Seeking Phonics, Singapore Math, and Recess

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"The Singapore Math manuals were another problem: they provided very little guidance on how to teach a particular lesson—because they are written for teachers who, for the most part, have a deeper understanding of mathematics than most U.S. teachers do."


Exactly. Here in the US we have "professional educators", not mathematicians. How are you supposed to get a child where he/she needs to go when you haven't even been there yourself?

For anybody familiar with Singapore Math, the idea that educators can't understand it is much more disturbing than the ridiculous curricula that schools in our area embrace. If the teachers are that stunned, the problem is the teachers.

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[Anonymous]

OP you are asking for best practices in a warm environment.
I am not sure why we don't have schools in the area that can deliver that, but I have my theory.
I think that the parents have not demanded it because that is not the main reason they send their kids to private school.
Also, they have not demanded it because they are not aware (ignorant) of the research.
The schools have not offered it because change means work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"IMHO, you might consider whether there are professional educators at some of these schools who know more than you do about which programs are best."

Yes, don't try and hurt your pretty little brain figuring out tricky things like how to educate your own child.

Um, home schoolers have quite a bit of success.
The sad thing is that this is not rocket science or brain surgery, it can be done at the kitchen table.

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[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That sounds like our school... Homeschool!

word.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"IMHO, you might consider whether there are professional educators at some of these schools who know more than you do about which programs are best."

Yes, don't try and hurt your pretty little brain figuring out tricky things like how to educate your own child.

Um, home schoolers have quite a bit of success.
The sad thing is that this is not rocket science or brain surgery, it can be done at the kitchen table.

Define success. As a college professor, the few homeschooled kids I've had stuck out like ore thumbs. They received good grades (not the best grades, good ones), but were socially awkward. A successful child, IMO, is well-rounded.

[Anonymous]

You can't really judge all homeschool kids by the few you've seen. More than a few of my college professors would have been miserable failures in the real world. You know, the ole "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach" thing, but I'm sure you're nothing like those professors. Do you, perhaps, teach Logic?

[Anonymous]

OP, you sound awfully rigid and like PITA who will drive a school crazy. Do you think they want a parent coming in who feels she knows everything about "best practices" for all children. My DC went to a private school where it was clear by the conversations I had with the head of the school and teachers that they were well aware of research but I would never suggest I knew better. And I would never suggest that there is one way to teach all children effectively. I have one DC who taught himself how to read at a young age, and clearly not by phonics. My other DC learned through phonics. One child does better with more methodical, scaffolded learning methods while the other does better with abstractions and a more theoretical approach. We have a huge variety of private schools in this area. What is best for one child may not be best for another.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, you sound awfully rigid and like PITA who will drive a school crazy. Do you think they want a parent coming in who feels she knows everything about "best practices" for all children. My DC went to a private school where it was clear by the conversations I had with the head of the school and teachers that they were well aware of research but I would never suggest I knew better. And I would never suggest that there is one way to teach all children effectively. I have one DC who taught himself how to read at a young age, and clearly not by phonics. My other DC learned through phonics. One child does better with more methodical, scaffolded learning methods while the other does better with abstractions and a more theoretical approach. We have a huge variety of private schools in this area. What is best for one child may not be best for another.

Did you really need to infalme this with the term PITA?
Anyway, I agree with OP.
It is not unprecedented that lay people come into an industry and suggest or make good changes.

[Anonymous]

sorry, I meant inflame

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"IMHO, you might consider whether there are professional educators at some of these schools who know more than you do about which programs are best."

Yes, don't try and hurt your pretty little brain figuring out tricky things like how to educate your own child.

Um, home schoolers have quite a bit of success.
The sad thing is that this is not rocket science or brain surgery, it can be done at the kitchen table.

Define success. As a college professor, the few homeschooled kids I've had stuck out like ore thumbs. They received good grades (not the best grades, good ones), but were socially awkward. A successful child, IMO, is well-rounded.

I am a fan of homeschooling in certain cases and the outcomes are great for K-3, but after that, the outcomes depend on the educational level of the parents. Also, it can be a challenge in HS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, you sound awfully rigid and like PITA who will drive a school crazy. Do you think they want a parent coming in who feels she knows everything about "best practices" for all children. My DC went to a private school where it was clear by the conversations I had with the head of the school and teachers that they were well aware of research but I would never suggest I knew better. And I would never suggest that there is one way to teach all children effectively. I have one DC who taught himself how to read at a young age, and clearly not by phonics. My other DC learned through phonics. One child does better with more methodical, scaffolded learning methods while the other does better with abstractions and a more theoretical approach. We have a huge variety of private schools in this area. What is best for one child may not be best for another.

Did you really need to infalme this with the term PITA?
Anyway, I agree with OP.
It is not unprecedented that lay people come into an industry and suggest or make good changes.

Industry? Thats the problem right there. You can justify it all you want but no school is going to want such parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, you sound awfully rigid and like PITA who will drive a school crazy. Do you think they want a parent coming in who feels she knows everything about "best practices" for all children. My DC went to a private school where it was clear by the conversations I had with the head of the school and teachers that they were well aware of research but I would never suggest I knew better. And I would never suggest that there is one way to teach all children effectively. I have one DC who taught himself how to read at a young age, and clearly not by phonics. My other DC learned through phonics. One child does better with more methodical, scaffolded learning methods while the other does better with abstractions and a more theoretical approach. We have a huge variety of private schools in this area. What is best for one child may not be best for another.

Did you really need to infalme this with the term PITA?
Anyway, I agree with OP.
It is not unprecedented that lay people come into an industry and suggest or make good changes.

Industry? Thats the problem right there. You can justify it all you want but no school is going to want such parents.

I agree that they don't want them, but they have no choice. They take our money, then they must listen. Even in public schools, parents are empowered. Some radical changes have taken place in other states because of parent action, like lawsuits.

[Anonymous]

I know some parents like to read a few articles and think they know best what schools should do. But it is actually a little more complex that you seem to think. The people designing these curricula and planning how they are used have years of experience, and are not mere dilettantes.

There's no reason not to research and question the professionals. But don't be so quick to dismiss their greater knowledge and skills.

[Anonymous]

But these professionals know nothing about my child or any other child that will be in their schools in the future as they make their choices. They are not choosing what's best for any particular child's learning style. They are choosing using whatever the latest educational buzz is hyping. They are choosing based on sales and slick presentations. They are choosing based on cost to their program. They are choosing based on what program will help their children pass standardized tests, regardless of actual learning taking place. They are aiming for the lower-middle range of the class, hoping not to leave anyone behind while keeping the faster kids somewhat entertained. Why would I waste my child's time and my money sending them somewhere like that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But these professionals know nothing about my child or any other child that will be in their schools in the future as they make their choices. They are not choosing what's best for any particular child's learning style. They are choosing using whatever the latest educational buzz is hyping. They are choosing based on sales and slick presentations. They are choosing based on cost to their program. They are choosing based on what program will help their children pass standardized tests, regardless of actual learning taking place. They are aiming for the lower-middle range of the class, hoping not to leave anyone behind while keeping the faster kids somewhat entertained. Why would I waste my child's time and my money sending them somewhere like that?

What a massive, massive overgeneralization. This certainly doesn't describe the various private schools where I've sent my children. I don't think you have to worry. I don't see any private school welcoming you unless they need to fill slots. The "I pay for this, I get to dictate what you do" doesn't go over to well. And frankly, I wouldn't want to send my children somewhere where parents like you came in with that attitude. I've seen what happens to schools when certain parents try to control things. The schools fair very poorly. The best schools are run by professionals who know what they are doing and keep buttinski parents at arms length.

Good luck out there. I'm glad my children are older so I don't have to worry about your child showing up in their classes.