Middle School writing?
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Anonymous
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At open house yesterday, I was shocked to hear a teacher say that "we are not a writing school" when a parent asked about writing. This teacher also went on to say that this particular group of 6th graders (in Advanced Reading and English classes), had atrocious grammar, spelling and punctuation along with generally sloppy work. We just moved to MoCo in 5th grade and I was frustrated that there was no handwriting or spelling curriculum. I knew that it would become an issue in Middle School. When pressed further, this teacher said that when these kids get to high school, they will not have the writing skills needed for the work they will be required to do. She also said that many of the Middle School teachers aren't even trained on HOW to teach writing.
I know that the curriculum is changing -- but by the time it does, it will be too late for this group of students. My question is two-fold: First of all, how can this be -- why is there not strong writing curriculum? Secondly, are there any recommendations for classes/programs, etc that can help students get the writing skills that we know they will need? |
Anonymous
| Wow! She actually said this? She bad-mouthed her own school and fellow middle school teachers? |
Anonymous
I am not surprised though. My DC is in a county magnet program where the English (which is not core magnet subject) class is a mixed advanced level class. The teacher expects the magnet kids to write deeper analysis of the content, but does not teach how to do that since not all kids are ready and are placed in the advanced class. As a result, my DC has to figure this out from internet (love the information available on the internet!). My DC says, the teacher knows English, but does not know how to teach. Unfortunately when it comes to humanities subjects, since the advanced curriculum implementation is dependent on the teacher, you have to depend on luck to get a good education. |
Anonymous
| Sounds like California. |
Anonymous
| I had the same problem with my school. When I asked in a back-to-school night, in 5th grade, if there would be any spelling tests, I was told "they seem to know how to spell". Well, I know my son can not spell, and suspect he is not alone. I've had to teach my son spelling myself. The teachers seem to think that the kids will just use the autocorrect on their computer, but this is slow. Or probably they know that most tests are multiple choice, so who needs to know how to write or spell? (I then moved my kid to private school and can see a vast improvement in his writing and spelling.) |
Anonymous
| OP here. I did not view it as bad-mouthing the school or fellow teachers at all. She was simply stating facts. The curriculum in MoCo does not focus on writing and I'm curious about why this is not a bigger issue. Why are parents accepting this? I am very happy with the school in general, but this is an area that causes me great concern. I have looked into tutoring and will probably go that route, but I don't feel like I should have to. |
Anonymous
Here is a chance to provide feedback. http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/office/framework-feedback.aspx |
Anonymous
| The curriculum doesnt focus on writing? My son is in 2nd grade and The focus seems to be on writing, spelling and handwriting. So at what grade do they stop focusing on a |
Anonymous
| In PG, third grade is the last where they focus on these things. I think they try to teach advanced writing concepts before the kids are ready, and give them no instruction when they are. |