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as a teacher for 5 years i have some different opinions.
first off, none of us know your son so please don't listen if people say "oh he doesn't need retention" or whatever. get involved with your son's teacher and do what's best for HIM. some students DO need retention, and the only right time to do it is usually kindergarten or first. never later.
second, sylvan's "edge" is that they test your son a FULL YEAR below where he really is. then when he makes all this "progress" your son seems like he really improved when he's really where he needs to be.
third, i'm a reading specialist and i charge $65 an hour. unfortunately if you want a qualified person who can make a major improvement in your son, you need to pay a premium. honestly, high schoolers have no idea how to do anything but help with homework. college reading majors can probably help and won't be as expensive. if your child really needs major help, pay for the one-on-one tutor. if you get a good one, she's worth it. ask for references and recommendations.
fourth, i know that i am REQUIRED to send a "FYI" home to parents about retention based on certain requirements but for most of them i would never even CONSIDER it. it's just a technicality and unfortunately makes some parents freak. i don't want to do it, but have to. look into it.
fifth, meet with the teacher BEFORE you meet with the principal. the principal will probably have no clue about the history of your child. if the teacher is being difficult and won't talk to you (not the next day, rather if she continues to put you off for a week) then call the principal. DO NOT CONTACT DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION. they know nothing about specific children.
sixth, with regards to special ed (i teach in a blended/inclusion classroom) it's 30 CLASSROOM days, which is over 3 months. don't expect anything to happen this school year. honestly. but it doesn't hurt to look into things. ask the school psychologist how to begin the process.
it really doesn't seem weird to me that now is when you'd be hearing about retention. i know i am not ALLOWED to say anything about next year before may. nothing at all! crazy i know, but those are my rules. it sucks.
best of luck to you and your son. please PM me if you need anything or have any questions.
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