Grades Get Worse--Didn't Think That Was Possible

Here are some of the lowlights from the Special Education she is receiving in the 7th grade:

1. VD needs to find a memory strategy that she WANTS to utilize
(Editor's note: VD doesn't WANT to do anything much less work or memorize)

2. Unless VD FEELS LIKE IT, she will not apply study strategies to improve her memory
(Editor's note: Ahh the product of non-parenting and being raised on instant gratification)

3. If VD perceives anything as Social Studies related she has a tendency to GIVE UP before she even gets started

4. Student is failing the quarter/interim at this time (noted on three core subjects)

5. Inconsistent effort has affected grades

6. Wastes time in class

7. Student is not working to ability

8. Has difficulty understanding basic skills and concepts
(Editors Note: Of course when you've been told that you don't have sit still for more than 5 minutes much less study, concentrate or focus; and no she is not "ADHD" she is "LOB" aka Lack Of Belt)

9. VD has not been working effectively in AIS (Academic Intervention Services). She struggles to stay focused to complete assignments. She must continue to WORKING (there's that nasty word again) to develop her reading, writing and cirtical thinking skills.

10. VD needs reminders to stay on task and not talk out of turn.

11. Outside of class assignments are satisfactory
(Editor's note: When VD's grades drop about 15 points below failing, all of a sudden she starts getting 100s on her homework instead of the usual 0-20%; it's nice to know that the Behemoth can do homework at a 7th grade Special Ed level)

Then a paragraph on how parents need to get involved and support VD at home by checking homework on a nightly basis (not doing it FOR her, Behemoth), providing a place to study (yeah, right; does that mean sitting in front of Spongebob or vid games?)

Guess I'm ready to rehearse my "neutral, generic responses"

"Well, I'm sure she'll catch up next semester" (then restrain myself from actually hurling due to the massive mind/body conflict)

Auteur's blog
Log in or register to post comments

Comments

Right there with you.

Tweedle #1 is doing OK this year, only because he is in sports and KNOWS he'll lose his eligibility so he does the bare minimum to keep his grades just above the cut-off.

Tweedle #2 does not play sports. Both are in their 2nd year of high school. Last year Tweedle #2 failed all but one core course. As of this moment he has F's in everything except phys ed, which is a C-. Looks like Tweedle #2 is going to be in high school until he collects social security retirement.

He was "supposed" to be doing much-neglected homework this past weekend at our house... while I was gathering/sorting laundry I had the opportunity to walk past his room a couple of times. No books in sight, but a great "shoot em up" game on the computer was all that was happening. He has unfinished assignments going back WEEKS.

Funny how when my kids have homework they do it -- sitting at the kitchen table OR in my office where there are no other distractions like video games, TV, facebook, etc.

I heard my DH ask Tweedle #2 if he had gotten all of his homework done. "YUP" was the short, sweet answer.

*shrug*