My son's 3rd Grade teacher recommended to his Principal that he be challenged academically by keeping him in the accelerated classes as he moved on to 4th Grade.  Alexander's standardized test scores were not high enough to be considered a "Target/Talented & Gifted" student; however, his in-class performance was on par with the class and his teacher recognized it.  Mrs. Salley taught Alex in 1st Grade and 3rd Grade and is one of the school's talented and gifted certified instructors.  Her request was denied by the principal.  I spoke to Principal Angela Manning to advocate for Alexander.  She told me that Alexander did not score high enough on his ITBS standardized test (taken during a pandemic) and could not be in the class.  I asked her to consider the recommendation of his 3rd Grade teacher and she still said no.  She said only kids who were either labeled "talented and gifted" or who scored very high on the standardized test could be in the class.  The teacher's recommendation of the student and his/her in-class performance had little to do with the decision.  Principals vary from school to school in their engagement level.  Principal Manning probably doesn't even know my son's name.  Mrs. Salley knows my son and her assessment of his capabilities matters, yet it was ignored.  I am asking that Superintendent Chris Ragsdale create a more transparent curriculum system for all Cobb County Schools so that all parents know the different curriculums that exist for their kids.  I am asking that Superintendent Chris Ragsdale implement a more inclusive process for the selection of students into a more advanced curriculum and that teachers and parents get the opportunity to advocate for their kids to receive an accelerated education and that this advocacy holds just as much weight.  My son's school is one of the lowest rated in Cobb County #87 out of 109 schools in the district.  It's rated 4 out of 10 and in the bottom 50%.  Any parent wishing to make sure their son or daughter is equipped to succeed, especially in the face of such staggering statistics, should be able to advocate for their child to be able to partake in an aggressive schoolwork schedule.  The fact that only 20 out of 150 4th graders are being allowed to take the more advanced curriculum screams discrimination.  We were told that parents for at least 15 other kids wanted them to be in the program, many with recommendations from their teachers. How is this fair?  Where is the Equity in Education?  It's as if I (a single mother of two kids) am paying my tax dollars to fund a select few students' private education (in a public school!) and no matter how much  I advocate for all the right reasons, my children cannot participate.  If it's public education...why isn't it offered widely to everyone!