We are not getting anywhere with our teacher.
Background info:
About 3 weeks ago my son (8, Gr. 2, FSIQ 151) complained he is very bored at school, that he never learns anything, and that they do the same things over and over again. I made an appointment to go and speak to the teacher, hoping that she will at least be able to differentiate a little. She said that she will try, but until he does not participate and pay more attention in class, she can't do much.
She said that there are many kids in her class as clever as DS, who is doing much better. On his report card he has perfect marks/scores for all subjects, but 70% for participation on the subjects he receives from her. So I'm guessing "other kids doing much better" refers specifically to participation and attention as it is impossible to score better on tests, projects, etc.
I asked DS to please participate more in class, as the teacher will then make his days less boring. He told me that when he does, she stops him, telling him that his response is not Gr. 2 work and that he will confuse the other children. Or that he is not on topic. (He told me that they were talking about friction, and he wanted to explain how this is minimized on airplane wings, but she stopped him before he could get to the point.)
Another example: He memorized 65+ digits of Pi, when he wanted to tell her this, it only takes about 1.2 minutes, she told him that she does not know what Pi is, and that he should go and sit down. I felt so sad for him - he was so excited to tell her.
He also said that since he does not always know if what he wants to say is Gr. 2 or Gr. 4 materials, he rather just keeps his mouth shut. His way of saying that he is dumbing down in order to be accepted by this teacher?
I am yet to see ANY work/example where she actually tried to extend DS. She said that he can bring an iPad to school to keep himself busy when he has time and that she will arrange for a internet password in order for him to use Khan Academy. This was 3 weeks ago and to no avail.
If she can't give him this, surely she will not even bother to ready "A Nation Deceived", "Tall Poppies" or "Is it a Cheetah", should I forward it to her.
He is socially popular, big for age/grade and well liked by the other teachers.
I asked the teacher if she thinks we should speak with the principal in regards to a grade acceleration, but she did not think it would make a difference. Thus, she would not support it. The school is very traditional and rigid.
Another reason I'm not more insistent is because he has a 80% scholarship to this private school - the best one in our province. I don't think it gets any better than this. I'm worried that if I rock the boat that we will not get in the scholarship again for next year. We are really between a rock and a hard place.
So, I do think that we will go and see the principal anyway (she is good friends with this teacher). DS has recently started complaining about stomach aches/head aches and nausea. After feeding him senakot and fibre, I realized that this has to do with school and that here is no physical reason for his complains. He also started overeating - all sure signs of stress.
My question is this...
When you requested a grade skip, what documentation did you provide?
Was there ONE THING that you think convinced the administration that your request is in the best interest of the child?
Any other advice in order to achieve this will be greatly appreciated.
