So my son got his progress report on Friday and is failing science in a very big way - a 36% to be exact. Why? Two reasons - they are given vocabulary tests of random choices of a listed 100 words every week that count for more and more each week and that now count for almost a test grade each week. Spelling counts, as does wording the definition as it is on the sheet. So if you are good at memorizing, your grade enjoys a healthy boost. But for my son, it means a failing grade added to his score each week.
On top of that, the science teacher - unbeknownst to me - told my son that her printer was broken so he could no longer email his assignments to her, that he had to print them out and turn them in "like everyone else". This is a direct violation of his IEP and was instituted without my knowledge or permission. He now has a multitude of assignments that the teacher can't find. She is disorganized and loses things (my son is not the only one whose work has been lost), but she doesn't take a lot of responsibility for her part in it. And my son does lose things, can't find them when they're right in front of him, etc. So he has at least 25 zeros for the semester.
We live in a no-fail state, meaning my son cannot be failed without my permission. So I can just let it slide since there are only two weeks and just refuse to allow them to hold him back or make him take summer school. Or I can get aggressive and fight it. I have sent the teacher two emails since Friday, both of which have been ignored. So if I do address it, it will have to be an escalation that will likely turn ugly and will result in very negative feelings that will carry over in a school where my son has two more years.
So, for those of you who have "take it to the mattresses" or let it slide, any advice as I debate which route to take?
