If you've noticed my recent posts, 2e DS8 wants/needs some changes at school. He is currently a chronological 2nd grader in a 3rd through 8th mixed class of about fifteen mixed ability kids with two teachers. The older kids have pretty severe disabilities so they do work below their grade level.
For DS, his challenge areas are writing and math. He loves reading, science and history. His teachers want to discuss how to challenge him more and frustrate him less. So he needs challenge, remediation and accommodation.
This is what I have in mind for next year.
Michael Clay Thompson (Island level) for language arts on iBooks
Beast Academy for math
He has previewed these and likes them. I know these are challenging in his weakest areas but I think part of his problem with his current assignments are that they're boring and drill like. He likes the BA monsters and I think he'll like the whimsical nature of MCT.
On science and history I'm thinking about enrichment to what the rest of the class is studying by loading higher level textbooks (or chapters of textbooks) and supplemental materials onto his iPad. This way he'll still be learning the same material as the rest of his class - just more in depth.
I'd like keyboarding and logic problems they have him on to continue.
Finally, I am going to suggest they implement some sort of a social skills program for this class.
This school has become the place kids end up if the local district doesn't meet a kid's needs. There are a lot of distractions because the kids are always stirring up drama with one another. And there are several intense personalities.
We mostly like the school. We like the parent control (see above) and flexibility to try different things. DS likes it there and they really care about the kids.
I'm interested in any feedback on these ideas.
