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Grade Skipping
kronrod December 20, 2012
Hi Parents,
Anyone has experience with the process of grade skipping, from 1st to 2nd?
Specifically - when is it too late? How much weight does my opinion as a parent have in the process? Who makes the final decision? How far can I get if the school impedes my progress?
Thanks!
MagnetMom December 21, 2012
Hi kronrod,
You're asking generally so without specifics, I can't get too specific with my response.
Grade skipping will depend on the requirements of the district and the policies of the school. Generally, the conversation can be brought up by the family or by the school, but usually at the family's request. The decision is made by consulting the teacher, looking at the child's coursework and maturity, and whether there is room in the grade moving to.
Often students are able to handle the coursework, but won't have the maturity to move up. Or they're not strong enough in all subjects. Some schools can accommodate this by moving the child up for part of the day and not all of it.
If you're not interested in moving your child, you should have ultimate control about it. If you want to move your child up, you may not have the final say.
Good luck, and let us know what happens.81843
TeacherParent December 24, 2012
If you're thinking of pulling your son from 1st grade and putting him into second grade like now - or in January - the school may fight you tooth and nail on that. Have you already broached this idea with them?
Does your son have an IEP? If he does, then you have some clout but in this matter, it takes CLOUT to make such a thing happen. Have you observed in the 2nd grade classroom? Do you have a fairly concise list of skills that are taught in 1st grade in your school and another list of skills taught or expected in second grade? You'll need to get your ducks lined up in a row. Has your son been tested? How high is his reading level? Questions just like that and the answers to them are the keys to getting a school district to consider allowing a child to grade-skip.
Sometimes these matters have to end up in a lawyer's hands for which you have to pay. Schools are Always reluctant to allow something that other parents may then quickly step forward and also want for their own child. You'll need to show why this is a needed step for your child in a way that doesn't seem to open the door for other parents to ask for the same.
good luck.81866
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