My second grade son can't pass multiplication tests, although we study every evening. He's a slow writer. In class, after writing the date, his name, and the problem, he's flustered because the teacher has moved on to the next problem.

Worse, the teacher gives students a paper egg in a paper basket for every test they pass with 100 percent. She puts the baskets up on the bulletin board. My son is the only student with no eggs, and he says he feels bad because other students are starting to whisper about him. Is it fair to compare students in this way?

Definitely not. It's a terrible way to teach, as your son's reaction makes clear. In fact, the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 stipulates against posting student grades for all to see.

Regarding your specific case, we believe that certain mathematical concepts are developmental. For years, multiplication was considered a third grade skill. The new California state standards have pushed it down to second grade, so it's the teacher's responsibility to make it accessible to all students.

Set up a meeting with this teacher. Request that the principal join, since you're asking for an explanation of the teacher's instructional methods, not just an assessment of your son's progress. Talk specifically about the problem that her posting system creates for your son. She may think of it as a motivational tool and be unaware that posting the grades is a violation.

Also ask her to explain how she teaches multiplication to make it understandable for younger children. If your child is struggling with writing, how is the teacher accommodating him? Has he been tested for any learning disability? Is he showing frustration or stress in other subjects? These are all topics the teacher should be willing and able to discuss with you.