does home schooling work here? I was considering as an alternative to having him repeat perhaps home schooling him to catch up and get through elementary school, and then move him to regular school again in 6th grade or so? Is this viable here? Thoughts, suggestions, home schooling info?

Frustrated Mom,

Mary

[Charles]

It sounds like now is the time to start getting supplemental training. School is out in a few weeks; work it over summer. There are private resources and summer school. Local high school kids can be hired for tutors. That's what I would do.

If he has to repeat, he has to repeat. There are a lot worse things that could be in his life.

What kind of test scores (CSAP)? Or classroom academics? Both?

[maryjh1976]

The call we received was very basic, we will know more this afternoon. But she stated that it was assessment or placement tests they give to students to determine what rank of classes to put them in, when they enroll into school. Then they said there were also individual sit down times with each of his teachers (homeroom, reading, math, etc.) and they said his performance validated the test scores.

We were already planning to send him to summer school because we knew he would be behind just from the year round to traditional school transition, but we had no idea he was this far behind. We have not confirmed our feelings based on the call, but it sounded like she was suggesting putting him back into 3rd grade. I'll know more this afternoon.

Thanks,

Mary

[otowi]

I am a high school teacher in D-11 and I also tutor at Sylvan Learning Center. I think probably they are just trying to figure out what is going on - don't be afraid - it is all about just trying to figure out what is best for your child. Before you jump to home school, I would see what your options are, just because big changes can have hard-to-predict effects on the child's psyche. There are a fair number of homeschoolers around here - if you want more information, I think the Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy runs some sort of homeschool connection or offers some classes for homeschooled kids, for a fee. Maybe some summer enrichment will be all that is needed. It is certainly worth a try. If you can afford it, places like Sylvan Learning Center do a great job if your child will do the work.

[maryjh1976]

We met with the school and after reviewing the work they do here, vs Las Vegas, and his scores, and the facts that looking at the sheets they showed us he would not know 85% of the terms used the suggestion was made to do the following...

Move him back to 3rd grade from 4th grade Monday morning to allow him to adjust to the new class, and hopefully make friends before the school year ends who will follow/be with him through to 5th grade.

Enroll him in Summer School for 3rd grade level to help him get caught up.

Start next year as a 4th grader, and hopefully he will be able to catch on, catch up with the students he is with.


Mary

[lildreamer]

Mary,

Just my opinion but I think the final decision is probably the best choice for you and your child. He is still young and able to get caught up and gain some confidence. It will be better then him struggling through the rest of his school years. Plus hopefully he will be a little more mature when he enters middle school and High school (being a year older) and I think that will help you because the teenage years are tough for alot of kids and parents of the kids. I think homeschooling is great for some families but it could also put a strain on those where the child fights doing his work to begin with. If he puts up a fight doing his homework at this time, I believe it would be much harder to get him to do a whole curriculum at home. Sometimes children put up more of a fight with there parents than with their school teachers.

Good luck and feel good about the schools and your decision.

[otowi]

That sounds like a reasonable solution. I hope it goes well! My brother always wishes he had started school a year later / been a year older. As it was, he was one of the smallest boys in his class, but he was really into sports. He would have had a lot more options and happiness in high school (according to him) by being a year older.

[froggin4colorado]

I was elated to meet your daughter today! Unfortunately it didn't show because of my cold. I had gotten with her teacher to inform her of scheduling concerns..thing should be cleared up now. I don't see any issues with her getting done and out for graduation by December!