Reply to MCPS Middle School writing: do you think expectations are in line with state standards

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[quote=Anonymous][quote] I'd talk to your kid's case manager and ask them to advocate for what he needs. [/quote]

OP: If only it was that easy.  I'm now working with the RTSE (lead special ed  at school) and  have other professionals helping.  I was trying to focus the question on the general ed curriculum part (which is why I didn't post in special needs) but I guess I didn't write it well.  Even though the school says otherwise, I'm pretty certain DC was placed in a class for struggling learners and part of the problem is DC hasn't been able to 'connect' with classmates to talk about stuff like playing word games and exchanging ideas for what books to read.  This question is about a related concern: the school says DC's class has the same assignments and expectations as the rest of the English classes for the grade - which I suspect might not be the case.

I know many parents wish their middle school students had more instruction in the art of writing - but I can't figure out how much of that is that they don't think curriculum is appropriate to meet basic standards vs how they don't think the curriculum is being implemented properly (due to large classes, short comings of teacher etc).  I also can't figure out how much it is just DCUM parents wanting more/better for their kids (e.g. my kid isn't being challenged, my kid isn't working to his/her potential...) vs parents thinking it doesn't even meet state standards (out of compliance with state regulation?).  I would think other W school parents would be making a much bigger fuss if it was the case that students could get perfect scores on class assignments and still not independently demonstrate grade level writing per state standards.    Maybe I'm wrong though and parents don't care or think it's enough that their kid scored well on PARCC writing test.

If it is the case that other students generally get sufficient writing instruction that they at least meet state standards then I push harder to get DC's assignments/expectations* in line with this.

If it is the case that other students who are able to demonstrate grade level mastery per state standards are more of an exception (due to extra dedicated teachers, natural gifts, parent support, etc) then I focus my efforts elsewhere.

* For the purpose of this discussion we can leave out any need for specialized instruction for DC.  I'm not trying to reduce the time/money spent on outside support.  My main concern now is the impact the low expectations are having on DC's mental health.

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