Need Advice about a Class Scheduling Issue (Howe: school, teacher)

[calgirlinnc]

Just as background, we are very happy with my son's school and the faculty and administration.

However, we have a problem with one of my son's classes.

It is not what he signed up for.

Let's say he signed up for art, but there was an overflow of AP French students, so they stuck them in the art class. There are 2 art students and 25 French students even though the class is called "Art 2." The teacher is saying, well you can't actually create art but you can learn French and that's almost the same thing because Monet was French.

(Hope that analogy made sense).

Meanwhile, he has to go to French practice, watch French films, do French homework, etc. and at no time is he learning any art. Son has no interest in French and is already taking another language. He feels this is a waste.

The counselor says there is nothing he can do.

What would you suggest?

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Complain quite strongly to the principal and then School Board. They won't teach "Art" but he should be allowed to change classes.

[WorldKlas]

Ditto that ^^^

[cordata]

Sounds like something out of a Lemony Snicket book. As others suggested I would escalate quickly - principal, school board, get a newspaper or TV show interested if needed.

[calgirlinnc]

Originally Posted by cordata

Sounds like something out of a Lemony Snicket book. As others suggested I would escalate quickly - principal, school board, get a newspaper or TV show interested if needed.

Wow, OK, I wasn't thinking along those lines! It just seems really unfair and then to be told there are no other classes...I mean, really, none? Not even P.E.?

[UnfairPark]

This is unacceptable. What sort of school is it? Is this some charter school?

[calgirlinnc]

This is one of the top HS's in our area.

They are saying he can't change classes because the request doesn't meet the "criteria".
They are completely ignoring that the class is not what he signed up for.

[calgirlinnc]

I guess what I need to know is, am I being unreasonable if I push beyond the counselor level?

Or do I just say, sorry son, you're stuck with "French"?

Son has a 504/IEP if that makes any difference.

[TurtleCreek80]

Originally Posted by calgirlinnc

I guess what I need to know is, am I being unreasonable if I push beyond the counselor level?

Or do I just say, sorry son, you're stuck with "French"?

Sou has a 504/IEP if that makes any difference.

You need to go above the counselor, like yesterday.

Call the principal today. Demand to be spoken to. Call again Monday and let him/her know you’ll be calling and emailing the Superindendent and every school board member on Tuesday if you the principal doesn’t figure out a reasonable solution ASAP.

You are not being a “helicopter” mom. It is ridiculous and unacceptable that a student is being forced to take a subject he didn’t sign up for when he is in the right section and the other students are overflow.

He’s already misses the first week or two of whatever class he WILL get moved into so escalate now and quickly.

[calgirlinnc]

Originally Posted by TurtleCreek80

You need to go above the counselor, like yesterday.

Call the principal today. Demand to be spoken to. Call again Monday and let him/her know you’ll be calling and emailing the Superindendent and every school board member on Tuesday if you the principal doesn’t figure out a reasonable solution ASAP.

You are not being a “helicopter” mom. It is ridiculous and unacceptable that a student is being forced to take a subject he didn’t sign up for when he is in the right section and the other students are overflow.

He’s already misses the first week or two of whatever class he WILL get moved into so escalate now and quickly.

Thanks, calls are being placed.