I have such a gripe!
My poor child has horrible test anxiety and always has. Last year, in her Algebra 1 class she had 114 points (extra credit is her specialty) but didn't pass the standardized test at the end of the year (as usual). Today at the dreadful parent teacher confrontation, I mean conference, we learned that she has to take a semester class to make her proficient in Algebra 1 and if she doesn't they will take her Algebra 1 credit away from her. WHAT?!?
The class to make her proficient is a "No Credit" class!! So she can't even earn an elective credit for it!! Again WHAT???!
I about hit the roof! I cornered the principal and asked her what this was all about. She expressed that this is a new state law and encouraged me to write my state legislator! What a crock of crap! She told me that there is nothing she can do to help us! She said that she will try to see if she can make the it an after school or before school thing because she knows that other kids are going to be dealing with the same issues as we are, but she will not know for sure.
I'm so not happy about this! Based on her ending grade in the class last May, she doesn't need another no credit Algebra 1 class (by the way the high school doesn't even offer Algebra 1!) she needs a class to improve her test taking ability!
This was such a blow to a girl who has struggled to adjust to high school and in the last week or two has lost some self esteem because of her 9 weeks grades. She is so hard on herself and has literally come home from school depressed and hopeless. I have never seen her this way, ever! This just adds to the stress and disappointment in high school!
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6 comments:
When I was in college they gave out test taking passes for those with anxiety. They allowed a quiet room with no time limit. See if they will do an IEP or 504 for your daughter. Under state law ADD, anxiety, depression, dyslexia are all considered disabilities which require special accommadations.
Thank you so much, Heather! What is a IEP or 504? And do I ask the high school to do it or a doctor? I just hope that Arkansas has the same state laws or similar laws for anxiety. She has struggled with this her whole life and we've just dealt as best we could. She is pretty much a B student because she has such a hard time with the tests.
An IEP is an individualized education plan and a 504 is special accomodations made for students within the classroom...they go through the school or district. But any meidcal or psychological reords noting the anxiety would help your cause. If the teacher is a problem, talk directly to the principal. The State laws should be the same under IDEA (that is the name of the legislation...check our website under
http://parentingpartner.blogspot.com under "advocating for your child" In Utah the Utah parent Center is set up to walk parents through it all...there should be something like that in your state.
I will check it out! Thanks again for such wonderful advice! I really need to talk to her school again. Thanks!
That is a great idea. You know, a lot of people have test anxiety. Just look at my ACT score...actually don't. What made me mad was that I knew that I was smart but put in a room with half of Utah and a time limit and wondering if I had left my curling iron on and.....
I hope that you get it ironed out. Heather really knows her stuff on this one. Even if everything doesn't work perfectly, it will atleast get you on a good path.
However, if it was just to vent, we understand.
I was venting, but needed the advice too because I really don't know what to do about it...and I am very grateful for Heather's expertise!
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