Inspired Teaching Google Group II - sharing of information

[Anonymous]

I saw a posting on another IT thread, which I thought was very good. It suggested starting another Google Group for parents so that they can discuss any matters, concerns, ideas etc that are imortant to them.
There was great discussion on the current board, but the Administration would prefer to keep that board for particular purposes such as posting events and a forum for the principal to make notifications.
It would be a shame to stop the discourse which has been informative, useful, and a great springboard for advocacy. Anyone else interested in such an idea?

[Anonymous]

I would bring it up at the Parent Meeting on Thursday. Actually if I were the administration, I'd like to know what the parents are concerned with and talking about. They are still figuring things out (shifting on certain positions) so--a week and a half in--they may be more open to parents posting discussions on the current Google Group.

[Anonymous]

continued...

The school can send events and notifications in a mass direct email which--IMO--is a better way to communicate that type of information.

[Anonymous]

Zoe, issues the following statement re: Google Groups,

"please keep in mind that this Google Group is meant for announcements and event organizing. Please be mindful that concerns or complaints are best handled directly with me or with Deborah."

A second group might be a good idea so that people can express themselves and network with one another without fear of condemnation for the school staff.

But, yes, I do agree that the school would be wise to keep a pulse on what is being discussed in the parent community.

[Anonymous]

I "hear" you. But that statement was sent out a week ago. They may now see that it is better to give people an open forum in the Google Groups than potentially have them piss all over the school on DCUM. (Reference Yu Ying)

I know some people don't feel comfortable discussing their opinions or criticisms of a school in front of school officials. I don't have the issue, but I understand it. If the school is true to the 4Is the model is built on, then they should embrace open, honest discussions, and create a free space for parent's to voice their opinions without fear (real or perceived) of retribution.

[Anonymous]

I don't have a dog in this fight but I think you should give IT/Zoe (and other schools, esp first year charters) a break.... they are literally in week 2 and it is difficult to move forward if parents are weighing in on many/a variety of issues. I'm not saying that parents shouldn't have a right to air concerns but I think unless it is a major issue, just give them time to get things going. Even in my kids' established charters, there is a time of introduction/transition. They would need this even more in a first-year charter. Now the teachers/admin don't seem to have the time to figure out things on their own that are not working. You need at the end of the day to trust the admin/teachers that they will do a good job. You may not agree with every decision but they may not either. They may implement something, see that it isn't going as expected, and change the procedure. They are all educational professionals at the end of the day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't have a dog in this fight but I think you should give IT/Zoe (and other schools, esp first year charters) a break.... they are literally in week 2 and it is difficult to move forward if parents are weighing in on many/a variety of issues. I'm not saying that parents shouldn't have a right to air concerns but I think unless it is a major issue, just give them time to get things going. Even in my kids' established charters, there is a time of introduction/transition. They would need this even more in a first-year charter. Now the teachers/admin don't seem to have the time to figure out things on their own that are not working. You need at the end of the day to trust the admin/teachers that they will do a good job. You may not agree with every decision but they may not either. They may implement something, see that it isn't going as expected, and change the procedure. They are all educational professionals at the end of the day.

Agreed, but new schools should be prepared for the fact that parents at a first year charter are going to be a little more nervous and thus, require more communication (if not all out hand holding). At IT, the parents sharing of information on Google Groups was particularly helpful when the administration was unable to quickly respond to each individual query in that first week. Usually there was one parent who knew the answer. So parents were informed and there was one less question the administration had to field. It was a win-win.

I think the concerns over the bathroom and the discussion that ensued took the administration by surprise. However, as it has been said time and time again here, it was a very respectful discussion and there were NO criticisms directed at the administration; just parents seeking to help them solve an issue of concern to a pretty good sized number of families.

The statement that was issued regarding the usage of Google Groups was probably a bit of an over reaction. IMO, if ithat statement made even one parent feel as though they could not speak freely, then it was a misstep on the administration's part-- but not one that can't be corrected.

The parents I have spoken with are very understanding and patient with the minimal amount of hiccups and missteps that have occured. It's a pretty intelligent group, so they get it. The school responded to the concerns and suggestions that I spoke with them directly about (even if the response was in slow motion ) So I know their listening, doing the best they can, and figure things out as they go along.

I think they're doing a great job (my kids are happy) and I really do believe that they will rethink their inital concept of how parents should utilize their Google Groups. I certainly plan to bring it up to them primarily because I don't want to see a bunch of craziness about IT cropping up on DCUM from parents who feel like they can't voice their concerns anywhere else.

[Anonymous]

Please excuse the typos above. Obviously I am in need of a second cup of coffee .