Reply to When should we listen to those small, nagging doubts?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]If you can't really point to some specific problem, then it sounds like FOMO.  But you can't make decisions based on the vague fear that the grass might be greener on the other side.

Your kids are likely in reading and math groups, which are based on ability.  So there are other kids who are also "above grade level" or whatever.  Ask your kids what they are working on--what books did they read, what did they write about, what are they doing in math.  Ask them what they did that day that was hard for them.  Are there assignments that let kids stretch themselves regardless of ability?  This would include things like open-ended writing assignments, or optional math problems that are more difficult, or creative projects that synthesize different areas (drawing a map of an imaginary place, for example).

The only thing that would really concern me would be behavioral issues that meant that the teacher didn't have the ability to really teach because he or she was constantly managing some kid(s) disruptions.  Barring that, there will be a range of abilities in any classroom, and a good teacher will find ways to challenge all the kids, at least sometimes.  
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NP here but I very much relate to the question the OP raised.  The problem I have is that, other than attending school myself ages ago, I don't have much background or knowledge about what they should be reading and doing in math.  I mean, in 3rd grade they should be able to do long division and big number multiplication, right?  By second grade they should be able to right a simple story?  Periodic table in ... maybe 5th grade?  There, that's all I can remember.  How would I know that my kids' grammar/math/science/writing is up to snuff, without uprooting them and putting them in another school.  [/quote]

I find the OP's question frustrating because of the assumption that the OP's kids cannot get a good education at the school in question. I have a child in a school that sounds similar to the OP's description. My child is in 3rd grade.  How do you know how your child is doing in school? You go to parent teacher conferences and stay in touch with the teacher about how your child is doing. Your teacher can tell you what is "grade level" for the various things you want to know about. It doesn't sound like you actually know enough about elementary education to assess whether a SCHOOL is any good at all. [/quote]

If the parcc scores show that 2/3 of third graders aren’t at grade level then assume your kid is not getting a good education. Unless you kid also scored low on PARCCC. Kids above grade level at low performing schools always get lost in the shuffle. No teacher wants or is a law to do that much differentiation.[/quote]

I actually disagree with that. I think that PARCC isn't a good test. I'm certainly not the only one who thinks this. I have worked in schools and have been involved with my child's school and understand that they use a variety of assessments to determine how children are performing. Education does not hang solely on PARCC results, which in any case would only apply to children who are 3rd grade and above. Is your suggestion that the OP simply wait and see if her child is doing well until she sees PARCC scores for her child's class?

I think that your post is filled with a lot of assumptions that cannot be taken as fact. Kids above grade level "always" get lost in the shuffle? No teacher wants or is allowed to provide differentiated learning? What school are you talking about specifically? My child's teachers from K-3 have been able to provide differentiation in the classroom just fine.[/quote]

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