Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy teacher has failed my son... UPDATED

I have to say that I'm very confused by this. The eChoices website said that LAUSD students don't need this form.


If your son took a test in the district, the district will contact your son's school to verify the results. And why would the principal refuse to sign or confirm something? You seem to be implying that the school is out to get your child; this makes no sense. If the child has passed the test, the administrators would have to lie to say that he didn't. Would they really do that? It seems to me that the question is, "Did the did pass the test?" not "How's he doing this year on other things?"

Certainly, if you DON'T submit the paperwork, the best that can happen is nothing. If you DO submit the paperwork, the best that can happen is that your son will go to a school more suited to his needs, and the worst that can happen becomes nothing.

here is what i am reading val :

Gifted/High Ability Magnets serve students who demonstrate ability to work two years above grade level in academic subjects. These centers offer enriched interdisciplinary academic environments that are exciting, challenging, and encourage students to use creative/critical-thinking skills. Applicants to gifted/high ability schools/centers must be verified as meeting one of the following criteria prior to Friday, November 16, 2012.
A. Demonstrate the ability to meet ALL FOUR of these critical thinking and problem solving skills in their primary language:

•Explain meanings or relationships among facts, information or concepts that demonstrate depth and complexity.
•Formulate new ideas or solutions and elaborate on the information.
•Use alternative methods in approaching new or unfamiliar mathematical problems.
•Use extensive vocabulary easily and accurately to express creative ideas.
Your child’s teacher and the principal of the school your child is currently attending will determine if your child meets all four characteristics.

I'm sorry if this was addressed later (I'm just popping in briefly and didn't read the rest of the replies). However, if they are receiving SAS $ for your child, I'd think that you've got good cause to hold their feet to the fire (i.e. - threaten them) if they refuse to sign the paperwork verifying that he passed the gifted testing for your choice application to another school.

Okay, I'm only writing this message based on what I've read, and may not have all the facts. Correct me if I'm wrong. You said that you're thinking of homeschooling and you also said:


Are you working? If so, how will you find the time to homeschool? What will your son do while you're working? How will you afford the costs associated with homeschooling?

I have to be honest: I want to make suggestions that could help you, but it's very hard for me to read through your messages. They tend go from idea to idea, and it's hard to see your main points. There are a lot of missing capitals (i am), text message abbreviations (b/c), and other things that get in the way of reading. When you write like this, people might not take you seriously. I'm not trying to be mean! I'm trying to HELP you be effective when you write to your son's school. And you MUST write to them. Talking isn't enough.

Could your son's teacher and principal be having the same problem when you write to them?

Here's what I'm thinking:

• For now, you're stuck with this school. Everyone here understands how terrible that can be. Your job is to try to make things less bad for your child. I suggest that you write down the MOST IMPORTANT problems your son is having at school and then discuss them with his teacher.
  
  Example: "DS was assessed as being ready for first grade in June 2012, but now he's having trouble with material for kindergarten. I think part of his problem is that he's being underchallenged and he's shutting down. I'm concerned for his mental health at this point and would like to work with you to help him."
• Stick to the main points. Don't go off onto related ideas.
• Make suggestions. Give them some ideas for solutions. Don't wait for them to make suggestions.
• If you want to write a draft of an email to the school, post it here and people can help you with it.