3561

Just Chat! / Re: Standardized Testing

« on: 18/01/2006 04:07:25 »

Chris - Thanks for the suggestion.  That's interesting.  With most dyslexics, touching and feeling something is a good way to learn.  I'm going to suggest that to her, I'll bet it helps.

Carolyn

3562

Just Chat! / Re: Standardized Testing

« on: 16/01/2006 05:09:33 »

George - I've tried the usual channels, starting in the 3rd grade.  The school system would not test her for dyslexia because she was such a strong reader.  This is true.  I taught her to read using phonics before kindergarten.  Comprehension of what she reads is another story.  I had her tested on my own, and I was right.  She has severe dyslexia.  But what do I know, I only gave birth to her.   I've done hundreds of hours of research on how to effectively teach dyslexics, and she's done quite well except in math.  Unfortunately, I am also dyslexic.  My reading is not really affected. I have dyscalculia, so I'm terrible at math and can't help her.

quote:Originally posted by DocN

read, re-read and re-read....
Doc

So far in all other subjects this has been her routine, and she's been successful.  No matter how much she reads the math text, it's to no avail.  Generally for her, repetition is the key to success.

George - I think it's a little of both.  She doesn't have a good understanding of math and she has test anxiety.

You're right Dave, she didn't get a good grasp of the basics of math, and was forced ahead before she was ready.  I'm now in the process of looking for a good math tutor, outside of the school system.  Her math teachers have given her good grades, but she hasn't learned much.  When she went to them for extra help, they offered after school tutoring for a hefty fee.  Why should I pay extra when they didn't do their jobs in the first place?!

I don't mean to sound down on teachers, I'm not.  Only the rotten ones.

Carolyn

3563

Just Chat! / Re: Standardized Testing

« on: 13/01/2006 06:01:34 »

Thanks Neil.  I'm trying not to worry or fret as you say.  She has overcome alot of adversity.  She has the learning disabilty, dyslexia, and has worked very hard to get where she is.  In elementary school she struggled alot and I was told her IQ was below average and not to expect much from her academically.  THEY WERE WRONG.

I just don't want her to give up.  Maybe I can pay some brilliant, math genious, look-a-like to take the test for her.  Just kidding.  kind of.

Carolyn

3564

Just Chat! / Standardized Testing

« on: 13/01/2006 04:53:46 »

In Florida there is a test called the FCAT.  I think it stands for Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.  In certain grades, you have to take this test to be promoted.  At high school level, it's taken in 10th grade.  At some point between 10th and 12th grade it has to be passed to graduate.  

I've never had a problem or disagreed with these tests in any way until now.  My daughter is in 12th grade.  Math has always been a difficult subject for her, but she's managed to make decent grades in it.  She hasn't taken the higher levels of math, because it's so difficult for her, and we also accepted BAD advice from a guidance counselor.

She is a good student.  Her GPA is 3.5.  She has failed the math portion of the FCAT seven times now.  Always by one or two points.  There is another test that can be taken for college placement (the ACT).  If you score high enough on it, you don't have to worry about the FCAT.  She's taken the ACT two times now.  The first time she was one point away.  I just got her results for the second test and again she's one point away.  She only has one more opportunity to take the FCAT.  I know this has to be a mental block.  She does fine on her regular school tests.  She's stressed out and terrified that her chances of going to college have been blown to hell.

She is a bright and artistic young woman.  She has her own business, and has since she was 13 years old.  I'm at my wits end. She is starting to show signs of depression.  It doesn't help that her 12 year old brother has scored well above average on his FCAT.

Does anyone have any advice or tricks on how to successfully pass standardized tests?

Carolyn

3565

Complementary Medicine / Re: Insomnia support groups

« on: 13/01/2006 03:44:10 »

Hi Joanne - I'm going to try that when hubby gets back in town.  He's off on ANOTHER hunting trip.  That sounds very similiar to what I do to get rid of hickups, only I use eyes instead of hair.

Carolyn

3566

Just Chat! / Re: driving lessons /survey

« on: 12/01/2006 23:30:30 »

Well said Michael.  Couldn't agree more.

Carolyn

3567

Just Chat! / Re: driving lessons /survey

« on: 11/01/2006 13:19:59 »

I agree - driving laws in US are much to relaxed.  Although my daughter was allowed to have a license @16, we didn't allow her to have any passengers for the first year.

3568

Complementary Medicine / Re: Insomnia support groups

« on: 11/01/2006 04:17:51 »

Hi Neil - I am curious.  When you finally do get to sleep, is it more of a fall or a crash?  Do you sleep for hours or days?  And do you get sick of answering insomnia questions?  24 hours is probably the longest I've stayed awake, and it feels like I'll never catch up on the sleep I've missed. I also am very grouchy when I do get up.  Grouchy is my word, B----h is more likely the word my family would use.

Carolyn

3569

Just Chat! / Re: driving lessons /survey

« on: 10/01/2006 06:12:01 »

Thanks Neil.  Here in USA you get a learners permit (must drive with an adult 21 years or older in front seat for one year) at 15 after passing a written test.  At 16, if you pass the actual road test, you get a real drivers license.  This could actually be part of my insomnia problem, as I have a 17 year old that stays on the road constantly.

Carolyn

3570

Just Chat! / Re: driving lessons /survey

« on: 10/01/2006 06:03:22 »

How old do you have to be in the UK to take a drivers test? Are you required to take driving lessons?

3571

Physiology & Medicine / Re: has anybody lost a significant amount of weight?

« on: 31/10/2005 05:00:56 »

Hey Phatbastard - Boy do I feel awful calling you that.  Laurie, I believe, has lost 18 lbs in about a month; and Angellee has lost somewhere in the ballpark of 38 lbs.  I'm almost sure its been a lot less than 4 months for both of them.  You will probably get more responses if you go to the zetacaps forum.  Good luck to you.

Carolyn