Placement of middle schooler, need advice

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Placement of middle schooler, need advice

by Parent

Jul 16, 2008

My question, before you read on, is what would you suggest I do about my daughters placement for social studies next year and what do you think would b the appropriate placement for her?

I have a daughter who is going in to 7th grade. In 5th grade she did not test in GT social studies, which was no issue at all for me. She is, however, GT math and so we went to the GT orientation meeting. At that time they gave parents the impression that except for math and reading, all other social studies classes taught the same content. The GT class just got more work and projects so unless your child loves the extra work, GT classes may not be the place for her.

This year, toward the end of the year, my daughter started talking about how much she LOVED social studies and wish she had more projects and work in that class.

She only brought home A's in social studies and had straight A's in everything else except for 2 Bs on the last report card.

She's extremely ...See More

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PG Teacher As you can see from my name, I don't teach in Howard County. However, I can offer you this advice:

1. Try e-mailing your child's sixth grade teacher and explain the situation. You'd be surprised by how many teachers check their e-mail during the summer. Assuming that this teacher has only had positive interactions with you and your daughte...See MoreAs you can see from my name, I don't teach in Howard County. However, I can offer you this advice:

1. Try e-mailing your child's sixth grade teacher and explain the situation. You'd be surprised by how many teachers check their e-mail during the summer. Assuming that this teacher has only had positive interactions with you and your daughter, she may be willing to help you out, despite being "off the clock".

2. If you can't get in touch with the teacher, try to the middle school guidance office. It should be open year-round (for summer registration). Try working through the guidance office. You may find that your daughter is being placed in a GT section anyway because it is easier to schedule the kids in groups.

3. If you are unable to meet with the guidance office, try e- mailing the principal. Since it is a slow time of year, you may be able to schedule a meeting to discuss the situation.

Regardless of who you talk to, remember to be reasonable and avoid getting into an argument. Remember, if you don't achieve your objective, you can always meet with your daughter's teachers after first quarter (once they've had a chance to observe her work) and make your case. Schedules can be changed. Make sure that your daughter behaves in class and does her work(even if she is bored). If not, the teachers may try to use her bad behavior against her. Most teachers are willing to bend over backwards for well-behaved students and cooperative parents. I hope this helps.

On 7/16/08, Parent wrote: > My question, before you read on, is what would you suggest > I do about my daughters placement for social studies next > year and what do you think would b the appropriate > placement for her? > > I have a daughter who is going in to 7th grade. In 5th > grade she did not test in GT social studies, which was no > issue at all for me. She is, however, GT math and so we > went to the GT orientation meeting. At that time they gave > parents the impression that except for math and reading, > all other social studies classes taught the same content. > The GT class just got more work and projects so unless your > child loves the extra work, GT classes may not be the place > for her. > > This year, toward the end of the year, my daughter started > talking about how much she LOVED social studies and wish > she had more projects and work in that class. > > She only brought home A's in social studies and had > straight A's in everything else except for 2 Bs on the last > report card. > > She's extremely well organized and intrinsically motivated. > > My problem is my county, Howard, requires testing or > teacher reccomendation (which I feel certain she would > have) but it's summer and those opportunities have long > passed. How do I convince the powers that be that this > would be the right placement for her next year. (I'm only > seeking her place in the class with more enrichment, not > really a GT label in that subject. Come time for history, > I don't think she would remain as interested and would > return to a class that does not have the extension pieces.)

Jul 16, 2008

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