We have our first P/T conference today. Son was early entry into first grade. He brought home his report card and we are already frustrated. They just don't know what his true abilities are, as he has not yet been challenged in any subject. Behaviors marked as needing improvement were: works well with others, follows school and classroom rules, and demonstrates self-control. No surprise there. Son said last night that he sometimes likes to work by himself more than in a group because the other kids are slow! He also said that his teacher told him to be respectful of the two others in his reading group ("highest level group" per teacher) by staying on the same page. Apparently he reads ahead as "they don't know all the words like I do." He has not yet brought home a single math homework page that has any concept or skill that he didn't master ages ago. He is now resisting doing homework there - last night said he didn't want to do it because "I already know my ones" (referring to addition facts). He's quite right. He knows facts through the 10s.
We plan on listening to what they have to say, then forming a plan to talk with them another time. I'm going to ask about volunteering a day or two so I can observe. And I'm considering applying for EPGY math, so he can get moving and be challenged in that area. Not sure yet if they will let him do it at school - but I'll gladly pay the cost if they will! They use Saxon math, which just moves too slowly and is too structured to differentiate.
Any suggestions or advice?
