Student evaluation for teacher assignment next year

[Anonymous]

MCPS sent home a short form asking us to evaluate our DS strengths and areas for improvement as a way to assist with teacher assignment next academic year. Have others done this? How valuable was it? As I fill it out I wonder whether or not by doing this am I going to label my DS in some manner that will hurt him rather than help him? It seems so straight forward on the other hand I can see how certain things I might mention as areas for improvement could have teacher's thinking he's a handful. I'm curious to hear what experienced parents think about this.

[Anonymous]

I wish my school did that. My son had a disaster of a year this year and it was all because of the teacher. I'm requesting a meeting with the principal before they assign teachers next year.

[Anonymous]

We do it, and I appreciate the opportunity. E.g. I know my child wouldn't thrive with too much structure--he needs a little flexibility from the teacher, so that's the sort of thing I'd put down. Other kids, on the other hand, do best in a more controlled environment. I don't worry too much about labeling, either. I want the school to understand my kids, whether I like every one of their qualities or not!

This is also a good chance to reflect on their current teachers and evaluate what worked and what didn't work this year, then put into writing what you want for your child.

[Anonymous]

My school sends them out..but I always feel like they are just pretending parents have input in the process. It has more to do with which level reading or math he or she needs..how they break up the kids in terms of special needs etc. My kids ES is huge. I doubt they analyze every kid.. Certain kids yes but not all regardless of what the parents write.

[Anonymous]

In our MoCo ES, comments from parents are definitely considered when making classroom assignments. Many kids will thrive regardless of the teacher to whom they are assigned. If you have one of those kids, maybe it's not worth the effort to complete the student evaluation. But, if you have a child like mine, who has really struggled in the classroom environment and for whom having a teacher with the right kind of skills and personality make a difference, your input can make the difference in the success of your child.

[Anonymous]

We've filled them out each year and I was told during this past year that the school really does read the comments and try to match learning needs with teaching styles, in addition to academic groupings. We've been very happy with all the teachers we've had and are relieved we didn't get certain others.

I agree with 12:22; I'd worry less about any potential labels and try to pass along information that may help the school assign your child the best teacher(s) for his needs. You could always follow up with a visit to the principal if you're concerned how some of your answers may be interpreted.

[Anonymous]

Just FYI, those letters are not kept in the student's permanent file. I would also share a revised, edited version of the letter with the student's teacher at the beginning of the year. The receiving teacher may not have seen it.

[Anonymous]

Write it in a way that focuses on fit and your desires for the classroom context.

[Anonymous]

Last year our school's form had a question on the math strength of the student. It said they'd use it in math placement of the student. This year, that question disappeared. Any idea why ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Last year our school's form had a question on the math strength of the student. It said they'd use it in math placement of the student. This year, that question disappeared. Any idea why ?

Perhaps the math assessments give them the necessary information. If you have something specific to add about your child's math needs, I'd just put it in another section.

[Anonymous]

They are also restructuring how math is taught so perhaps rather than pulling out kids that place in above grade level they will be doing it in classrooms instead. Or perhaps kids need to be assessed at the start of the school year.

[Anonymous]

I filled it out and said we wanted a little bit of structure (which was true) and got a teacher who allowed 1st graders zero chatter during the day. Oh well.

[Anonymous]

I hated our teacher so much this year when I am sending it back I'm putting it in an envelope. I basically wrote down everything this teacher wasn't.