I bit the bullet and emailed ds' K teacher last night (my anxiety could no longer be restrained) and asked what the procedures were for assessing achievment levels and asking advice on how to procede with an early reader/math kid in K.

She answered me in less than 12 hours (kudos, I know she's a mom of 2). She was very kind in her response and not too-syrupy about my ds (which would smack of condescention). She said that the curent testing will only identify below-level kids, and that there are a few assessments they use to test for reading level (will not be completely done until October). She said that there truly is not a math asssessment that will point to where ds is.

She explained that she has several very-advanced kids this year (as opposed to maybe one) and was excited to be able to do greater differentiation with them as a group. She explained she uses 'challenge packets' that she assigns them (starting next week) which have advanced work to replace the basic homework and basic school work. She said the library books go up to 8th grade reading (we go to a k-2 school), so she will help ds to find age-appropriate reading, and suggested we start the AR program as an incentive to keep up his reading.

She was very positive about how he was fitting in socially, and did not see the 'emotional sensitivity' that we were so concerned about in not pushing for early entrance to K last year.

So, she at least receives as A for being smart enough to somewhat quelch a mom's anxiety. I really don't think she was just stroking my ego - I hope not. What do you think? Do 'most' teachers give the same song and dance, or does it seem (from the minute info I've given, lol) that she really seems to be a teacher who tries to differentiate the learning of her students?

My ds is going to be over the moon to get a 'challenge packet'...even if the work is still too easy, it will be a huge boost to his ego. She said we can tailor the work to be more difficult as needed.

Phew, I'm tired from angst. At least the dialogue has begun.

Last edited by Evemomma; 09/06/12 09:17 AM.