Question: My son is 8 and has just started third grade. He is an A and B student, but I worry because he is immature and distractible. His teacher has suggested that I transfer him to a private school to be in a smaller classroom environment. This is impossible financially. Please give me some ideas about what I can do. - Need Answers
Answer: It is inappropriate for your son's teacher to suggest that he needs to be placed in a private school in order for his educational needs to be met. Have you heard of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973? If not, you might want to get a copy of this law from your child's school and read it. The law states that public schools must provide an appropriate education for all children. Your son might be entitled to special services.
It is not unusual for 8-year-olds to behave immaturely. At the same time, his immaturity and distractibility could be a symptom of attention-deficit disorder (ADD). Since the teacher is so very concerned about your son, it would be appropriate for him or her to initiate the testing of your son so that a prompt diagnosis of his problems can be made.