1st day of school and I'm so mad already

**guest002** · 08-21-2009, 01:58 AM

DS (age almost 8) got assigned to a combined class in his public school. He's a 2nd grader. He got put into a 1st grade/2nd grade combo class. And just to clarify, he's not a academically challenged student. He gets high marks.

I'm mad about this, PERIOD. Due to all the budget cuts his overall class size went from 20 students to 33 now (We were warned this could happen but were not given hard numbers). Our school lost 7 teachers due to the California budget mess. In his class there are 20-1st graders and 13-2nd graders.

I've already voiced my concerns briefly to the principle, but before I really had time for it all to sink in.

I got some explanation from the principle that I don't know what to believe. I was told that he was selected for this class because he's an independent learner, etc., etc., etc. But all I can see is that he's in a class with 20 1st graders and that he's not going to have a full day dedicated to 2nd grade work. I'm not sure but it seems like he might be expected to "mentor" these 1st graders, WTH! The word "leader" was thrown around in the brief convo I had with the principle. I really wanted to come out of my skin, but ds and dd was with me and I had all of 5 min. for this whole combo class crap to sink in when I got my chance to talk to her (the principle). I did tell her that I want this situation for him re-evaluated and if he's going to be in a combo class he needs to be in the 2nd/3rd grade combo not the 1st/2nd grade. I mean at least curve up not down!

I've sat by and done the whole wait and see with the "good" public schools here since this past Spring when all this budget crap started coming down the pipeline. 2 other mom's I know have already pulled there kids out preemptively (one from the same district) one's gone private school and one is homeschooling. Even though I don't have any extra money laying around I've made an appt. for tom. AM for the private school. They don't start until after Labor day. (ds started school today).

Oh, and the principle also told me that the regular 2nd grade classes got the kids with the discipline issues and the combo classes did not, lovely.

I feel like I'm ****ed if I do nothing and ****ed if I don't. I can't envision any way that this turns out A-okay for my son. Freaking stupid California and their stupid idiot nimrod politicians wasting all the **** money in the freaking budget on whatever and not spending it on the important things like our children's educations!

**Sara Noel** · 08-21-2009, 02:09 AM

I know you're unhappy, but we CHOSE a multi-age classroom program for our son. It was the best experience and I was so sad when they stopped the program. In his school, it was 3 grades combined (over 60 kids), multiple teachers and not all in a single classroom (they opened the walls of adjoining classrooms as needed). They placed children into small groups and large groups and they rotated the groups when needed throughout the day. He wasn't ever learning below his level.

**guest002** · 08-21-2009, 02:32 AM

Granted, I don't get the chance to speak to the teacher until next Thursday, but I didn't get to choose this. This was not my choice. This was assigned to us, period. And this is also 33 kids in 1 class with 1 teacher going from a situation of 20 kids in a class with 1 teacher last year. We knew the student to teacher ratio was going to the negative due to the budget crisis, but I as a parent was given no notice that my child was getting assigned to this type of class. The notice was put up at 5 PM the day before school started and that's when I found out and that's without any explainations. The combo classes were not an opt-in scenario. And as I've expressed to the principle I wouldn't be so concerned about a combo class if he was placed in a 2nd/3rd combo (they do have 1) instead of the 1st/2nd. I know they can't make everyone happy and I doubt they will. But this is not exactly how I wanted to start off the school year with a feeling of non-confidence and uncertainty. I at least know what to expect with a traditional 2nd grade classroom and was already mentally prepared for the higher student/teacher ratios. I was not prepared for my 2nd grader to have 20 1st graders in his classroom. Entry level 1st graders are not on the same level as 2nd. I cannot see how my son gains time? How is he getting his 2nd grade instruction from morning bell to afternoon bell with 20 1st graders in there? I understand there are pros to combined classrooms and some parents and educators are for it, but on the surface of it I am not at that point of ready to jump on the YES bandwagon. All I see is 13 2nd graders lumped in with 20 1st graders with 1 going to be massively overworked teacher.

**mauimagic** · 08-21-2009, 03:04 AM

Why can't you talk with the teacher until next Thursday? Why wasn't a meeting held to explain everything to the parents? Whaat training has the teacher had in differentiated instruction? How is the teacher going to teach the different standards for each curriculum area?

Don't blamed you for being irritated and charged up. Very strange that this is being dumped on you. Hear them out, monitor how and what your DS is doing and continue to be his advocate.

Let us know what is going on.

**ttistin** · 08-21-2009, 03:07 AM

I would be upset also. We all want what is best for our kids and what to challenge them (positively of course). I do understand how him (along with the other 2nd graders) are not going to be getting the 2nd grade education they need and you were expecting. It may work out well for the 1st graders, but it is kinda holding the other kids back.

Anyway I wanted to say I agree with what you are saying. I would be upset and would want to change what class my child is in even if it means private school. At least there you know that he will be getting a full 2nd grade education, not half 2nd/half 1st.

**Sara Noel** · 08-21-2009, 03:17 AM

I'm sorry it's like this. Meaning that it was just sprung on you. I'll hope for the best for you and your son. I'm hoping it is a true multi-age program that can be a wonderful experience and not just different aged children all put together. I could go on and on about how great it was for my son and am hoping you have a positive experience, too. It's a shame they didn't introduce this to parents over the summer. I imagine many parents are in your shoes now and are quite unhappy.

**Siebrie** · 08-21-2009, 05:54 AM

I was in a combo class myself, and it was fine. The teacher will explain a task and then let the class get on with it. During that time, the teacher will instruct the other part of the class. It means no relaxing time for the teacher, but it should not have that big an impact.

**joyofsix** · 08-21-2009, 06:32 AM

I was a 2nd grader in a split 1st/2nd grade classroom. I'm not negating your anger and concerns but it was my favorite year of school. The teacher managed it quite well. Your concerns are valid, but it can be a great experience. I still think about Mrs. McReynolds. I don't even remember most of my other teachers.

**AmyBoz** · 08-21-2009, 07:07 AM

From an educational perspective, multiage classrooms are actually quite advanced types of programs. The 'olders' benefit just as much as the 'youngers.' One of the elementary schools in the district where I teach is an entire multiage school, and those kids come to the middle school with the highest test scores, the least behavior problems, and the most leadership skills out of all of the elementary schools. By high school, that elementary school has produced the most National Honor Society students, class presidents, etc.

I understand your frustration at being blindsided by this, however, multiage is progressive education and in our district, where we have really highly educated parents, (not saying you don't in your area; don't know the parents in your district...just saying that I know that these parents do their homework on their children's education...BIG time), the parents are fighting to get their kids in the multiage school.

**2ndGenGranola** · 08-21-2009, 07:13 AM

I've seen several dual grade set ups. In most, the kids actually got more teacher/helper time because they brought in aids and/or those in teacher training classes.

**Dancing Lotus** · 08-21-2009, 07:33 AM

I think you were just taken by surprise and weren't properly introduced to the concept. IF you ask me the real problem is COMMUNICATION. The school should have invited parents to come and learn about it before springing it on you the first day of school.

**warramra** · 08-21-2009, 08:27 AM

This being sprung on you was unfair and a lack of communication on the school's part. I can understand the frustration.

I also was in a multi-year classroom as a 3rd grader with a 2nd/3rd grade classroom. It was, like others have said, the best year I remember in elementary school. They chose us all on ability to work independently and learn quickly. We had almost no discipline problems or disruptions, were able to work quickly through the material and had plenty of opportunities for group projects. The class was larger than normal with 30+ kids, but the Miss Joyce was able to have aides/volunteers come in and help.

That group of us moved into 4th grade well ahead of the curve, and by graduation from high school all of us graduated in the top of our high school. My classmates and I were better independent learners which served us well.

The schools stopped the program after that year because other parents complained that it was elitist to group children by abilities in elementary school. My mother also taught a mixed group that year, and as a teacher she has said it was one of her best years also.

I hope that it all works out well for you, whatever decision is made.

**frugalwarrior** · 08-21-2009, 08:54 AM

My DD was in a dual class. She was the 3rd grader in a fouth grade class. She was forced to be w/ kids who were in the grade above I held her back from. The teacher was unequipped. My DD felt inadequate and the fourth graders were bored. It's an illconcieved idea and I would NEVER let any of my kids do it again.

**danni** · 08-21-2009, 09:50 AM

I wanted my son held back one year and the principal asked me to consider putting him in a split class first to see if that would help. I put him in the clas and he did amazingly well. He was supposed to be going into gr 6, but testing at a gr 4 level and I put him in a 5/6 split, him being registered for gr 5. His grades improved so much and by the end of the year he was working at the gr 5/6 level. The class gave him the chance to catch up and that gave him alot more confidence in his work. So I think these classes are great but it was not fair that it was just sprung on you. I hope everything works out.

**Mummy2** · 08-21-2009, 10:44 AM

I feel your frustration, but you can look at it like an almost montessori set up they (Montessori) have 3 age groups working in the same class room and learn from each other and help each other.
All in all I hope it eventually works out to be the best for your child and your family.