At MCMS this year there is a focus on differentiation in your child’s classes. What does this mean to you and your child?
1. It means your child will be challenged to work to their potential. Learning activities for advanced learners will be different from those of other students. The key is DIFFERENT, not MORE. Our teachers are working hard to make sure EVERY child is stretching their learning. This may take the form of different tests, tiered assignments, compacting, contracts or other forms of differentiation.
2. Your child may not make As on every assignment, test, or report card. This is especially true in the first half of the year. There is a learning curve for students in rising to new expectations. The key here for students and parents is not to panic! Capable students will learn to ramp up their studying and work to meet new challenges. As the parent of an advanced learner, you want your child to do well in school but at the same time you want them challenged. These two desires are not always compatible. Students must learn how to meet higher expectations, and that may result in some bumps along the road in the grade arena. Many of our students (and parents) are used to making excellent grades with little effort - but is that really the best for the child? Support your students’ teachers as they provide challenging work that asks your students to work a little harder to earn good grades. Support your student positively as they adapt to more difficult work. In the long run, your children will benefit immensely!
