Copyright WLTX.com
LEXINGTON, S.C. — A Lexington One parent says he was stunned to learn his child went nine weeks without any science lessons, even though classroom newsletters said otherwise. Jay, a Deerfield Elementary School parent, said he learned last month that his third grader had not received any science instruction during the first quarter of the school year. He said the news came after a letter from the school informed parents that no science grades would appear on their children’s report cards. “September 5th, your child started a unit in science this week. I would urge you to keep study guides and quiz materials in a safe place. Although I administered all social study assessments orally, I do not know if this will be the case with science. This is September 5th." Jay said, reading from one of the school’s earlier messages to families. A more recent letter acknowledged that science lessons had not been taught during the first nine weeks and said no grades for the subject would appear on report cards. The letter also promised that “school administrators, district human resources staff, and the district science and world language coordinators are working with the teacher to ensure all third-grade science standards are taught over the remainder of the school year.” Jay said the explanation left him frustrated. “I get it, things happen, but I was lied to,” he said. “Like I sat there and she just looked at me and said, we are doing science. And he (the assistant principle) understood my frustration and agreed with me.” Jay said he met with his daughter’s teachers and helps her with lessons at home, but now he is questioning whether his child is being taught everything she should be. “This is my kid’s future. You know, they’re young, now is the time you mold them and teach them. And you’re responsible for doing that in the way that you’re told to do it. The district tells you to do this, you do this. Why are we saying things are going on when they’re not?” he said. In a statement, Lexington One said concerned parents should follow up with the school principal. The district said families should have received a letter with their student’s report card explaining that an updated timeline for science instruction will be sent home. The district added that school administrators and curriculum staff are working with the teacher to make sure all third-grade science standards are taught before the end of the year. There are no state standardized tests for science in third grade. News19 asked Lexington One School District specifically why students were not taught science during the first nine weeks. The district said its human resources department will discuss the matter with the teacher and that any issues will be addressed in the plan moving forward.
