Combo Classes

This past week, my school site is heavily talking about having combo classes between first, second and third grades. All of these teachers are giving Reading and Writing assessments for each student, and find out which classes are the most appropriate for the students. It applies to my sons, Ryan and Dylan.

We will not be able to know whether it has been approved by our Superintendent on Friday. He currently has been investigating whether it would to the students good or harm. Apparently, it will give many advantages for the students and teachers as well. It has nothing to do with me, even I teach one of the first grade students.

While we do not know the finalize answer, Dylan's 2nd grade teacher approached to me during my lunch hour. She has asked me how would I feel about placing my son, Dylan in a high second grade and low third grade class. Her comment was, "Dylan is the highest in my class, so I am hoping you would agree with me to place him in 2nd and 3rd grade instead 1st and 2nd grade class. " Personally, I thought it is far much better than skipping the grade. This will give him the preparation to know what to expect in a third grade class. Also, I don't want to cause any of his emotions if he just skips the grade without combing with the second graders. I would know how he feels if he skips the grades (it won't happen to him) because I remember myself being emotions when I skipped from Pre-school to first grade.

As for Ryan, the Reading Specialist already assessed him. She mentioned to me in a front of an interpreter, " I have not finished testing Ryan. However, he has completed two stories on his own. He does show that he has a very high skills in reading. He is at Stage 2 (meaning he is at a second grade reading level for a first grade boy.) It shows that he is a very smart boy." I then questioned her about his reading comprehension because most autistic kids do have a very poor reading comprehension. She stated that, "Since he is reading very well, his reading comprehension is at the grade level. He was able to answer mostly Wh's Questions." I was pleased to hear this because I sure have WORKED VERY HARD on his reading comprehension from last year's I.E.P. The only thing I don't know whether he will remain in a combo class for high first grade with low 2nd grade class, or just in low first grade class.

I will know the actual answer when the principal makes tons of phone calls to the parents about whether they approve their child's placement. Since I am working on the same school site, I will be getting a straight forward answer from my boss, the principal by tomorrow, September 5th. All I can do is to wait and find out what's going happen next week.