ARGH...Math!!

[misty]

Well, Shannon is loving her new school.....all except for math of course. Being that this is a new school, I am trying to have patience. They put her in 10th grade math--geometry & algebra 2. This is a huge joke being that she had the equivalent of 5th-6th grade work last year & still needed intensive tutoring to even barely understand it. Even with all that she barely got a C. Of course I sent her IEP to the school but I hadn't heard anything about it.

so the first week the teacher sent home a questionnaire & I made sure to point out Shannon's problems & tell her that there's an IEP that needs read. Meanwhile, Shannon was feeling increasingly stupid when she didn't know things the other kids did & they were laughing at her.

Yesterday a form letter came out & on it was the math teacher's email. So of course I took advantage & sent her an email explaining Shannon's difficulties at length & she replied pretty promptly. Apparently she had no idea Shannon had an IEP until she read my replies on the questionnaire. She told me that she contacted the special ed teacher, who is in the midst of rewriting several IEPs to comply with Propel school's format. Also she explained that as of now they have plans to move Shannon to an algebra 1 class & tailor the class to Shannon's capabilities, with lots of extra help. The good thing about that move is that Shannon's advisor teaches that math class & Shannon LOVES her! Oh & the teacher apologized profusely for making Shannon feel stupid in her class.

Well, I sent an email to the special ed teacher & I'm hoping he responds today. I requested an IEP meeting & info on just how they are planning to tailor algebra 1. I'm really nervous about how she will make the leap from 5th grade material to algebra & not fail completely.

Everything else so far has been wonderful! Shannon chose a photography class & a reading/writing class as electives. The photography class is run by a professional photographer. Funny, the teacher handed out simple point & shoot cameras the 1st day & Shannon asked if she could use her own camera. The teacher said "let me see it". When Shannon showed it to her, with all the lenses, etc, the teacher was amazed. Shannon said most kids took that class as a fun, easy grade. Shannon is the only one in the class really serious about it. Oh & the principal saw Shannon's photographs that she took as part of a homeroom class project & asked her to be in charge of photos for the year book this year!

[katiekat]

This school sounds like a great fit for Shannon! I hope they get the whole math situation straightened out quickly-I definitely remember how that feels.

[jj]

I think everything sounds really promising for Shannon. I don't know why IEP's tend to get overlooked or forgotten or not passed on to the people who should know about them. Sheesh.

Awesome about Shannon being in charge of the year book photos. There is no doubt I am Cyber-Auntie because I'm all puffed up and proud of her.

[katiekat]

I know JJ-I am really proud of her too. I just can't believe "our" little Shannon is a sophomore already!

[misty]

I can barely believe it myself, KK.

They did get her moved to an Algebra 1 class yesterday with the teacher that she loves. She had a homework sheet that I helped her with, but she doesn't understand it all all. I'm hoping the teacher knows how to explain it so that eventually she'll get it. We shall see.

[bugsmom]

I'm so excited for Shannon!!! I'm sure she'll make sure the yearbook looks awesome. What a great opportunity!

So happy to hear they put her back in the Algebra I class. Very happy to hear she's with a teacher she loves. That makes such a huge difference. Let us know how it goes...she is off to such a great start. GOOOOOOOOO SHANNON!!!!!

[misty]

Well.....the special ed teacher called me today a WEEK after I sent him an email that he never replied to. He called me to tell me that he hadn't called sooner because someone misfiled Shannon's IEP & he just found it today. He observed her during a math quiz today (which she was only able to answer 3 questions on). And then he took her into his office to formulate a plan with her to keep her in algebra but to ensure that she gets help with understanding, extra time on tests, use of a calculator, etc.

Meanwhile I had found out that she has a problem with science, so he promised to get that worked out as well & have that teacher read Shannon's IEP also. The higher grade science classes use a lot of math concepts & Shannon is afraid to seek help in class because the boys she is grouped with for the 1st few weeks already don't like her & make fun of her when the teacher isn't paying attention.

Other wise, school is going well. It really IS a great fit for her. She is friends with all the geeky boys she told me today...lol....and has a few close girlfriends already. Her one friend has a brother there that everyone makes fun of because he's autistic & just acts different. Shannon likes him, says he's funny & really nice so she has made it her mission to be his best friend.

Edited because I forgot to mention that the special ed teacher also promised he'd get an IEP meeting together ASAP.

[misty]

Got another email today that Shannon only got 3 right on her entire math test (well, duh....I knew that would happen). The special ed teacher wants to go over the material with her & let her retake the test. Because they didn't have her IEP in hand for the first whole week + so at least they are making up for the time when she had no help!

[jj]

When school starts up why doesn't the principle/staff/teachers all make it very clear to the students and parents, if they hear of anyone making fun of another student they will be in big trouble. Not only do I think they should scare the heck out of them but try to make them understand why it is so wrong to make fun of someone just because they are a little different. I hope these kids that are already making fun of other kids will change their tune once they get to know each other better. For some reason I was hoping this school would be different...yes, I know...pretty stupid of me.

But on to the positive. It sounds like they are really making an effort to get Shannon on the right track. Thank goodness they actually have the IEP to read now.

Do you think going over the material with Shannon will actually help? I'm just wondering, is it because she just forgot and just needs refreshers or that she just, flat out, doesn't understand.

[misty]

No, it won't help...I've been trying to teach Shannon her times tables since the 3rd grade & she still doesn't have them down. But they say they are going to do all they can to help her gain some understanding & get passing grades.