"In talking with Ms. W, she continues to encourage DS5 to explain his thinking, to think in multiple ways, and to think beyond just the surface level. Our goal is to push the class to go deeper with the concepts to truly understand the foundations while being able to truly explain their thinking. "
How much deeper do they expect your son to understand 2 + 2, or to explain his thinking? What are the multiple ways of understanding this? Apples and apples vs. oranges and oranges?
I would take the advice above, and after school him, since they apparently aren't too concerned about his growth. But I would also continue to push them to get data about your son's current abilities. Ask them how they can effectively teach him if they don't know his level. Also, if they don't know where he starts, how can they be assured he is making a year's growth in a year's time?
