Hi Belle,
I'm so sorry; if it makes you feel less bad, I'm fuming with you too, like so many others here.
I was told by the guidance counselor (and that she was also speaking for the principal) that by no way/shape/form would they agree to an acceleration at this point even with all of our testing/data/full psychologist report/work samples.
An idea occurred to me: how do you know that the guidance counselor was saying exactly what the principal told her to say? How do you know she didn't substitute some of her own more radical beliefs for his? She could have assumed that you wouldn't tell him/her what she said.
Just recently, someone told me "I am speaking for Jane." When I told Jane what had been said in her name, she was...not impressed.
I agree with Prissy's suggestion that you quote Florida law at them IN WRITING and ask for a response IN WRITING. Inky's URL looked really helpful, too. Your letter could include one or two quotes from the guidance counselor. Pick good ones that flout Florida law, and then pose politely worded questions asking why the principal instructed the guidance counselor to ignore the law. "Is this your policy? If so, please explain its basis in law, in writing." Include a paragraph explaining that you're only trying to ensure that your son's educational needs are met and that you aren't asking for anything more than the law allows. Make that paragraph a bit syrupy.
Also send a copy of the letter to the school board so that you can't be ignored.
If you've decided for another option, ignore everything I've said. Otherwise, this approach can be
extremely effective.
Val