Yesterday I attended an SAT meeting on one of the fifth grade students I am teaching. "Student X" is an extremely sweet kid, yet his behavior was beginning to be an issue because of his current level of performance. Student X is at a much lower level than his peers and demands one-on-one attention in order to perform nearly every task he is given. He easily becomes frustrated and will shout in the middle of tests or other activities that he "doesn't understand what to do" or that something is "too hard." Thus, other students in the classroom are distracted. Student X has never been retained; however, the fifth grade teachers attending the meeting suggested that he be placed back in fourth grade. It is their belief that if Student X continues to stay in his current setting that the learning gap between his peers and himself will become greater, resulting in more serious or frequent behavior issues. Student X's mother appeared to be genuinely concerned about the academic well-being of her son and agreed to the arrangement in hopes that another year as a fourth grader will help. Although I already miss Student X, I am anxious to see how this intervention benefits him. The only question/cocern that I have is how or why his previous teachers continued to pass him on from one grade to the next if he was not prepared. I realize that sometimes children struggle, but such a large achievement gap does not just happen over night.
How is this student doing in 4th grade? Was it difficult for him to switch to grades/classes after school already started? I hope he is doing better both academically and personally (gaining confidence).
The student seems to be doing just fine. Actually, he seems to be abit more settled and even happier. I think that he was just so frustrated with the material that it (his frustration) was overshadowing what a great, promising kid he really is. Every time that Kristi and I see him, he runs up and gives us "big hugs" and asks how we are. I think that the change occurred so early on in the year that the adjustment hasn't been too difficult for him, and he is certainly on the same level as his new classmates maturity-wise. Overall, I feel that those involved made the best decision in moving the student back to fourth grade.
Samantha, I haven't forgotten your question! Keep going in the direction I advised you to go, unless you have directed your question elsewhere, by now. Tomorrow, I have a meeting with a few folks that will be able to lend me some insight on whether they agree with my advice. I'll talk with you on Friday, about what I find out and take a look at what you've learned this week. May I have your email address, as well as Heather's and Cassie's? I look forward to seeing you on Friday!
I just sent an email to you with the addresses of all of the current Benedum students at East Park. I don't know why we never thought of sending them before :)I'll see you on Friday.
5 comments:
Yesterday I attended an SAT meeting on one of the fifth grade students I am teaching. "Student X" is an extremely sweet kid, yet his behavior was beginning to be an issue because of his current level of performance. Student X is at a much lower level than his peers and demands one-on-one attention in order to perform nearly every task he is given. He easily becomes frustrated and will shout in the middle of tests or other activities that he "doesn't understand what to do" or that something is "too hard." Thus, other students in the classroom are distracted. Student X has never been retained; however, the fifth grade teachers attending the meeting suggested that he be placed back in fourth grade. It is their belief that if Student X continues to stay in his current setting that the learning gap between his peers and himself will become greater, resulting in more serious or frequent behavior issues. Student X's mother appeared to be genuinely concerned about the academic well-being of her son and agreed to the arrangement in hopes that another year as a fourth grader will help. Although I already miss Student X, I am anxious to see how this intervention benefits him. The only question/cocern that I have is how or why his previous teachers continued to pass him on from one grade to the next if he was not prepared. I realize that sometimes children struggle, but such a large achievement gap does not just happen over night.
How is this student doing in 4th grade? Was it difficult for him to switch to grades/classes after school already started? I hope he is doing better both academically and personally (gaining confidence).
Amy,
The student seems to be doing just fine. Actually, he seems to be abit more settled and even happier. I think that he was just so frustrated with the material that it (his frustration) was overshadowing what a great, promising kid he really is. Every time that Kristi and I see him, he runs up and gives us "big hugs" and asks how we are. I think that the change occurred so early on in the year that the adjustment hasn't been too difficult for him, and he is certainly on the same level as his new classmates maturity-wise. Overall, I feel that those involved made the best decision in moving the student back to fourth grade.
Samantha,
I haven't forgotten your question! Keep going in the direction I advised you to go, unless you have directed your question elsewhere, by now. Tomorrow, I have a meeting with a few folks that will be able to lend me some insight on whether they agree with my advice. I'll talk with you on Friday, about what I find out and take a look at what you've learned this week. May I have your email address, as well as Heather's and Cassie's? I look forward to seeing you on Friday!
Amy
Amy Cook,
I just sent an email to you with the addresses of all of the current Benedum students at East Park. I don't know why we never thought of sending them before :)I'll see you on Friday.
Samantha
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