Need some advice, insight regarding my 3rd grader... [View All]

[CoffeeCat]

I have an third-grader, a daughter, who is performing well-above average in reading//reading comprehension and she
is a model student as far as behaviors go. However, she is having problems in math. Her teacher mentioned that
she was the only student, besides the special ed student, who did not pass a math assessment.

This teacher said she is giving my child until December, and if she hasn't improved, she is going to recommend her
for special education.

I am concerned about this. My child gets math. She can do the problems at home with me. Her issues seem to stem
from getting test anxiety and also from a personality clash with the teacher. My daughter had a terrible experience
with a babysitter. She was physically abused and I called the police. My daughter tends to clam up around teachers
who don't have calm personalities. I think a teacher, who has a more stern approach, triggers my daughter into pulling
inward. This teacher is very high strung. The stress just drips off of her. I think my daughter tends to go into
protective mode around this teacher. I don't see this as the teacher's fault. It's just my daughter's natural healing process.
She needs to learn that she's safe--even around people (and teachers) who aren't as gentle as lambs.

In fact, I do like this teacher. I think she really cares. I volunteer at the school a lot, and I have adored
all of their teachers. I'm just wondering if this teacher's stressful personality type is dictating this "urgency" that
may or may not be in the best interests of my child.

I think my daughter can overcome these obstacles if given some time. This is not an intellectual problem--it's developmental
and is stemming from some of her emotional struggles. Furthermore, she's the youngest in her class--with an early
June birthday.

This is a generalization--but I sense a manic urgency with this teacher to FIX THIS NOW. This could clash with my
belief that my child needs to gently "come into her own" and blossom in third grade--as my 4th grader did. I'm worried that all of
this extra testing, special accommodations and doting over her--will make her feel that there is something wrong with her when
she just might only need some space and time, and some extra tutoring--and everything will click. I hope that makes sense.

This is all new to me. I don't even know the right questions to ask. Can anyone provide insight into my situation
or any opinions?