AboutPatricia Ireland-Williams Expertise I am a retired K-12 Public School Principal (23 years), a teacher and counselor(8 years) and an educational consultant. I can help parents with questions about how the system works, provide ideas on how to solve school issues or assist teachers in coping with the plethera of stressors they face. I am currently an educational consultant and have served on the State of Arizona Solutions Team.
Experience B.A. Secondary Education
M.A. in Counseling
M.A.+ Administration
Question The school is not allowing my child to move on to the next grade, the teacher refused to sign the paper which would allow him to move on to 3rd grade. We had him tested in Feb by the school district to see if he had a learning disability and was told he didn't but they classified him as a slow learner. Since he didn't have any disability the only help they would give him is in reading which is where he has most of his difficulties. I went and got a second opinion from an independent Doctor in which I brought all the testing scores and some of my child school work for him to look it all over. He said he didn't see any reason that my child would not be caught up by the middle of third grade. He felt that he was not that far behind and that my child was on the younger side for second grade, he turns eight in Aug. He felt that it would cause more harm keeping him back. I have my child getting tutoring all summer and feel he will be ready for third grade. Does the school district in California have the right to not allow him to move on or do I have the final say?
Answer Noelle,
I do not know how California handles this issue. You need to go to the schools Principal and if necessary then the District Office to determine how you can appeal this decision. Take the testing information with you and let them know what you are requesting.
