Both of my 12-year-olds were in a 6th grade level math class last year (one was bored, I’ll allow, and both were one of just a few girls in their respective classes). This year on the basis of a test only one was moved up not to the grade level class but to Freshman Algebra Honors.  That’s a skip of two years of math instruction, and I was worried that it was a leap to light speed, but as she was SO BORED and they really gave her few options.  She’s been really interested in the class but wrestling with negative numbers, ratios, and the distributive property (whatever that is).  Today I get this email from her teacher. Names have been redacted:

To whom it may concern:

I am writing to inform you that NAME scored a 68% on her Chapter 2 Honors Algebra Test.  This raises a concern about her being able to keep up in this class.  If I don’t see a significant improvement in her performance in chapter 3, I plan to switch her into regular Algebra.  Feel free to email me or call if you would like to discuss the matter further.

-Regards,

Teacher’s Name
Mathematics Teacher
Suburban Middle School

Okay  – back away from the Cranky Mother!

To Whom It May Concern?  This is not a form letter you are sending me.  This is a flippin’ email to tell me that my child is almost failing your class.

Hold on here, buddy.  I know that there are 31 (yeppers) kids in this class, but she didn’t ask to be put with you, and do you think that you might respond with a “we should look and see what she’s having trouble with” or “She can come in for extra help” or “I know she just skipped two years of math and may have some gaps”? Apparently not.

So IF she doesn’t improve her performance (how about your performance, Bud?) he will unilaterally move her to a class I was told was not an option at the beginning of the year. To quote my favorite vampire slayer, ” I think I speak for everyone when I say… huh?”

Now, I’m not saying that she might not be happier in 8th grade algebra. She might be, and that’s oh, so okay by me, but this guy’s tone is seriously messed up. Just sayin’.

Photo by Pink Sherbet Photography