Need your opinion....

[bugsmom]

So, I just got a letter from Josh's school today that has me really ticked off.... I need your advice before I contact the school on Monday and really blow my top...lol.

At Josh's school they take these tests called the EXPLORER test. Every kid from 6th to 10th grade take them. They are NOT state mandatory tests, nor are they linked to any type of funding. The test is the most accurate tests to figure out how a child will do on their ACT/SAT's for entry to college. Since his school is more like a private/prep type school (although its a public charter school), the test are very important in their eyes to make sure every student gets into college.

So, he took these test in March, and I thought he did pretty good. His English scores were average, Science and Social Studies above average, but his math scores were low (big surprise--NOT). I get a letter from the school today stating that because his scores in English and Math were not as high as they wanted, his 2 electives for next year were going to be taken away and replaced with courses to bring his EXPLORER test scores up!! I flipped! This kid works his but off to pass all his core classes and he needs those electives to have a little breathing room and enjoy something fun and interesting to him. Not only that, he was going to use his one elective to take his language (Spanish) that he needs for graduation. In Michigan you need 2 years of language to graduate. Losing that elective next year will put him a year behind in Language.

The thing that makes me really mad is he worked soooooo hard this past year. He had a 3.0 on every card marking but one. His school knows that he has trouble in test taking, that's why we have the 504. I never thought to see if he could be excluded from this stupid test.

So, this is my question. Should I call the office on Monday and throw a fit, or just wait until Aug, when he can re-take the EXPLORER test and try to opt out of him losing his electives. I just think the whole thing just stinks. I have loved everything about his new school, but this is just crazy. I know this sounds bad, but I could care less what he gets on his ACT/SAT's. My goal it to just get this kid through high school! It's not like he's going to an Ivy League school....geez~

Any opinions would be helpful...thanks guys.

[misty]

I would start now to try & get it resolved. My fear is that if you wait until August & then they refuse, he'll be for another disappointment. Let me know what they say. Geesh, as if our kids don't have enough problems, huh?

[aimee8305]

Ya know that really erks me!


That is retarded of the them first of all! But since when can the school choose whether or not you take electives or not and which ones you take??? Maybe its been a long time since I was in school but Im going with what Misty says. I would raise h*ll now and get it over with so you both can relax over the summer! Just sayin....

[katiekat]

Absolutely not! I would be contacting them ASAP. That is totally unfair. They are placing way too much importance on those meaningless tests. I dont remember if Josh has an IEP or not but if he does you can say you want him exempt from this testing.

[charliegirl]

If you think it will help him to be able to use a calculator or other math aids you can request that be included as an accommodation with his 504.

[bugsmom]

Thanks ladies...I'm going to call the Dean in the morning. I've gotten even more worked up over this in the past 2 days....argggg. I don't know what their going to suggest, but I'm going to do my best to get him opted out of these classes. I can't even imagine him keeping up with geometry AND another math class on top of that! Then Literature AND another english class....makes me want to rage!!

KK...he doesn't have an IEP, he dosen't need it. He does however have a 504 which consists of taking all tests in the resource room, and extra help with large assignments. He loves his resource teacher and she's been AWESOME. And his school has been GREAT with giving him lots of support, even before anything was in writing. That's why I hate to rock the boat...they have truly been so accomodating.

I'll let you guys know how it goes.

[bugsmom]

The Dean is out until next week (4th of July break). So, I'll update you then.

[jill]

Annette had to have extra classes to help bring up her scores on state testing and I did not mind anything to help her. In fact one class was after school but with us it was a choice. I had a consent to sign or not sign but if I did not sign they remove their responsibility.

[jj]

If nothing else, maybe there is a compromise in there with him being able to take one elective. Be sure to buttter them up first. ;D

[bugsmom]

I kept on meaning to get back to this thread to update you on what happened, but my mind is getting foggy in my old age...lol .

So, I contacted the Dean over the summer and we talked at lengh about my concerns, but they were not going to let Josh out of the extra classes unless he tested out. I was upset about it, but to me, it wasn't worth fighting about at that moment, and they there was a possible "out" if he tested better.

Well, the first week of school he re-tested again. He did much, much better in the English portion, but only a few points better in Math (no surprise there). He did get to take the test with his resouce room teacher. I met with the Dean this week to change a few things in his 504 and we talked about these classes. He said Josh will get the opportunity to test out at the end of every marking period. He is very close to getting out of the extra English class. I know he won't test out of the Math class, and that's fine with me...he needs the extra help. Josh doesn't seem to mind not having his electives right now. Of course this could change in about a month...lol.

I've calmed down a lot since the last time I wrote. I know that his school is just trying too make sure these kids are prepared for college, and they are working really hard for this to happen. I just got a letter today from the school and any child who's GPA is 2.5 or below has to attend mandatory tutoring. There is no charge and its offered everyday to anyone. So, that's what I mean on how they go above and beyond to make sure every child is where they should be.

Well, it should be an interest year...lol.