When I was at G's conference all I could think most of the time is that this is total bs.  We will continue to read together, and he can read alone when he feels like it (or maybe I will mandate reading times for everybody).  He's doing just fine.  I don't care what "level" he's at.  He's a very fluid reader and reads with expression.  If he can retell the story he's doing fine.  He may not pick up on every nuance but whatever.  I don't care.  I never test him on spelling-I think first grade spelling is ridiculous.  And the common core math is absurd.  I'm just going to smile and tell him he's awesome. Done.  Whatever.  E learned completely different things and different ways in elementary school.  And she's brilliant and hard working and fine.  I am not going to get hung up on what they say.  I was much more thrilled to hear that he's happy and loves being there.  That's all I care about.   The rest they figure out.  That is one of the biggest blessings of being an older mom and having older kids.