This is what I call real progress

Not boxed in any more: Bright Eyes when he began school two years ago.

When Bright Eyes started school it was halfway through the kindergarten year because he could not have coped with going when he was supposed to. He began going for two hours a day, three days a week. He had a full time aide to help him. He had never voluntarily picked up a pen or pencil. And he regularly threw a whole lot of long, loaded tantrums.

Exactly two years later, this is what was written in his school report today.

“He has developed into a capable and self-motivated learner who has achieved some great outcomes this semester. He responds well to the routines of the class and participates fully in all experiences. He approaches unfamiliar activities and content with more open mindedness and flexibility. He is engaging others in play and interacting with others positively and sensibly. I have been extremely pleased with his progress.”

As if that wasn't enough to make me happy, the icing on the cake was his mark for effort in each of the subjects, which was as high as he could score. 

It's exciting that next term we will be having a meeting to talk about the fact that none of us (teacher, parent, aide) think that he really needs an aide in the classroom any more. This is real, quantifiable progress. Yes, we have a long way to go, but we've already come a lot further than I ever thought might be possible.