Soundy ~
For what its worth, you have my sympathy for (you and your daughter) having to deal with this frustrating teacher. Now I see why some parents home-school.
When my son was in first grade we realized that the local city school system was not going to be a good fit for him. Because we had planned to move, we pushed up the date and changed residences - and schools - within a month after the start of the new school year. Best thing we could have done. The new school system was in a relatively small town (22,000) and had enough affluent residents (we weren't among them) to ensure the public schools were of good quality. Our son thrived and graduated high school right on schedule with good grades. He went on to obtain a B.A. degree at a small private college nearby (he commuted, worked 3 jobs to help pay for his education and is still paying off student loans). Today, he has a secure job he likes and is earning a very good salary.
I realize everyone can't move to another town because of their public school system and most parents can't home-school (it would have been very difficult for us). I just wanted to make the point that as parents, we always do what's best for our child/children and in this instance with Sarah and this intransigent teacher, you certainly did the best you could with a difficult situation. It's just too bad that some teachers, for whatever reason, make it difficult for good kids. Still, as someone who is friends with a very dedicated (high school) English teacher who has to deal with unruly teenagers while attempting to teach honors classes, I sympathize with those who teach and realize that for all the good, encouraging teachers there are always a few misfits who would be better off pursuing another line of work. I'm just sorry that you and Sarah had to deal with the latter this time around.
Jim
