below grade level

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2003 : October : 19

below grade level
By Jacey

When it comes to inner city, there is something that you need to remember... something that I am sure yuo have figured out by now- "grade level" doesn't mean diddly squat. You will always have kids that are YEARS behind
grade level (at a "normal" school) and also YEARS behind in your districts grade levels. It seems to work out that a second grader is working on a first grade level.. and you will have second graders who work on a K level. This is something that, as hard as it is, you need to accept. It is hard. Every year I wonder how most of my students made it to 1st grade.
The only advice that

I have at this time, without really knowing what concepts you are trying to teach, is... "dumb down your curriculum". I hate that phrase, but it fits. Teach them first grade things at first. Hopefully, by the end of the year you will be doing beginnig 2nd grade things. (I think I read correctly that you teach 2nd).

There really is no easy answer. I really wish that I had one. Keep trying your best and hopefully, those that can... will learn. The others will hopefully be picked up, eventually, by the learing support services and given what they need.

good luck.