"However, the OP clearly does have good reason to strongly suspect that this was manipulative or even a bit passive-aggressive on the part of the teacher. THAT needs to be dealt with. Problems with the educational choices being made by parents and administrators are not things to address with a young child who is in your duty of care. KWIM?"

Thanks HK. We are hearing more and more about this kind of behavior on the part of the school for kids on both ends of the spectrum, unfortunately. It makes me so sad.