Do you know how sometimes you know something but since no one has really told you, you can kind of pretend you don’t know or hope that maybe it’s not as bad as you think it is?
Well, now I can’t pretend.
I really know.
It’s really worse than I thought.
My 7 year old took the Woodcock Johnson Achievement test today. I wasn’t particularly eager to test him, but it’s required by North Carolina homeschool law.
He did poorly. Basically he’s not in the 2nd grade.
I’ve always assigned my kids’ grade levels based on their ages. Of course when they were working above their assigned grade levels, it didn’t bother me. I just wanted them to be able to answer the inevitable question about what grade they were in without a blank stare or a long explanation. Now I’m wondering if he should be in the 2nd grade again next year or if it matters.
I’m in uncharted territory for me.
And I’m afraid my husband is going to freak. He’s very much for homeschooling, so I don’t fear that he’s going to want to enroll him in school, just that he’ll think it’s my fault.
And what if it is my fault????
Sigh.
edited to add: My husband didn’t freak. I underestimated him.
My computer crashed, so I haven't been back in awhile, but I wanted to say I'll be praying for you. Not because I think you've messed up so badly that only God can help you now (Actually we're all in that boat! :), but so He can help you not condemn yourself. You have lots of options, and I'm sure He'll show you which to take. Also, remember that it might be more of a problem with how well your son can show what he's learned rather than how well he's actually learning. It might not. I'm not exactly an expert, but since I feel myself wandering into rambling territory, I'll sign off with a good luck, God bless, and I'm sure it'll all work out just the way He wants it to.
Jennifer
Don't quit!! Remember boys are a little slower sometimes,. and a little more unlikely to test well. I have never tested my 5 kids. They are very bright but sometimes it is the testing atmosphere they are in also.
Hang in there! I understand your concern. I think there are certain areas each year that we would test low in and excel in other areas.
I am in just the opposite uncharted territory. My seven year old tested this week way above grade level. My first two are always below grade level. Both of them have learning challenges. Is it possible your son has some challenges or needs glasses? I am sure it is not your fault. Take heart. It is only a test and does not speak of all the great qualities and gifts I am sure your son has.
Blessings,
Dawn
I started school a year "late" and turned out just fine… so, don't feel the need to keep up with what "everyone else" is doing. Go at the pace your student needs… it's much better for them in the long run.
At least, that was my experience [smile].
~Luke
One woman's uncharted territory is another woman's well-worn path. 😉 Gave up grade levels years ago because they just didn't have anything to do with the fact that we loved to learn – – just at really different paces. Our youngest takes the W-J yearly, but then I put it away and never look at it again because I know my son better than any test ever could. I know his strengths. I know his weaknesses. And I know he is going to have a very successful life because he has always been told he could accomplish anything he wanted as long as he was willing to work for it. The only time he fails to believe that is when he measures himself by someone else's standard. Do NOT worry about this test…it only tells the tiniest part of the whole story about your son. He is going to be just fine…and so are you…take it from someone who has charted all OVER this territory! (((hugs)))
My son is turning 9 this month. I've felt for awhile that he probably shouldn't be in 3rd grade. Deep down, I know we should have started him later. 5.5 at the beginning of Kindergarten. I wish we'd waited. I've thought of holding him back, but should have done it sooner, when he wouldn't have noticed.