Piglet

[JJJ]

Thankfully Piglet is my PC, so no meltdowns.

We just got her standardized test scores from 8th grade...all in the 65-75 percentile. Her only accommodations were alternate setting and extended time. I'm going to study 1:1 with her for her tests this week and next and see if what she "knows" matches how she does on the test. If she is getting things wrong that I know she knows, then I think I have a solid argument for all testing to be done in the Student Services area.

[StepTo2]

GR - You need to find something for GFG to shine in.
My GFG is "out-shone" by a younger sibling too... in academics.
But... he has his talents, and they are at the "extremely talented" level, AND practical (he can make a living from them)... and when it comes to those kinds of practical things... the younger sibling is pretty much a washout.

GFG needs to find "something" to be good at.
Music. Cooking. Crafts (knitting, crochet, needlepoint...). Art.
Something, anything, where she can put in a reasonable effort and get a really good result.
It not only does wonders for their self-esteem, it seems to provide a certain energy that flows over into other areas...

Jett and I were discussing this yesterday. He kept complaining he "couldn't" do something (I can't remember what). And I pointed out to him that there were LOTS of things I couldn't do - like play football cause I can't remember the signals - and he jumped in with how good he was at that - and I let it sink in for a moment - and he started listing all the things he CAN do. (Grilling a danged good burger is one... My Dad taught him, and now that kid makes the PERFECT medium rare burger, better than DH even.)

Everyone has different talents... Both my kids are smart as whips, but Onyxx does much better academically... It's more her thing than Jett's. Sort-of like me and DH - he is great with computer hardware, I'm good with software... Put the two together and we can actually build a computer and make it work!

[InsaneCdn]

I think you're on the right approach. And then... fight for "alternate format" exams.
Multiple-choice and possible-answer-list formats made a HUGE difference for my GFG. (working memory issues, made worse by the stress of exam-taking...)

[tiredmommy]

I hate to think of Piglet having to give up her extracurriculars.

[Wiped Out]

Hugs to you both. I know this is so hard.

[JJJ]

Sorry I wasn't clear. She is still in minor choir at school (once a week rehersal) and her main club sport. I had just hoped she could do more with the school.

[Liahona]

If she fails her classes will the school re-test her? Or, are they not that smart? Is this one of those schools where you have to get the dx from a ph.d and wave it under their noses before they will do anything?

[LittleDudesMom]

JJJ, I think you are doing the right thing. Work closely with her for the next week or two, then see how she is doing on classwork, quizzes, and tests. You will be able to get a better picture of where you think she is. It might be time for some "performance vs knowledge" testing. It's how I finally realized my gfg had some learning issues.

Hope she is not struggling too much or feeling too down on herself. It's build up by mom time!

Sharon

[JJJ]

She won't actually fail her classes. The school is designed so kids pass unless they flat out refuse to show up for class or do any work. Everyone in the top 75% has a B- average or better. The problem is that the colleges know that there is huge grade inflation. The college that looks to currently be the best fit for her requires a 3.5 for the scholarship that she would need in order to attend and they give preference to those in the top 25% of their class. My estimate puts her around the 60-70%, way too low.

But all those passing grades also gives the school some breathing room from a lot of parents who are just happy that their kid is on track to graduate.

They do help when the kid has an IEP or if the kid advocates for themselves. Problem is Piglet just won't speak up. I spoke with the math teacher and Piglet now goes to the Math Lab during study hall (open to all kids who want more help) but the teacher was a little frustrated because she had told the class about the math advisory but Piglet never went until I got involved (because she doesn't connect the low grade with the need for more help).

[JJJ]

Of course, she gets a 96% on the quiz today. Let's hope our new study methods work for the test at the end of the week.