Emotionally, Spiritually SPENT

  I don't know about ya'll but, I have give out.  This year has been especially tough trying to keep my oldest son motivated while going to public school.  Think about this, his first year of school was Head Start at age 4, 2002 (he was labeled there a problem child because he would not color). 

NO ONE LISTENED TO MOM, I told them he was dyslexic at 18 months.

Here we are at year 2010; he is 12, a 5th grade and has been through the wringer.  He knows his learning style is different; more importantly so do other children.  Saenz has Attention Deficit Disorder, IRLENS, and Dyslexia. 

My reasons to homeschool are:

Academically

A.  One thing I have noted; he doesn't understand the functions of basic foundations of math in the area of multiplication and division -- crucial skills for alegbra which, he should have already have had exposure.  Without math skills, this affect other areas of study especially science and the arts.

B.  The Accelerated Reader program has been another hinderance because, none of the chapter books are of topics in his interest. But give him a book on history or modern warfare; he will read for hours. Without reading skills or interests, this will affect every other area of my child's development.

Spiritually or the Emotionality:

A.  Inside the classroom, mates may be helpful but, once out on the school yard or on the bus; Saenz is the outsider.  In 8 years of school, he has walked a tight rope of conforming to state standards that are not educationally related.  Yes, children are taught the skills to pass TAKS but, is that a true education? I think not. 


B.  He has never dealt with change very well. So the disruption of being pulled to go to tutorials, benchmarks, and other special education help only adds to his feelings of isolation. Being kept from releasing steam through recess due to 'helping classes' another issue. He is not into team sports but, perfers one on one activities. Again all make him the: OUTSIDER


So, this afternoon through the tears and frustration, (mine was held in) and declarations of:

I HATE SCHOOL, I HATE MY LIFE, I DON'T GET THIS!


I called the school principal and we spoke at length. I feel his support in my efforts to withdraw my son.  Tell me of a teacher or principle who enjoys being 'forced' to teach a test? I CAN NOT...


In no way do I feel that his public school is at fault after all, they have a requirement and a contract to sign in order, to do the job they loved ---- at least in the begining.  The school is forced to 'teach' the TAKS, or whatever the new testing system is called.  His school has gotten him over the hump with reading due to IRLENS and Dyslexia however, he is coming up on puberty. 


Basically it boils down: FUNDING. My son is a cog (coin) inside the machine of public 'education' bureaucracy.  So, if I bring him home --- I will educate both our sons because our futures lay within theirs forever. 


Just random thoughts: To be educated means being able to: use, find, access information, or build on what you know and apply it to the next level.   TO QUOTE: "How do you know if learning has taken place?  You can see a change."

Steps off egg crate: