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Yesterday I talked to the school psychologist about Aidan's assessments. She was, quite understandably though regretably, overloaded. She said that she'd be able to test Aidan's achievement "after Wednesday" with the results available a couple days after that. She also said I ought to go ahead and make an appointment to see the principal regarding Aidan's possibilities for next year. So I called up the principal... and got to leave a message on voicemail.
Today I called up the main office again. The first person I spoke with asked why I needed an appointment. I went through a reasonable summary of the situation. She mentioned the possibility of talking to the principal tomorrow. I mentioned the need to consider the assessments. She told me I should have the school psychologist make the appointment if it hinges on her. I told the woman that it was the school psychologist who suggested I make the appointment. She got flustered, said she'd talk to someone, put me on hold, and I got bumped right back to another person in the main office who had no clue about what was going on.
She thought it was a new call was coming in, so I explained what had happened with the previous woman. She asked about what the situation was, so I gave her another summary of what was going on. She had the good sense to put me on the line with the principal herself.
This time, no voice mail. Thank it All. She started out by letting me know that she had received the voice mail, and that things were busy. I mentioned it was understandable at this time of year. She gave me the same spiel I've heard before about the district not having acceleration before the MAP program in 4th grade. She also mentioned that the only other child in a similar situation that she's had experience with spent part of her day in the 1st grade classroom and part of the day in the 2nd grade classroom as necessary. I gave her a rundown of what we know about Aidan so far and mentioned that I was concerned that that situation might not be adequate.
She said she'd have to call the central office to find out what is appropriate district policy in this case. She admitted that she has no idea where to start to find the right person to talk to about it. She said she'd call around to find out what she could and asked me to be patient for a few days to give her time to look into it. I thanked her for her time and said I would.
Then, I thought it would be appropriate to try to get up to speed with Aidan's teacher. So I called the classroom at the end of the school day. No answer. Ten minutes later I tried again. I got an aide who I hadn't encountered before, but who was plainly rather familiar with Aidan. She was able to answer my questions about the specifics of Kindergarten graduation, and took down a message to pass along to the teacher. She and I also chatted a while about the school and Aidan and "smart cookies" as she put it. She was pleasant to talk to, but sounded very young.
Here's hoping I hear back from Mrs. Evyapan. It's a busy time of year, but I would be remiss if I didn't touch base with her, especially in light of talking with the principal. I wish schooling decisions didn't require the red tape of policy and politicians. Each new person who is consulted is another step removed from the folks who actually interact with Aidan on a daily or weekly basis. So far removed from the situation, I can't see how they would be able to know what's best for him. Granted I doubt there is a single, absolute, definitive "best". Still, I have no choice but to be an advocate for him. Having read what general standards and specific standards there are for first grade, I can make a reasonable prediction that unless Aidan's singled out by his teacher and given many more resources than are typical for his grade, his time would be wasted in 1st grade. The possible social issues, I think, are outweighed by the likely boredom, wasted time, and ill fit of being forced into a mold that is one-size-fits-all.
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*is remembering going through all this getting speech for Dakota*
Hang in there, be patient, but remain persistant. Let me know if I can help. *hugs and loves*
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