Parent-teacher conference code words

[Anonymous]

So we just had our parent-teacher conference for our pK-er. Repeatedly the teacher said "I have no concerns" (e.g., academically, socially, blah blah). Last year the PS teacher used the same "I have no concerns" phraseology. Is this some rule from on high, to use neutral/PC terms at these meetings? This is the same school, btw, that has banned all celebrations at school of holidays this year and banned celebrating kids' bdays w/treats . . .

[Anonymous]

It may just been that you have a plain vanilla kid.

[Anonymous]

No, there is no rule.

"I have no concerns" is merely a very clear and direct way for the teacher to tell you she has no concerns about your child's progress.

(It also has nothing to do with holiday celebrations and birthday treats, but I'm hoping you already figured that out.)

Pretty simple, really.

[Anonymous]

We are at your same school, and I bet I know which teacher your DC had last year. This is a popular phrase with teachers at our school. It means that your child is meeting expectations, and it is a good thing.

[Anonymous]

You must be talking about Brent. Hate the PC new holiday and treats ban. Really wish they'd do the opposite and celebrate EVERY darn holiday requested by a family (with the caveat that the boosters of said holiday play an active role in organizing the celebration, including in providing the treats). No concerns means that your kid is on track to test proficient one day, vs. compete with the Chinese. Oh great.

[Anonymous]

I am a teacher. I'm not sure why it would be considered PC to say "I have no concerns." I would just take it at face value, OP. The teacher doesn't have any concerns. Isn't this a good thing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You must be talking about Brent. Hate the PC new holiday and treats ban. Really wish they'd do the opposite and celebrate EVERY darn holiday requested by a family (with the caveat that the boosters of said holiday play an active role in organizing the celebration, including in providing the treats). No concerns means that your kid is on track to test proficient one day, vs. compete with the Chinese. Oh great.

LOL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So we just had our parent-teacher conference for our pK-er. Repeatedly the teacher said "I have no concerns" (e.g., academically, socially, blah blah). Last year the PS teacher used the same "I have no concerns" phraseology. Is this some rule from on high, to use neutral/PC terms at these meetings? This is the same school, btw, that has banned all celebrations at school of holidays this year and banned celebrating kids' bdays w/treats . . .

What does the bolded have to do with anything?

[Anonymous]

my oldest kid has been having issues since she was in pre-K (serious in pre-k, k and first grade, when we even thought of having her repeat the grade). has IEP now and doing better this year in 3rd grade.

I went to my second child's conference. she is in pre-k. the teacher kept saying "I have no concern" and that my child was doing well. after 5 years of hearing very different things, "I have no concerns" sounded fantastic.

your kid is just in pre-K, you should be happy you have a child who is doing well

[Anonymous]

Gee, OP, if YOU have concerns, maybe you should raise them?

[Anonymous]

Some of us don't know what's developmentally appropriate or not, so "I have no concerns" is what I want to hear. I see my 3 y.o. son struggle with scissors, or holding the pencil, or hear that he had to sit in the chair for not following directions and never know what the benchmark is supposed to be. So to hear her say, "yes, he has trouble sharing sometimes, but it is perfectly normal at this age," is helpful for us. You can always ask if there's some skill you can be practicing at home.

[Anonymous]

Op: what did you want to hear the teacher say?

[Anonymous]

Can't talk. Sitting in piano lesson phone on silent

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some of us don't know what's developmentally appropriate or not, so "I have no concerns" is what I want to hear. I see my 3 y.o. son struggle with scissors, or holding the pencil, or hear that he had to sit in the chair for not following directions and never know what the benchmark is supposed to be. So to hear her say, "yes, he has trouble sharing sometimes, but it is perfectly normal at this age," is helpful for us. You can always ask if there's some skill you can be practicing at home.

Are you not capable of drawing that conclusion yourself. You really need the teacher to ease your anxiety with saying those words. Take it from someone who didn't hear "I have no concerns" that you should just be happy. I got a lot of "he is very smart and retains EVERYTHING, but still tantrums like a champ."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can't talk. Sitting in piano lesson phone on silent

Oops. Meant to be a text message;