Nature of Logic and Perception

I have three children that attend school, one is in Middle school and the other two attend

Elementary school. This essay is in reference to my son Anthony, who is in fifth grade.

Throughout the school year, students are given several assignments and work to help them

accelerate in the learning process as well as prepare for the CRCT test (Criterion-Referenced

Competency Test). The CRCT test is given in third grade for reading, fifth grade for reading and

math, and eighth grade for reading, math, and science. Without passing the CRCT test during the

normal school year, children are required to attend summer school and retake the CRCT. Any

child who failed during the summer test could be retained in the same grade if the parents do not

file an appeal.

Anthony’s primary teacher, Mrs. Lockwood and I keep in close contact with his progress

on a daily basis. The correspondence between us has always been positive for the most part.

Anthony also attends an EIP reading class which is a modified class that focuses closer to

students who are struggling with normal grade level work. Anthony’s other general classes are

not EIP classes, but normal fifth grade level class.

Homework was done nightly and the progress reports and daily reports reflected

somewhat of a satisfactory mark. I had no idea that Anthony was struggling in math and

inevitably would fail the math section of the CRCT. Nightly while homework was being done,

Anthony would tease his little sister in relation to math questions, so there was no concern on my

part as to his not understanding of math. During the course of the night, he would go to his room

and do his work. I never pressured him to do it at a specific time. This was recommended by the

school psychologist due to Anthony having mild AD&D. When there was a problem, he would

come and talk to me and we would work it out, but most times, he did his work and when I asked

him about it, Anthony would say he has finished.

Come to find out, Anthony did not understand math as much as he thought he did. He

was able to fake his way through class as well as fake his teacher and fake me. Even though his

older sister or I would help him with homework, he did not grasp the concept of the problem. He

rushed through things that he did know and did not double check the work like your suppose to.

On test, his scores were not perfect, but they were passing. His progress reports reflected average

grades so no questions were asked and good job was given.

Anthony has a unique gift of making everything seem to be alright. During the school

year,