Any teachers in the group? I'm wondering, what are my options?

[Quakerfriend]

:hi:

I am not sure what to do. This is the situation-

My 9th grade son transfered to his current school (public) in Nov last year when we moved.

He is an excellent student and has no problems at school- except boredom.
He takes some AP courses, but not all. I have been repeatedly rebuffed over the years when I have asked to have him tested (ie, aptitude or IQ testing). I have been told "We don't encourage that." He was tested in 2nd grade and scored two points below the cut off. He was placed in enrichment 2nd-4th grade but, then put back into regular classes.

He has always done VERY well with all the testing-a lot of which is done without out informing the parents or sending them the scores- with the exception of the Terra Nova and PSSA.
My concern is math. Several years ago he was told by his math teacher that he had the top score in the school on some internal math test (not PSSA). Last year, in eighth grd, he scored 1686 out of a possible 1775 in Math PSSAs. This year, he has a 109% avg in Math (with extra credit).
My husband and I would like to see him take a higher level of math, in the event that he might want to go into engineering or some other prof were higher math is a necessity.

He is not being taught anything new, and he is bored- but not complaining.
Of course, kids talk. And, he is aware that even his friends in honors math have had lower scores in this area. (He, incidentally, often helps these AP math friends with their homework).

What I want to know is, what are my LEGAL rights with regards to testing. I thought that in the state of PA, I was entitled to have my child tested (once/year), if I requested it.
Do I need to hire an advocate or a lawyer to get him into a suitable math class??

THanks! Anything you might offer is much appreciated! ;-)

[Warpy]

1. Contact a child psychologist or psychiatrist

and have the testing done on your own dime.

When you have the numbers in your hand, you'll be in a better position to get him bumped ahead into a more advanced class.

Good luck. Nothing squashes a kid more than being held back by a class full of relative dunderheads.

[cloudbase]

3. So much for the old idea

that the advanced students will speed up the learning of the slower ones.

[Warpy]

8. It's bullshit.

The advanced students learn to hide everything lest they be targets for dull witted bullies.

[leftofcool]

2. Retired teacher here.......

I don't know what your legal rights are in PA and even if you got him tested that may not mean the school will put him in a higher math class. What you might consider is going straight to his match teacher and asking for extra work for him during class so he won't be bored. If that does not work, get some used math text books and have him work on extra projects at home with your help. This will keep help him continue to excel in math. If he isn't complaining all that much, you might do more harm than good with an attorney or advocate. If he starts to complain, then go to the school board and see what they will do.

[Vincardog]

4. Speaking as a former Advanced studies student. Be careful what you ask for. The Advanced classes I

was in covered the same material. The only difference was that they had all us "Curve buster" students in the same class so they could grade us harder. Don't worry about suing spend your money and time instead getting him some advanced tutoring. Maybe have him pick a certification he wants to get that involved using the skills you want to enhance.

[jwirr]

10. And when the grade is lower than the one he/she would have gotten

in regular classes it is the grade that goes on the resume often without indicating advanced learning status. Be very careful.

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. First go to the principal

and explain exactly what you have reported here.

The testing would be if you suspect your child has a disability and it sounds like he does not. But I do think you have a right to ask for a higher level math class.

I requested class changes for my kids more than once in high school. (One time we had a math teacher who taped Oprah and showed that in class.) And every time I asked for a different class, my request was granted. It's not unreasonable to make this request.

Good luck. :hi:

[knitter4democracy]

7. Oprah? Oh dear.

That's, um, really bad. *sigh*

[proud2BlibKansan]

9. In an award winning high school

I am still amazed when I remember. And this was 10 years ago.

[knitter4democracy]

6. Here's what I would do:

First of all, I'd have him take the PSAT and the SAT (the first one for practice for when the real one counts for scholarships and the second one for evidence). Take those scores to the head of the math dept. and ask why he's been tracked the way he has. Those are independent scores that everyone respects. Many teachers have issues with IQ and other tests, but no one can argue with a good SAT score (well, they can but won't).

For the summer, I'd get him some used Saxon math books and have him start working through them. Also, look into any advanced math program offered at a nearby state university (Michigan State offers one, I know) or an area Math and Science center (we have one in our county for high schoolers who qualify). There might be more in your area than you realize, though the counselling office at his school should have that info. Math camps this summer are also a good idea.

[9119495]

11. I believe your student may be actually "special education."

Gifted students have rights under acts of congress to the most appropriate educational setting. If your student is ready to take an academic course not offered at the school, I believe the school must pay for the service from a nearby community or 4 year college. If none are available, an online option may do.

Go in this order....Counselor, gifted ed facilitator (usually a person at the district office), principal, super intendent, advocate/attorney.

[proud2BlibKansan]

12. Actually, gifted programs and regs are at the state level

IDEA does not mandate legal protection or special programs for gifted kids. Each state is allowed to determine how to educate their gifted population.

[9119495]

16. Hmmm...did not know that...

So is my state one of those that has a "least restrictive environment" for gifted students when others do not? It's possible I guess.

[proud2BlibKansan]

17. Yes if you have a gifted program

it is administered by the state, not the feds. I think the feds give out grant money for gifted ed but it is not mandated under IDEA. As I understand it, each state develops and administers its own gifted ed programs. Gifted kids are not protected by IDEA.

[BadgerKid]

13. Former math curve wrecker here

What's the school answer to why they won't place your son in AP Math? I just can't imagine the school/school board being willing to be embarrassed by a lawyer for discouraging an apparently bright student.

[Quakerfriend]

14. Thanks all, for your wonderful tips. I will let you know how

it all works out!

[rocktivity]

15. When I was finishing second grade, my mother showed me a letter from my school

saying that they wanted to bus me to another school and place me in their IGC classes. The busing part was no problem--my two older sisters attended the school, as did about a third of the kids in my (black) neighborhood. And the IGC part shouldn't have been a problem either, except that I didn't know what it meant. Mother said something about "intellectually gifted children," which I confused with the CRMD classes at my school, which the "special bus" kids were in!

:rofl:
rocknation