Sometimes raising our kids can get very discouraging because we often more then not hear such negative things about them. Some paint very bleak pictures for the future of our children. When my son was going up through the elementry grades I got so sick of hearing negative things that I learned to close out what was being said. Today my 14 year old freshman son sits taking his first mid-term exams side by side with his “normally” developing peers. Am I worried you bet you, need I be extremely worried no. Why don’t I need to fret much because he only needs to score a minimum of 50 on each of them to pass each of his classes. The final composses 20 percent of their mid-term grade, each quarter is 40 percent. Where he stands proir to these finals is: math 70.6 (a C- and a passing grade), social issues (social studies) 64.0 (a D and still a passing grade), intergrated science (intoductory lab science course) 67.6 (a D+ and a passing grade), and Lit his worst subject 55.6 (granted a failing grade but not bad for someone with his reading level in a regualar class). If he scores a 50 or better on each exam you add 10 points to his current total and he passes all classes including lit. Granted a D would be something most parents do not celebrate but when you have a child with my sons history it is an accomplishment. His teachers have all commented what a pleasurable student my son is and how hard he works. These classes are all regular education classes the first time my son has had such a schedule in a very long time. To top it off this last semester he has “not been all there” do to the death of one of his best friends. It is very difficult for anyone to deal with death and still do well at what is needed. When you look at the big picture-freshman year is hard for most students, first attempt at all regular ed clases, and dealing with the death of a close friend he did well. I don’t think most his teachers who had him in the past would of ever it thought it possible. The reason I tell you this story is never say never. Hope you all have a joyous holiday season.
Re: To encourage those of you with younger kids
I am so happy for you and your son, Lisa! Thanks for sharing your encouraging story! You have a wonderful holiday season as well, and pat that boy on the back for me!
Janis
Lisa,
It is great that you were able to aleviate your son’s stress by showing him that he will pass and that this is fine. I do want to point out that here in CA anything below a C- does not count as credit for a four-year college. You can pass with a D- and get credit but you can only go to a two-year college. My 12th grader had to make up 9th grade Engish and a Math to be able to go to a four-year college.
I hope that what you worked out with the Special Ed. Dir. for next semester with help to remediate his reading.
Helen