Alternative Education

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networkn

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#114219 12-Feb-2013 13:55

Hi There!

My 14 year old nephew says he won't be going to high school this year after missing most of last year because he was upset by bullying. He goes to school apparently 3 x 45 minutes a day, and finishes at midday. I am wondering how a kid who still can't do his 10 times tables (because he has missed so much school because he can con his mother into letting him stay home), is going to get an education with HALF as much schooling as a normal teenager?

I am deeply concerned about this kid, and his education.

gzt

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#760096 12-Feb-2013 14:30

That is a serious issue. If his school is unable to deal with it then he should go to a different school. What is his approximate area and ability to travel?

If he is 14 and has problems with 10 times table then there must be many other issues going on.

In any case clearly he needs to catch up badly. He could do that concurrently with whatever he is doing. Either external tutors (probably family could help at that level for an hour a day) or something like Kip McGrath.

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#760102 12-Feb-2013 14:36

gzt: That is a serious issue. If his school is unable to deal with it then he should go to a different school. What is his approximate area and ability to travel?

If he is 14 and has problems with 10 times table then there must be many other issues going on.

In any case clearly he needs to catch up badly. He could do that concurrently with whatever he is doing. Either external tutors (probably family could help at that level for an hour a day) or something like Kip McGrath.

\

To be honest, if the problem isn't being dealt with at a parenting level, not much we can do. I don't think the bullying was that serious, but it was made into something by the kid, so he could stay home and xbox 24/7 which worked all last year or most of it. i thought he was going back to High School (Orewa) this year, but apparently this alternative education thing is for kids who have a hard time going to normal schools.

I think the school tried to deal with the instances, but no follow through from the parents/kids. I don't hold the school responsible.

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#760129 12-Feb-2013 14:54

If he really doesn't like being at school there is probably more to it than wanting to stay home and play xbox. I can see how xbox would tip the scales a little though.

So this alternative education thing is that he goes to exactly the same school, but for less time?

One way or another he will need to catch up. This might be a good place to start and work out the details later:

http://www.kipmcgrath.co.nz/Tutoring/Assessments/Kip-Kid-Assessment.aspx

Mark

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#760232 12-Feb-2013 16:05

Ignoring the failing of the parents for keeping their boy out of school (but top marks for you being concerned) ...

I'd recommend these guys for the boy, they have offices all over and should have something in Orewa (or know a similar program), I've used them for their other services and they are pretty good.

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#760241 12-Feb-2013 16:18

Ah I see I have created some confusion. I am not looking for alternative education suggestions (as his parent would be no less likely to enroll him), he is currently attending something called "alternative education", which is for 3 x 45 minute sessions a day and I am concerned this isn't going to provide him a decent education, so I was hoping someone else was familiar with it, and could either allay or support my concerns?

I would love to report him as a case to the education dept but he is 15 in March and I suspect not much can be done.

It has been hard to sit by (after initial attempts to get him back into school were rebuffed) and watch this travesty, being a big proponent of a school education and feeling like the original issue was a crock, but I guess at worst we still need someone to pickup litter and dig ditches (Not trying to insult those people who do that worthwhile work).

What is just crazy frustrating is he is smart but lazy and has a terrible attitude.

Klipspringer

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#760243 12-Feb-2013 16:20

My 14 year old nephew says he won't be going to high school this year after missing most of last year because he was upset by bullying. He goes to school apparently 3 x 45 minutes a day, and finishes at midday. I am wondering how a kid who still can't do his 10 times tables (because he has missed so much school because he can con his mother into letting him stay home), is going to get an education with HALF as much schooling as a normal teenager?

He missed out on most of school last year? Its a wonder how some parents can let something like this go on for so long.

Sorry but it sounds to me like lazy parents and its probably them you should be seeking help for.

To get him up to speed with his maths I would highly recommend NumberWorks'nWords. It builds up the childs confidence with maths first. Its helped our daughter so much and she went from hating maths to being one of the top in her class.

networkn

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#760257 12-Feb-2013 16:34

Klipspringer:
My 14 year old nephew says he won't be going to high school this year after missing most of last year because he was upset by bullying. He goes to school apparently 3 x 45 minutes a day, and finishes at midday. I am wondering how a kid who still can't do his 10 times tables (because he has missed so much school because he can con his mother into letting him stay home), is going to get an education with HALF as much schooling as a normal teenager?

He missed out on most of school last year? Its a wonder how some partents can let something like this go on for so long.

Sorry but it sounds to me like lazy parents and its probably them you should be seeking help for.

I think he missed a BUNCH of school over the last 5 years, it's really been horrible to watch. I did make some inquiries and someone was dispatched, but not much happened, I guess if the parent can explain it away.....

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crackrdbycracku

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#760261 12-Feb-2013 16:39

Sabotage the xbox?

Get him to do work experience at a petrol station? Then say, "How you pumping gas for a career?"

He isn't going to catch up unless he is very motivated, that isn't going to come from anybody than him.

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Mark

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#760272 12-Feb-2013 16:51

crackrdbycracku: Sabotage the xbox?

Get him to do work experience at a petrol station? Then say, "How you pumping gas for a career?"

He isn't going to catch up unless he is very motivated, that isn't going to come from anybody than him.

Accidental destruction of the Xbox is a good one ... "Oh noes I spilt my coffee ...."

I know having kids has been a steep learning curve for me (and I suck at it), but I know my guys are not going to be able to think up anything that gets them out of going to school!

riahon

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#760280 12-Feb-2013 17:05

Sounds like he needs to be bullied at home, then school would be more appealing.

dman

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#760362 12-Feb-2013 20:36

Adult education at community college that runs after hours at schools?!

That is how I did 5th form math (although I did it at 12... but it is an "alternative pathway").

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