I homeschooled my son through 1st grade & now have to send him to public school.?

Question

No criticism please, I'm feeling bad already. My husband insists that we send our son to public school (he went for an hour a day through 1st grade for alternating pe/science/social studies). Anyway, the principal wanted him to take a test to see where he was at & they told me he's at the bottom of his 1st grade class. He got a score of 3 on the test & the lowest score from his class was a 3.5, so they are insisting that he go to summer school or they want him to enter at 1st grade level. My problem is that I am starting a new job & cannot get him to summer school, but don't want him to be held back because he is an extremely shy boy who worked hard to make friends in his class. I want him to be able to stay w/ his friend. Also he is already older than most in his class because of his October b-day. Can't I insist that he be placed in 2nd grade? The principal told me it was solely HIS decision, not mine.

Answer 1

You may have no choice, but there is one thing you could try.

You could work daily with your son at home on the things he tested poorly in, AND practice test taking skills (filling in the correct bubble, etc.)  And see if the school will re-test him in the fall.

Too bad you can't homeschool...

Answer 2

First of all, a note.  "Evita C" is a new troll.  Just ignore what s/he said.  There's another answer from Evita that is obviously just a point gaming answer, and made so people will get upset.

Now, on to the answer.  Since your DH isn't on board, can you see if there's a virtual public school you can enroll in?  It's a great bridge between PS and HS'ing.

What I want to know is this.  If your DS was at the PS for those three classes (especially the two academic ones), how come *no one* has seen his "issues" until some "test".  Where are the teachers who worked with him?

A principal cannot, and should not, base his placement on ONE TEST!!!  That is ludacris!  Doesn't he have a portfolio of work from the year to show how he preforms IRL (in real life)????

Has the school even OFFERED to give him assistance OTHER than summer school?  It seems to me they sould do a full evaluation (which is more than one test).  He may qualify for occupational therapy.

Do not take this as an indication of your parenting or teaching.  Public school is not made for boys - it's made for girls - especially from the ages of 5-7.  At home you can give him the supports he needs.  He may not either test well under pressure (my DD doesn't), and could have been hurrying if there were timed tests (my DS hates timed tests!).

I think the principal is wielding too much power.  I'd talk to the superintendent.  It could be a ***** principal who just wants to make your HS'ing look badly.

Answer 3

your husband given  u good idea tray .

Answer 4

It sounds like he may be dyslexic.. and it would do more harm than good if he is.. it is something that takes time, hard work.. and Patience's..

so why would u want to send him on.. unprepared for the 2nd grade..? it only gets harder on children.. mentally, emotionally,, with kids making fun and laugh ting at them.. seems like this is a big deal  to you..

he can go to a daycare and they will transport him back in forth to summer school or get a neighbor to do it.. it is in the best interest of the child. and he can go on to 2nd grade..

yes it is  a hard ship on everyone.. and a bit inconvenient but he will feel better about himself.. and he will pass with flying colors..

I have seen children with dyslexia and it is so hard on them.... and the number writing u stated is a sign of it.. Movie stars have over came it.. Tom Cruise is one of them... Think about what will benefit the child..

You need to check with the Administration office..  

in ur city.. and see what their guidelines are?

  I  would think the princi;a makes the call as he sees it.. meaning.. if the states claims ur child has to pass all test, or meet a certain qualificaion.. then he will use his desgression to pass or hold him back..

provided u have sent him to summer school..

as they requested.. and

U no how much trouble this guy has cus'd u all years long.. so I don't think he will have much mercy on him.. ???

take care

Answer 5

You  already know that I am very much in favor of homeschooling but with your husband not supporting you in the decision to homeschool, it would be best to send your son to public school.   Homeschooling is not hard to do, but there are difficult days and you need your husband's support for those 'bad' days.

  And...the public school should provide transportation for summer school.   If your son has emotional and/or learning disorders, they should provide a special  bus  or van which will provide a safe mode of transportation (i.e., nobody should be able to pick on him without the driver and aid  knowing what is happening).

These people (teachers, principal, guidance counselor, testing gurus, etc) think they are the trained professionals.   It looks like you will need to play their game.   Fortunately, it is an easy game to play.  Learn their rules and use the rules in your favor.  

Re-evaluate again next year after few weeks of school, which should be 2nd grade.  If it is not 2nd grade, then request a meeting with the school board.    

He is your child.   You do have rights.

Answer 6

Make an appt with the Dept of Education for testing, but do practice tests first so he is comfortable. The Principal prolly doesn't agree with homeschooling and is going to give you a hard time no matter what the tests results were.

Answer 7

First - find out what other kids are going to summer school and network with the parents.  See if someone will be able to drive your son (and offer them money for time and gas).

Second, get your son tutoring.

Third, they know what he should be able to do at this age.  If he can't do it, they will not want him in second grade.  They probably know what is best for him academically.  

I completely understand your  stress, fears, and tearsas a mother.  But as a teacher I feel if the school thinks he should stay in first, they are probably right.

Most school districts do not hold kids back frequently.  They would prefer to give them extra support and pass them on.  If they are suggesting this - it is what is probably best.  

I would also look into other schools in your area.

As far as principals having the say, YES THEY DO.  The teachers don't even have much say.  There are 4 kids in my class who are reading on a kindergarten level and I want to hold them back - nope it is not going to happen!!!

Answer 8

He was probably nervous, which is why he did poorly.

My boyfriend almost failed kindergarten because his hands were too big for their scissors.

Can you hire a teenager to take him to summer school? Someone cheap and trustworthy? Or is there a family member who could do it? What about your husband?

Answer 9

I'm sorry to hear of your lack of support from your husband. If you have to send you child to public school my advice is to be on that campus as much as possible. Most schools welcome parent participation in the classroom and on the playground,(considering how bankrupt they are... of course they do!) You don't have to be obnoxious about it, but hes YOUR kid not state property.

And I would suggest to keep up some form of home school supplementing at home in case the day comes where you can go back to home schooling full time. This way you'll both be ready to make the change if it happens.

I'll hope the best for you...

Answer 10

I Think that you should let your son decide. I have 5 little girls that have been homeschooled all of their life, and they chose to be homeschooled. Also, it is a blessing to be homeschooled, so young children will not be molested in schools. (There are molesters in every school now).

Answer 11

Check the local laws regarding the testing policy for school re-entry. If he takes a standardized test, i.e. the CAT, and places in the appropriate grade level on that, you can submit that to the Board of Education as proof he is on track.  Most schools have the right to test a child for grade level accuracy though.