How to DELICATELY address some potential issues with teacher in the upcoming school year?
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Anonymous
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Ok so my kid is in a mediocre rated school (4-5) which is also title 1. I mention this to say that u fortunately many parents don't care/are not involved in their kids education, but there is a smallish group of parents who do and potentially could be drivers of change.
So far I saw no big issues (granted,it was only K). However, his teacher was young and she started going through some personal issues mid year and started slacking a lot- kids were shown tons of Disney movies (as opposed to educational videos on the as needed basis), allowed non educational games on classroom tablets for their "free choice time" and such. She also brought tons of sweets in class for no apparent reason (no occasion). Now that I am aware that this may even be an issue in public school, how do I delicately broach the subject with my son's 1st grade teacher? I do not want to offend her and do not want to look like "that mom", but would like to let her know that I am strongly in favor of capping screen time and sweets in classroom. So far I was thinking of asking about her stance on these issues and then go from there. I am also willing to volunteer in class - this is to say that I don't intend to be a PITA but am willing to work with the teacher to ensure my kid gets the best education possible. So, how do I convey the message that I will be watching closely without appearing a PITA? Thanks. |
Anonymous
| Uh, you don't. Let her be the teacher. You be the parent to your child, not the classroom spy/rule maker. Goodness, let the school year start before you get on the teacher's case. |
Anonymous
| Don't address "potential" issues. If something comes up you can address it in real time. |
Anonymous
| Don't say anything until it is a problem in 1st grade. I doubt it will be. |
Anonymous
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I would be annoyed with the stuff you have mentioned as well OP. My kid is not gonna be in school to watch Disney movies unless there is some special occasion.
Andy giving out Candy for no reason would irk me as well when were all trying to get our kids to be healthy. |
Anonymous
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I totally agree with you, OP.
However I would ask for a meeting with the principal, and ask there. It's better to start at the top, to ensure that ALL teachers go by the same rule. Many non-title 1 elementary schools have teachers which give out candy and show non-educational movies. I don't think a lot of Americans really understand how incredible this is. I've lived in western Europe and Japan, and this does not happen in schools - teachers values themselves and their job more, and the curriculum is more ambitious anyway, so they really wouldn't have time. At our Bethesda elementary, we have gone from K through 5th and haven't seen an unconscionable amount of candy distribution or movie-watching. So I think it must depend on the principal and his or her authority on the teachers. This goes for academic standards, as well, OP. The principal hires the teachers. |
Anonymous
| PP again - you can also be part of the PTA board, and wield influence there. |
Anonymous
| I don't like the behavior you described, OP--but I agree with the PPs who told you to wait and see. Do not be THAT parent who creates a problem when there is none. I taught school, and I would have been insulted if a parent had assumed that I would be following that pattern. FWIW, I taught in Title I and non-Title I schools. You get all kinds of teachers in both schools. There are seriously professional and dedicated teachers in all schools--and, there is usually one who is not as good. I'm sorry your child had someone who --from what you say--had issues. |
Anonymous
| If you didn't bring it up with the K teacher, why in the world would you say anything to the 1st grade teacher who hasn't done anything yet? That is weird. |
Anonymous
This. I would be offended if I was the first grade teacher and you talked to me about the failings of a previous teacher. It assumes I will do the same thing. |
Anonymous
+2 And I would NOT want you volunteering in my classroom. |
Anonymous
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I think if you start with the teacher, then you will be getting off on a bad foot.
You should either wait and see or talk to the principal about your concerns and what the policies are. If you don't like the answers you get from the leadership, then you should find a school you like better. |
Anonymous
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Spend the time supplementing with your kid at home. You cannot go in and assume the teacher will be the same. You could get a great teacher and you saying something could offend her and harm your relationship.
Why didn't you volunteer last year? I am assuming the teacher was overwhelmed with a large class and was on survival mode. I don't think the games and tv time were ok, but we were at a small private who had the kids just quietly play with toys on the floor a lot. That got just as old, quickly, especially when we were paying for more. The teacher probably downloaded free games. Many of the academic ones cost money. Maybe give an iTunes gift card so they can buy more appropriate apps? You are not going to change the school but work around the issues instead. |
Anonymous
| What has the Principal said when you brought this to his attention? |
Anonymous
| I wouldn't bring it up unless there are problems. If I really felt the need to say something I would bring it up at the first parent teacher conference. "Things seem to be going great so far this year. Last year we had some concerns about too many non-educational movies and treats (etc). Are there school guidelines about that or is it up to the teacher?" The teacher's reaction could hopefully give you some insight as to whether you will find the same problem this year. |