| Amanda Sandin, Successful 3rd Grader
A Mother’s Outrage Turned Gratitude
When thousands of third graders were retained last year, their parents
were understandably concerned – and some were angry. Judith Gonzalez
was one of them. Her daughter, Amanda Sandin was a below basic reader
last year. Amanda’s FCAT scores and schoolwork showed she didn’t
have the reading fundamentals down just yet. Judith knew her daughter
was a very bright little girl who could learn anything – and she
was angry when she learned Amanda would not be promoted to 4th grade.
Judith is an involved parent who wants the best for her child. She came
to the school, had some heated words with the principal, and resisted
retention for Amanda. But Amanda’s teachers knew that pushing her
forward unprepared wasn’t an option in a school committed to achievement – or
for teachers who believe that every child can learn. They stood their
ground, and Amanda was retained.
This year, Amanda got the extra time and attention she needed, including
intensive tutoring. She was included in a class with other retained students
under the tutelage of teacher Vivian Suarez and the strong support of
Principal Nunez. And it made a tremendous difference. Amanda is now a
Level 3 reader – which means she’s mastered the basics, and
can now read to learn.
School is no longer a chore for Amanda – it’s one of her
favorite places to be. She’s gained a lot of confidence – when
Ms. Nunez visits her classroom Amanda wants to make sure she sees her
school work. Her mom, Judith, is extremely proud of her growth– and
glad she had the opportunity and the support to make those gains. Today
when Judith Gonzalez talks about Amanda’s retention in 3rd grade,
her words are full of gratitude, rather than anger. Her daughter is a
happy student, who is now prepared to achieve.
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