As MSMomm already stated, we really need more information about your daughter to give you better advice. How old is she? Has she been struggling, grade-wise, for awhile? (Not just this year.)

Testing, if done properly, doesn't identify only weaker areas, but also areas of strength in a student. That can help teachers know what way a child learns best.

My own son, for example, is considered highly gifted, but he's got difficulty with reading (dyslexia) and some other things. He learns better from hands-on doing, not reading a book. He has been identified with special education needs, but he still takes all regular classes (in fact, even some honors classes) and he does get accommodations like extra time for doing reading and writing exams.

Some children, it is true, may benefit from being in smaller classes, but not all of the classes are for kids with mental or behavioral problems, they can just be for kids who need more specialized instruction. If your daughter isn't doing well where she's at right now, then I think testing to find out why is a good idea. After you get test results, THEN you can discuss what kind of class instruction would be most helpful for her.

Hello Anon:

What is the school suggesting your daughter be tested for? Learning disabilities? Dyslexia? Is your daughter in high school?

May I suggest you repost your question in the Greatschools group here called Learning & Attention Difficulties. Here's the link: community.greatschools.net/groups/11554. Also, please respond to the questions above and provide a bit more information so other parents can provide you with more complete responses.