I Just Took That Test.
Dylan’s unit test in Spanish was three parts: two days of written work, and one oral test. For those who didn’t read Friday’s blog, Dylan took day one and thought he was finished.
So on day two, Dylan pulled out his laptop during the test and his teacher thought he was cheating – when, in actuality, he just wasn’t paying attention. Again. He had no idea he was taking a unit test, so he was visibly upset (and called me sobbing) when she took away his paper and gave him a zero.
Dylan’s teacher kindly agreed to let him retake the second part of the test. She sent an email on Friday.
“Just want to let you know, that after some consideration I decided to let Dylan finish his Unit test. I will cancel the questions he already answered (I believe it was 3), but he will be able to complete the rest. Please, ask him to see me during lunch on Monday at my office.”
So on Saturday night, I asked Dylan, “What’s your plan for tomorrow?”
“Huh?” he asked blankly.
“Don’t you have anything to do on Sunday?”
“Play tennis?” he asked, obviously clueless. (The boys are taking tennis lessons on Sundays, though – so bonus point there!)
I asked, “Besides playing tennis, don’t you think there is something else you want to do?”
“Not really,” he said.
“Isn’t there something you want to do on Sunday to get ready for Monday?”
“Like what?” He honestly had no idea what I was talking about. Again.
“Dylan,” I said, clearly agitated, “if you can’t figure out what you are supposed to do, then I am not going to bother mentioning college ever again.”
Bill was sitting in the room, too. He understands Dylan, since they were cut from the same mold. Bill said, “Do you have a Spanish test on Monday?”
“No,” Dylan said. “I thought I just took that test.”
Dear Lord, I thought. How can he make the same mistake AGAIN?!
“Did you even read the email?” I shrieked.
“Yeah,” he said. “But I thought I was done taking the test.”
This can’t be happening.
“Then you MIGHT want to read it again!” I shrilled, and stomped off to bed.
Sigh.
I have no idea if he will study. And I have no idea if he will show up for the test today. And in my zeal to get him to self-advocate, I’m not sure how I can – ever again – possibly help.