My son is in 6th grade. He has an IEP but doesn't really have an aid or anything. Anyhow, he is getting straight A's in math (and all his other subjects), gets the material very quickly and never studies for math tests. They are reluctant to put him in the honors level though, because they are worried that his "disability" of a low frustration level may be hard to deal with in honors when they move quicker in classroom instruction. I can insist he goes in anyway and see how he does. He may do fine, or he may get frustrated.
My feeling is they don't separate the academics from the behavior disability. My son has no real learning issues, they just feel if it's easy for him, he won't be a behavior problem. Is that right or should he be academically challenged as much as any other kid?
The school has a policy that no extra support be given in honors classes.
Any thoughts?
I say what does your son want? Talk to your son and explain to him all the scienairos and if he feels he can do it I say give him the chance and that is how I would present it to the school.It's not so unusual, I'm afraid.
We don't have a gifted program at our public school, and DS could sure use one. The school doesn't want to accelerate him, citing "maturity" issues -- they think he should remain with his peer group.
We've decided not to pursue acceleration (for a variety of reasons, including the real possibility of homeschooling) but I don't really buy the theory that if it's easy for them in school they won't be a "behavior problem." Just the opposite here -- keep him interested and you'll have a lot less trouble on your hands!
I know in our little school, so much attention is paid to the kids needing to come up to speed grade-level-wise (for state testing) that the advanced students really miss out.
I would try the honors class. There is nothing objective indicating that he may fail, only subjectivity. And when it comes to a subjective assessment of your son, YOU are the expert. Why assume the worst? He should have the opportunity to exel. I would go for it!! NoTellin38876.4368171296Your school has a policy that no extra support be given in an honors' class? Really? Is this a public school? I should hope not. I mean, what are they saying? Are they saying that a child like one of my best friend's children, who has severe cerebral palsey and has a full-time aide and a helping dog, cannot be in advanced placement, which the child is in and is making straight A's, BTW? Are they saying that someone like Stephen Hawkin could not be in advanced placement? I mean, what the heck are they saying? OF COURSE, a child can be in honors and receive extra support. How absolutely ridiculous for them to imply otherwise!!!
Yes, it's a public school but because of $$$$ they do not provide "in class support" in honors classes. Of course if he had a shadow it would be different but that's not in his IEP, nor does he need that.
He doesn't get in class support in regular math but he doesn't really need it. I guess they feel like in honors, he might need it and they wouldn't get it. They are worried if he doesn't get something, or isn't focused during class, he'll get upset and distract the class.