crash and burn, opinions please

Parents Forum
41

<p>I’m not sure I’d care (if this were my kid) how the other kids are doing. If they’re all struggling-- so what? I know plenty of kids who spent their HS years never making a bed or washing up from dinner or taking out the trash or visiting grandma in the nursing home on her birthday because they were so buried with AP classes and their “gotta get into college” EC’s or sports. Hey- not my values, but frankly, those parents weren’t worried about their kids health (mental or otherwise.) There are plenty of schools and parents who are happy to participate in the educational arms race, and they perceive that a sophomore who has time to set the table for dinner is probably a grade A slacker who should be taking another AP or at least teaching herself German on the side.</p>

<p>So what? OP’s kid sounds legitimately burnt out from what virtually every HS kid in America thinks is a hard, time consuming course. She didn’t have the math background when she started, and surprise, surprise, is finding it tough to keep up and get her other work done as well. I wouldn’t care if the other kids are similarly burnt out- this is my kid, I’m the one who decides when her exhaustion is healthy and character building, and when it is unhealthy and non-productive (or counter-productive.)</p>

<p>And it is just as character- building to have a kid take a normal HS load, have time during Xmas break to watch TV or bake brownies or visit with family, or just spend an hour taking a walk and vegging out. This kid is 15 for god’s sake.</p>

<p>YMMV.</p>

42

<p>^^ I was driving at the same opinion, but you did a better job. I have to agree.</p>

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<p>Good point, blossom. I still think it makes sense to inquire about other students’ experiences with the course, because
a) there is no reason that AP Chem should consume 5 hours a night, and
b) there is strength in numbers.
The course itself sounds a little wack-o to me (technical term).</p>

44

<p>OP–My d’s high school has a Social Work department. She was able to get a class changed after being told no by a department chair, after several visits to a counselor.</p>

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<p>I agree with other posters to try harder to get the school to allow your daughter to drop the class. Meet in person with the science department head. Meet with the principal. Meet with the superintendent of schools. </p>

<p>Show up at the school in person and make a pain of yourself. Refuse to leave until they allow you are allowed to speak with the relevant people.</p>