My oldest daughter who is in the 8th grade (Chelsea) has had her fair share of struggles with school since about 3rd grade. Each year she has managed to pull through and as much as she hates school, things have always turned out well.
Her grades have improved immensely this year. Her final average for the year is a B and this last grading period she has honor roll. I could not be more ecstatic about that. Until something else threw me for a loop!
The state of Louisiana requires that all 4th and 8th grade students take what is called a LEAP test. Basically it is short for what other states call standardized testing. Regardless of the student's grades for the year or their performance, if a score is made on this test that is less than BASIC, they are required to attend summer school or repeat the grade. The only two subjects that 'count' are English/Language/Arts and of course, Math.
Chelsea did not score high enough on either one. My heart broke into a million pieces when we received her results. After all of her hard work and finally reaching a goal that she has not grasped since elementary school, she is marked by her peers as a failure. I can not tell you how horrible that I felt. I cried for two days and it has taken me a lot of time to accept it, although I knew it was a possibility.
Although we were disappointed, we are not going to let this get the best of us. I managed to keep all of my sorrows to myself and I encouraged Chelsea by telling her, "No matter what anyone says or what you hear, you did not fail the 8th grade. You brought your grades up and you proved that you could do what we always wanted you to do. The only thing that happened was you took ONE test and did not score high enough. You will go to summer school and pass to the 9th grade and be a freshman in high school next year. I am so proud of you!"
Quite a few children she knows will also be going to summer school, which is for the whole month of June, leaving them not much time to enjoy themselves before the fall classes begin. However, we will pull through this. It is just a bump in the road we call life and we will get over it and continue on our journey. Together. Until we reach the end.
Alyssa, my 5th grader, took an SAT test and scored 11th grade level and post high school! Go figure!
8 comments:
Hello Amy! You are a great mother and your words of encouragement is priceless. It's something every kid would treasure and love. With your guidance and support, your kids will turn out successful. As you said, this is just a bump on the road.
Diane said everything best, I can't really top that comment!! You are being the best mom, I'm so in awe of you!
This hurts my heart for her. Literally. :(
My mil is a teacher and she says that these stupid state and govt tests are just a pain in the ass because your child can be AMAZINGLY SMART and not do well on a test. Then everything goes up in smoke.
BOOO. But you guys are handling it great! Good on ya!
I know it's hard, Amy, but just focus on the positives and remind your daughter on how far she's come. She can do this...no doubt in my mind! What doesn't break you only makes you STRONGER!
i just want to echo what everyone has already said and add that it is going to be ok and that i will add y'all to my prayers!
I love what you said to her...and you know what, I bet she'll remember your positive and encouraging words for years to come.
Oh man I feel for her. I have never been a good test taker. Mater-of-fact my Senior year in high school they started a program where if you didn't miss ANY classes the entire year you didn't have to take finals. Guess who never missed a class... Holla! I had good grades, not all A's or anything, but when I would take a test it would drop my grade almost a grade. Stupid testing! I can't wait till your daughter goes to college & becomes something really amazing & then she can look back & shake her head at the stupid state testing.
Hang in there mama, all that you said to her & the fact that you are her biggest supporter is what she needs. :)
I miss my Amy! Where ya been? How's summer school going? It will be over before she knows it!
Just stopping by to check on you!
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