My 2nd grader’s teacher intends to mask all year

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no clear evidence that masks impact children’s speech or social skills. It’s just something that gets repeated because anti-maskers need a justification.

False. There is PLENTIFUL research on the impact of masks on communication; and pre-existing research on the role of faces and learning social skills/emotions/language. Beyond that, masks are an invasive intervention. It's just not true that you can mandate any intervention as long as there is not "clear evidence" against it. (Or whatever evidentiary standard you're using; it's a moving goal post.) Likewise claim that "blind kids learn to speak just fine, masks are not a problem!" is false. It's well known that visually impaired kids need specialized instruction for acquiring language and social skills because of the missing nonverbal cues.

I'm not even going to post the research here because there's so much. Anyone who is interested can search on Google Scholar.

There are also millions of dead people from covid. So what's your point? Teachers should risk their lives and well being for your benefit?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no clear evidence that masks impact children’s speech or social skills. It’s just something that gets repeated because anti-maskers need a justification.

False. There is PLENTIFUL research on the impact of masks on communication; and pre-existing research on the role of faces and learning social skills/emotions/language. Beyond that, masks are an invasive intervention. It's just not true that you can mandate any intervention as long as there is not "clear evidence" against it. (Or whatever evidentiary standard you're using; it's a moving goal post.) Likewise claim that "blind kids learn to speak just fine, masks are not a problem!" is false. It's well known that visually impaired kids need specialized instruction for acquiring language and social skills because of the missing nonverbal cues.

I'm not even going to post the research here because there's so much. Anyone who is interested can search on Google Scholar.

There are also millions of dead people from covid. So what's your point? Teachers should risk their lives and well being for your benefit?

If a teacher wants to mask, it's their prerogative. It's a suboptimal dynamic, but the kids will unfortunately have to deal with it for the year and hope for a non-masking teacher next year. Hopefully OP can get their kid moved in the meantime.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:His 1st grade teacher masked all year too. He has a speech delay and is behind in reading. His teacher said she is immunocompromised and plans to mask all year and maybe beyond “just to be safe”. I get it from the teacher’s perspective. But my perspective is valid too. I feel stuck.

Ask whether providing clear masks would work. And make sure the teachers have a microphone so that students can clearly hear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no clear evidence that masks impact children’s speech or social skills. It’s just something that gets repeated because anti-maskers need a justification.

Nobody needs to justify anything. I don't mask, nor do my kids, and we haven't for a long time. I don't care what you think about that one way or the other.

Except this is a thread about a parent who thinks that their child should be removed from a classroom where a teacher is wearing a mask because of ....reasons

Except the PP is a sentence about "anti-maskers" in general, not the OP.

Except the PP you are speaking of stated a specific theory that’s thrown around and you know that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no clear evidence that masks impact children’s speech or social skills. It’s just something that gets repeated because anti-maskers need a justification.

False. There is PLENTIFUL research on the impact of masks on communication; and pre-existing research on the role of faces and learning social skills/emotions/language. Beyond that, masks are an invasive intervention. It's just not true that you can mandate any intervention as long as there is not "clear evidence" against it. (Or whatever evidentiary standard you're using; it's a moving goal post.) Likewise claim that "blind kids learn to speak just fine, masks are not a problem!" is false. It's well known that visually impaired kids need specialized instruction for acquiring language and social skills because of the missing nonverbal cues.

I'm not even going to post the research here because there's so much. Anyone who is interested can search on Google Scholar.

There are also millions of dead people from covid. So what's your point? Teachers should risk their lives and well being for your benefit?

The fact that millions died of covid in no way changes the state of evidence we have on the costs & benefits of masking kids and teachers. I’m not going to force a particular teacher to unmask but if I had a kid w speech delay would certainly argue that unmasked teachers & SLPs are required for FAPE.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no clear evidence that masks impact children’s speech or social skills. It’s just something that gets repeated because anti-maskers need a justification.

Nobody needs to justify anything. I don't mask, nor do my kids, and we haven't for a long time. I don't care what you think about that one way or the other.

Except this is a thread about a parent who thinks that their child should be removed from a classroom where a teacher is wearing a mask because of ....reasons

Except the PP is a sentence about "anti-maskers" in general, not the OP.

Except the PP you are speaking of stated a specific theory that’s thrown around and you know that.

No, I see that PP used it as pretext to throw shade at "anti-maskers".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no clear evidence that masks impact children’s speech or social skills. It’s just something that gets repeated because anti-maskers need a justification.

False. There is PLENTIFUL research on the impact of masks on communication; and pre-existing research on the role of faces and learning social skills/emotions/language. Beyond that, masks are an invasive intervention. It's just not true that you can mandate any intervention as long as there is not "clear evidence" against it. (Or whatever evidentiary standard you're using; it's a moving goal post.) Likewise claim that "blind kids learn to speak just fine, masks are not a problem!" is false. It's well known that visually impaired kids need specialized instruction for acquiring language and social skills because of the missing nonverbal cues.

I'm not even going to post the research here because there's so much. Anyone who is interested can search on Google Scholar.

There are also millions of dead people from covid. So what's your point? Teachers should risk their lives and well being for your benefit?

The fact that millions died of covid in no way changes the state of evidence we have on the costs & benefits of masking kids and teachers. I’m not going to force a particular teacher to unmask but if I had a kid w speech delay would certainly argue that unmasked teachers & SLPs are required for FAPE.

So, you would argue a teacher should unmask. You and OP are bullies. And, care nothing about anyone. This child has a language disorder, not a delay if its serious at this age and masks are not to blame as the child was delayed prior to covid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:His 1st grade teacher masked all year too. He has a speech delay and is behind in reading. His teacher said she is immunocompromised and plans to mask all year and maybe beyond “just to be safe”. I get it from the teacher’s perspective. But my perspective is valid too. I feel stuck.

Ask whether providing clear masks would work. And make sure the teachers have a microphone so that students can clearly hear.

OP can buy the teacher and SLP microphones on Amazon for around $40.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no clear evidence that masks impact children’s speech or social skills. It’s just something that gets repeated because anti-maskers need a justification.

False. There is PLENTIFUL research on the impact of masks on communication; and pre-existing research on the role of faces and learning social skills/emotions/language. Beyond that, masks are an invasive intervention. It's just not true that you can mandate any intervention as long as there is not "clear evidence" against it. (Or whatever evidentiary standard you're using; it's a moving goal post.) Likewise claim that "blind kids learn to speak just fine, masks are not a problem!" is false. It's well known that visually impaired kids need specialized instruction for acquiring language and social skills because of the missing nonverbal cues.

I'm not even going to post the research here because there's so much. Anyone who is interested can search on Google Scholar.

This child had language issues profit to covid so masking and covid are not to blame.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:His 1st grade teacher masked all year too. He has a speech delay and is behind in reading. His teacher said she is immunocompromised and plans to mask all year and maybe beyond “just to be safe”. I get it from the teacher’s perspective. But my perspective is valid too. I feel stuck.

What did you do this summer to address the speech delay and reading level?

The teacher has the right to mask. I would ask to switch, but ultimately it is your responsibility to address the issues. Be prepared to work with your child at home and if the school can't make the switch.

OP refuses to answer this but its also surprising they are calling it a delay in 2nd grade which makes me question what is really going on. Once you hit ES, it turns into a disorder, not a delay.

This parent sounds in denial that their child has more serious special needs, needs a full educational and language evaluation and private services. MCPS pays for reading tutors, so cost cannot be an excuse.

If it is a disorder then even more crucial to get an unmasked teacher.

No, if its a language disorder, its crucial that OP supplement outside school and this child needs 2-4 day a week private speech therapy. Plus reading supports.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no clear evidence that masks impact children’s speech or social skills. It’s just something that gets repeated because anti-maskers need a justification.

False. There is PLENTIFUL research on the impact of masks on communication; and pre-existing research on the role of faces and learning social skills/emotions/language. Beyond that, masks are an invasive intervention. It's just not true that you can mandate any intervention as long as there is not "clear evidence" against it. (Or whatever evidentiary standard you're using; it's a moving goal post.) Likewise claim that "blind kids learn to speak just fine, masks are not a problem!" is false. It's well known that visually impaired kids need specialized instruction for acquiring language and social skills because of the missing nonverbal cues.

I'm not even going to post the research here because there's so much. Anyone who is interested can search on Google Scholar.

There are also millions of dead people from covid. So what's your point? Teachers should risk their lives and well being for your benefit?

If a teacher wants to mask, it's their prerogative. It's a suboptimal dynamic, but the kids will unfortunately have to deal with it for the year and hope for a non-masking teacher next year. Hopefully OP can get their kid moved in the meantime.

I think any parents who really want to avoid this going forward need to move away from this area. Maybe even Frederick, AA, or Howard counties would be better, I’m not sure. The teachers who wanted to unmask have done so, I don’t see anything changing in the next year that would persuade more of them to do so. I would assume this is the new normal going forward where there will be some teachers who mask.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You're all being awful. OP has a right to be concerned about her child. She's not "blaming" the teacher for her son's speech delay, NOR is she suggesting the teacher shouldn't' have a right to make her own decision on masking. She's simply expressing her concern that it is having a negative impact on her child this year -- a child who was quite small when the pandemic first began and has likely struggled with schooling since 2020 with school closures, virtual education, constant stoppages and quarantines, etc. OP, if your son has an IEP I would see if you can switch classes -- making clear that you respect this teacher's wish to remain masked, but that it will have a negative impact on your son's speech and language development.

I don't know why it's so hard for some people to understand that both the OP AND the teacher could BOTH have legitimate viewpoints, and that neither one is 'wrong' -- but that the situation isn't optimal for both of them right now.

There are lots of valid reasons for a child to switch classes I don't think a teacher's choice to wear a mask is one of them. If I were the principal and got such a request I would be rolling my eyes at this parent. And what if the child's special education teacher or speech therapist or other staff in the building are wearing masks?

If my kid had a speech delay and the SLP insisted on a mask, then I would be equally concerned. I'd be totally fine advocating for my child in that scenario, don't care about eye rolling.

Given that most schools only have one speech language pathologist refusing services based on mask choice would be a bit of a challenge

Most kids also only get 30-60 minutes a week of group speech therapy. If this child is having this many issues, 30 minutes of group speech is not adequate so is OP getting outside help or just complaining/blaming?

You're actually making an argument for why the teacher also needs to be unmasked. For a child in general ed, a lot of the IEP depends on the teacher, not the specialists. Having 95% of instructional time with reduced effectiveness due to masks is a big big deal.

You are so lucky to get 30-60 minutes of speech therapy. I wish my kids had 30-60 minutes of reading a week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no clear evidence that masks impact children’s speech or social skills. It’s just something that gets repeated because anti-maskers need a justification.

False. There is PLENTIFUL research on the impact of masks on communication; and pre-existing research on the role of faces and learning social skills/emotions/language. Beyond that, masks are an invasive intervention. It's just not true that you can mandate any intervention as long as there is not "clear evidence" against it. (Or whatever evidentiary standard you're using; it's a moving goal post.) Likewise claim that "blind kids learn to speak just fine, masks are not a problem!" is false. It's well known that visually impaired kids need specialized instruction for acquiring language and social skills because of the missing nonverbal cues.

I'm not even going to post the research here because there's so much. Anyone who is interested can search on Google Scholar.

There are also millions of dead people from covid. So what's your point? Teachers should risk their lives and well being for your benefit?

The fact that millions died of covid in no way changes the state of evidence we have on the costs & benefits of masking kids and teachers. I’m not going to force a particular teacher to unmask but if I had a kid w speech delay would certainly argue that unmasked teachers & SLPs are required for FAPE.

So, you would argue a teacher should unmask. You and OP are bullies. And, care nothing about anyone. This child has a language disorder, not a delay if its serious at this age and masks are not to blame as the child was delayed prior to covid.

DP. Your response is ridiculous in many ways, but I will just say that OP doesn't seem to be blaming the masked teachers for causing the delay/disorder but rather for making it harder for the child to improve. My experience with my child who is in a somewhat different situation (different age, different disorder) is that taking off her mask and being around unmasked teachers was really, really helpful in addition to therapy. If left untreated, this disorder would likely get more severe, difficult to treat and be life-altering and/or deadly. That's why when you say folks like OP "care nothing about anyone" I have to wonder, do you care at all about people who face difficulties other than COVID? Or is COVID the only valid concern right now? Because honestly, you sound like the bully here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no clear evidence that masks impact children’s speech or social skills. It’s just something that gets repeated because anti-maskers need a justification.

False. There is PLENTIFUL research on the impact of masks on communication; and pre-existing research on the role of faces and learning social skills/emotions/language. Beyond that, masks are an invasive intervention. It's just not true that you can mandate any intervention as long as there is not "clear evidence" against it. (Or whatever evidentiary standard you're using; it's a moving goal post.) Likewise claim that "blind kids learn to speak just fine, masks are not a problem!" is false. It's well known that visually impaired kids need specialized instruction for acquiring language and social skills because of the missing nonverbal cues.

I'm not even going to post the research here because there's so much. Anyone who is interested can search on Google Scholar.

There are also millions of dead people from covid. So what's your point? Teachers should risk their lives and well being for your benefit?

The fact that millions died of covid in no way changes the state of evidence we have on the costs & benefits of masking kids and teachers. I’m not going to force a particular teacher to unmask but if I had a kid w speech delay would certainly argue that unmasked teachers & SLPs are required for FAPE.

So, you would argue a teacher should unmask. You and OP are bullies. And, care nothing about anyone. This child has a language disorder, not a delay if its serious at this age and masks are not to blame as the child was delayed prior to covid.

DP. Your response is ridiculous in many ways, but I will just say that OP doesn't seem to be blaming the masked teachers for causing the delay/disorder but rather for making it harder for the child to improve. My experience with my child who is in a somewhat different situation (different age, different disorder) is that taking off her mask and being around unmasked teachers was really, really helpful in addition to therapy. If left untreated, this disorder would likely get more severe, difficult to treat and be life-altering and/or deadly. That's why when you say folks like OP "care nothing about anyone" I have to wonder, do you care at all about people who face difficulties other than COVID? Or is COVID the only valid concern right now? Because honestly, you sound like the bully here.

The masking group here (and it's usually the same couple of posters) are indeed bullies.

[Anonymous]

OP, you’re not entitled at all. Idk what’s wrong with these liberal loonies. Talk to the district and have your child with a different teacher. I was a teacher myself. It will be harder for your child to fix his speech problems. He is with the teacher for a long time. I’m sure you can get a new teacher. If not, I would take my child to private school.