Time to play by my rules....

I didn't make the rules. I didn't vote for those that did. I don't agree with them, and I refuse to play by them. I will not go down without a fight.

So what has me so angry you may ask? TAKS! Yes I am at war again over TAKS testing. Both Abate and Fantu failed the Math and Reading portions of their Tests. This was Fantu's first year to take it as she wasn't required to take it last year because of her ESL status. Abate took a few portions of it last year but they didn't hold any weight. I wasn't surprised that Fantu failed but I had thought that Abate would pass his on the re-test, but he struggled even more the second time around (different questions). The couselor said most ESL students struggle with TAKS. The school only notified us of yesterday - the last day of school. They sent a letter home stating that he would be required to attend summer school from June 7th - 29th. On June 28th and 29th they will re administer the TAKS test. Failure to pass will result in having to repeat the 8th grade. Well we won't have to worry about him failing it as he won't be taking it. We will be in Colorado then. I refuse to cancel or postpone our trip. But I have to admit even if we were going to be in town for those dates I would keep him home. Enough is enough.
So today I phoned the school. I'm really not impressed with the school counselor, she seems to struggle to answer any questions I ever pose to her. Today was no different. I told her bluntly that Abate would not be available to take the TAKS test. She said that according to state guidelines he would be held back. That the state offers no waivers for any circumstances (not even an honor roll student). I then stated that I was told different by The ESL teacher several months ago and that we were not to worry that as there are concessions and waivers for ESL students. She would check into it and call me back.
So I'm angry, I'm left without answers. I'm ready to fight!
She calls me back. It might be possible that he can get a waiver but he still needs to attend summer school and should take the test. Once results are in, they review each case and decide what will happen next for that student. They can't say that he may even have a shot at a waiver. It was pretty much statements but no answers. He could still be held back. My reply was simple. Abate will attend summer school. He will not take the test. He will not repeat the 8th grade. It will serve no purpose for him to repeat (she agreed). If they hold him back I will sue both the school district and the Texas Department of Education. He will not attend Gatesville schools (sorry Coach Cooper). They will have a fight on their hands.
It is time to change the rules in fact it is long overdue. It's time to play by my rules and those of 1000's if not 100,000's of thousands of parents.