Dionne Harper I am unable to attend the meeting at the state capitol on November 5, 2013, but wanted you to know

my concerns regarding Common Core. While I agree with the concept of improving our childrens education and preparing them for college and the work environment, I dont agree with how Common Core goes about accomplishing this. My son has severe ADHD. He takes medication on a daily basis, but still struggles greatly during the school day. He struggles with focus, concentration and controlling himself. In turn, this affects his memory and his ability to learn. We decided it was in his best interest to hold him back from starting kindergarten in hopes that he would mature. At the end of his kindergarten year, we decided to have him evaluated for ADHD and learning disabilities. Based on the outcome, it was decided to put him on medication. Even though my son is an excellent reader, he still struggles on a daily basis. At the end of his 2nd grade year, we set up a 504 plan for him. At this time, I hadnt paid much attention to Common Core. At the beginning of his 3rd grade year, I was told I needed to sign a paper saying I understood that if he didnt pass the Common Core test in April, he would be retained in 3rd grade. I was told that the 504 plan or even an IEP would not prevent him from being retained. I find this absurd. My child has a disability that is recognized by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and still is being required to pass a test that will be difficult for typical children. We are setting these children up for failure. To hold a child with a disability up to the same standards as a typical child is not appropriate. My son is reading on a 4th grade level, but because of his disability, he will have a very hard time passing the test. For some children, providing the appropriate modifications and the accommodations they need is the only way they will be successful in their school experiences. Common core emphasizes punishing failure over rewarding success and doesnt recognize growth and progress, something that a child with a disability thrives on. This one size fits all test is not appropriate for my child. If he is retained, he will be 2 years older than his peers. How will this be beneficial to his self-esteem and how will it build upon the fact that he is capable of success in school? In closing, I understand a need for better education. I just dont agree that you can place all children in a mold and expect it to fit. All children learn differently and Common Core doesnt take that into consideration. Please reconsider this law. My child and other children with disabilities are counting on you. Sincerely, Dionne Harper