*warning, another parental gush*

So I just opened the mail, and I got my son’s test scores for the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. For those who don’t know what that is, here is the Wikipedia link. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_Test_of_Basic_Skills

Hunter is in the 6th grade, and scored in the top 15% of all 6th grade students tested nationally. He actually qualifies for a gifted program at one of the colleges near here.

For those who haven’t read my previous parental gush blog, you might not know what a big accomplishment that is for Hunter. He learns differently, some try to call it a learning ‘disability’. He’s had a diagnosis, but it’s irrelevant. I won’t let him be defined by it. He can be so much more than a disorder.

I have fought to keep him from being labeled and to keep him off of medication. I have been an advocate and strived to help Hunter and his teachers help him learn and be successful and to maintain his self-esteem. I can’t take the credit though. The teachers in Iowa have been wonderful, and Hunter has worked, and worked and worked.

Hunter has an IEP, which basically means he’s in special education. He’s been in a general curriculum, but had supported services and special education reading classes. This year he was moved out of all special education classes to a full general cirriculum schedule.

I am so humbled and blown away and proud. Even with his reading being at a 59% (he reads at a 7th grade level apparently), and his Social Studies being 66%, he has 90's in so many other areas he was brought up to 85% He has worked SO hard.

But even more fulfilling and wonderful than the testament on paper that his hard work has paid off, is the self pride he has. He is proud of himself. He believes he will be a video game designer, and there is no doubt in my mind he will be. He holds his head high, and without being a braggart can proudly tell of his accomplishments and his strengths. He can unashamedly express where his challenges lie, and his confidence in beating them.

That means more to me than any test score.

I’m so proud of you, Hunter.