Aaron is in 2nd grade, inclusion class, with pullout resource for reading and math. I got a call at the end of the sememster saying he wasnt meeting his IEP goals and we needed to have a meeting. It is next week. He is making fine grades, but I requested his tests (his resource teacher won't ever send them to me, long story I won't bore you with) and at least in math, they are not teaching him new concepts at an acceptable pace IMO. I'm not sure if they are limiting thier meeting to math or not, but that is what I am seeing. Also, I guess they could say he isn't reaching them in reading because he is reading at end of first grade level, and only making 70-75% on his comprehension tests as of late.
His IEP states that he will meet 1st and 2nd grade minimum benchmarks with 70% accuracy. THis allows us to work on any 1st grade things he didn't reach last year and continue on with 2nd grade work.
So my question is with the math. I have, up to this point, been against a calculator. I wanted aaron to understand the concepts of addition and subtraction, etc. He has mastered those, with double digit numbers, without regrouping. He uses a number line. He still gets lost with higher numbers at times, which seems to be a problem with focus, not the actual concept. So, I am wondering if we should start allowing him to use a calculator for some math concepts so he can move along at a more acceptable pace. He is great with concrete concepts, but not as good with abstract things (like regrouping numbers). I'm at a loss. I want him to keep learning, and if its just my stubborness getting in the way, thats just silly. What have you done for your child? Thanks for any advice!
Vicki, mom to
Aaron, Jacob and Kaelin
"Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as real strength."
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