After a wonderful k-3, our dd moved into 4th grade in a public montessori school, with an eagerness to learn, excitement about all subjects and a TAG identification in reading/writing. Last year we were too trusting that the teacher's basic competence would instruct the kids in core subjects, but that wasn't happening. With another child coming up behind her, our goal was to make the best of it, but at fall and spring conferences, and at an end of the year meeting, we requested TAG supports... Nuthin. Beginning of school: Nuthin. And dd's academic peers had moved on to middle school, or transferred to other schools.
She will have this same teacher for two more years. Our dd feels like she is falling behind, that she used to be good at writing, reading, math, that science used to be for a kid like her. Long story short, we've lost so much sleep, we can't think anymore:
So, do we,
A) Arm dd with an integrative curriculum that that goes below the superficial at home that she can work on during the school day, and then follow through with reviewing that work ourselves?
B) Begin the motions to formally request a trade to the 4/5/6 classroom, though the school won't allow dd to spend the day there first, and a switch means a full complaint, inquiry and investigation of her current teacher, while sending her every day to this not great classroom.
C) Find a new school, knowing she will be there only one year.
D) Wait around for the current school to get it together to make a coherent plan and follow-thru on it?
E) All or some or none of the above??
Thanks for your input. Feeling so isolated! I guess I'm in good company, eh?...
