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Post by tridlette on Mar 23, 2004 12:54:46 GMT -5
Michael is 13, started school a year early.
He is in the Gifted program in school, the accelerated his learning program.
8th graders are currently taking Algebra 1, a 9th grade math class. In order to advance to 10th grade Geometry class, they must have an A or B average for the year.
9th grade Algebra students have to pass to take Geometry next year.
If my 8th grader doesn't get that A or B, he will have to repeat the entire Algebra 1 curriculum in 9th grade.
I am offended that the standards are held higher for "gifted" students than they are for "typical" students. I thought the laws said each child is entitled to a FAIR APPROPRIATE public EDUCATION. What is fair about the different standards of "passing", what is appropriate about having a child who completes the curriculum with a 73 average repeat the class, and what education do they expect him to get by repeating a class he has passed already and will therefore resent?
Please help me understand this, because I want to jump on my broom with my pointy hat, but I wonder if I am wrong since no parent before me has raised these questions in our district.
I know that Michael is "lazy" in their eyes, he hasn't done the homework for the class, but doesn't a passing grade mean he is passing into the next level?
I would appreciate it if you don't hold back and let me know what you think, either side of the question, because I am very one sided here, and I would rather have my friends argue against me than the powerful adversaries! You guys won't hurt my feelings, and I can cry to you without it going on his student record!
Thank you my friends.
Laurie
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Post by adhdtimes4 on Mar 23, 2004 17:03:55 GMT -5
Laurie,
Were I you, I wouldn't approach it with "Is it fair?" but "Is it right for my child?" If your son is very, very strong in Algebra, but not so strong turning in homework, then by all means he should go ahead to Geometry. Pull out all your evidence, IEP's, 504's, pointy hats and whatever else you have up your sleeve and get them to let your kid do what he is capable of. Do you have a state End of Course test? A high percentile would give you another edge.
Also, are they not letting them into Geometry at all, or not letting them into Honors Geometry?
If your son is struggling in the least, then I've heard over and over again from math teachers - let him repeat Algebra. Algebra is the basis for all higher math, and if that base isn't rock solid, then problems develop later on. I've had two sons take Algebra in 8th grade. Both were in the top of their 8th grade class but for two very different reasons we repeated both boys. I have never regretted it. (Mine are horrible about the homework too.)
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Post by rosyred45 on Mar 23, 2004 18:43:44 GMT -5
I don't really know what to say that would make things seem better, but I know that I had to pass algebra 1 w/out a certain average. Just a passing grade was enough, meaning I could have gotten a D, but I didn't fail. I was horrible at geometry and I think this is a sticking point for me. I hate it, I don't know why it is a course. OK, spoiled brat in me doesn't like it, I can't relat with spacial differences. OK, to the point, ask if there is ANY WAY that he can get through this algebra. He obviously knows what he is doing. Do they have a final exam that has to be passed by a certain grade, or is it just the average from the entire year? Here's your hat and broom mame, please step to the side adn you will be issued you liscence again.  Kaiti |
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Post by TexasMom on Mar 23, 2004 20:43:23 GMT -5
I have to agree. If Algebra I isn't well grounded, then Geometry is going to be real trial.
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Post by Honeysmom on Mar 24, 2004 0:24:19 GMT -5
Laurie, You asked for all opinions, so I am guess I'm gonna be honest on this one.
While it is true that passing is passing, if he knew ahead of time what the expectations for advancing were, IMHO he is out of luck. Now, if they are pulling this new passing average out of the sky all of a sudden, then I would get out my pointy hat, maybe. I would really encourage him to retake it. If he knows all of the concepts, and just does not do the work, that's one thing. But if he is struggling with any of it, next year will be even worse.
You really do need a good Algebra foundation for the upcomming years, and this is comming from the girl who took placement tests to get into college about two years ago and couldn't even do one problem b/c they didn't teach that stuff when I was in school! I had to retake HS algebra, but it was the best math move I ever made. Just my 2 cents...Becky
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Post by tridlette on Mar 24, 2004 13:50:19 GMT -5
The decision is tentatively made.
Although I still think the rule is enequal between 8th and 9th graders, I have decided to follow your advice. He is being assigned Algebra 1 again for next year. He didn't seem too overwhelmed by the decision. His reaction was what I most worried about. IF, big IF, he improves from his current C average to an A or B over the next 11 weeks, he will be put back into Geometry. But since this small group of kids has already skipped a year of math, they won't let them slide. Therefore, it is repeat Algebra 1 or take Geometry. No other options.
What shocked me most about his decision was this...
He hates homework, he is the classic underachiever, the teachers call him lazy. He is only allowed to choose 2 electives for 9th grade. He insists on band (he is a drummer). He wants metal shop, team sports, home repair shop, and computer skills workshop. But since he had to choose just one... he elected JROTC! The hardest, most challenging class of them all, and he chose to do it because it is so challenging and demanding. We (DH and I) are thrilled that he wants to challenge himself, but scared to death that the contract is signed and there is no room to wiggle now! He is going to bust his tush to do this, and I am going to turn gray really fast. But, I think it may be the very best thing in the world for him short of enlisting him in the Marines! I have been joking about sending him to military boarding school for a few years, never in front of him. He made this choice for himself. Out of the Blue!
Pray for him, he is in for a wild ride!
Laurie
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Post by rosyred45 on Mar 24, 2004 19:21:39 GMT -5
Laurie, if that is what he wants to do, let him. I know from a mom point of view and the world the way it is, but MS PATRIOIC ;D, you need to let him do this for him..
If he does this, than he will have a boot up on the rest of everyone.
Oh, giving you a hug
Kaiti
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Post by mskris on Mar 30, 2004 15:31:10 GMT -5
Laurie:
Sounds like he's maturing! Not getting uptight about repeating the math class, and then choosing RTOC on his own... both could be great signs of maturity. I'd be proud of him and let him know it.
Good luck and God bless.
Kris
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