Ryan has been struggling with social studies and science which are the same teacher. The class work done in class he has never recieved more than 50% and never does the teacher reach out to me. When I reach out to her it is hard to get a response.  Knowing he is struggling we studied a few times a day for over two weeks. He knew the material because I made flash cards, and practice tests.  We drilled and drilled and drilled we drilled so much I know the material inside and out. We drilled in the car, while he ate, as he dressed, and during homework.  He drilled because he did not want to fail. Still he failed.  This is devastating to him.  This means he cannot sing.  Failing is a natural consequence of not doing the work but we did more work than needed.

After the test was over Ryan came home and said Mom I had trouble with the test.  The other kids, the rustling of papers, the movement in the classroom, all distracted me.  He is a notoriously bad test taker but when given extra time and quiet he can succeed, like he does in reading where his grade is currently an A after three projects and tests. His IEP allows for small group testing and extra time for tests.  In this test he did not receive these accommodations.  Of course, I am hopping mad.  I am going crazy with the lack of communication, the disregard of his IEP, and everything else that goes with school.

To prove to the teachers he knew this material I videoed Ryan as I quizzed him..  It’s almost like they want him to fail because he cannot learn the way they want him to and it is just so wrong. My heart bleeds for this kid because I know how hard he worked because I was sitting next to him the whole way.

I hate school more and more with each passing minute. June cannot come fast enough.