Public school personnel seem to be getting crazier

[koshergrl]

Regarding the ridiculous "no tolerance" stance that leads to boys and girls in kindergarten being reported as "terroristic threats" based on bubble gum and pop tart guns:

"Our justification for putting massive amounts of taxpayer money into public schools is that they're supposed to teach critical thinking. But stories like these -- and they're legion -- suggest that the very people who are supposed to be teaching our kids how to think are largely incapable of critical thought themselves."

"When schools and teachers react hysterically to such non-threats, they're telling us one of two things: Either that they lack the ability to respond realistically to events or that they recognize that there's not any sort of threat, but deliberately overreact in order to stigmatize even the idea of guns. The first is educational malpractice; the second is educational malpractice mixed with abuse of power. Neither inspires confidence in the educational system in which they appear."

Public school insanity: Column

 

[koshergrl]

Meanwhile, in Maryland, they are busy limiting parental visits, hugs, and visits from siblings (parents must leave other children behind if they come to see their kids...)

"The new guidelines limit lunchtime and recess visits, ban handing out birthday invitations at school and prohibit visits during the school day by younger siblings.
.....“Parents should not approach teachers for a conference while visiting, according to the rules. Those meetings should be scheduled ahead of time.

"Siblings of students are not allowed to visit the school with the parent during the school day. It was unclear this week if exceptions would be made for student performances where parents and others are invited.

"All visitors must sign in and out on a computer in a school’s front office, where they will have their picture captured by a computer camera."

Maryland School Bans Hugging: St. Mary's County Public Elementary Schools Ban Hugs, Birthday Party Invitations And Homemade Food

 

[koshergrl]

I especially like the rule that you can't ask a teacher about a conference while visiting, that it has to be done ahead of time. Essentially they're saying if you come to see your child at school, you may not approach the teacher about his performance.

Insane.

 

[Annika55]

I especially like the rule that you can't ask a teacher about a conference while visiting, that it has to be done ahead of time. Essentially they're saying if you come to see your child at school, you may not approach the teacher about his performance.

Insane.

When meeting with a teacher, most parents would like specific information; for example, quiz and test grades, standardized test scores, explanations for grades on classwork and assignments, and comments about work habits, behavior and participation, as well as suggestions for improvement. Teachers need the opportunity to gather the materials and consider what would be most useful to share with parents. Why would someone think it would be acceptable for a parent to ask a teacher to provide meaningful information during a classroom visit without prior notice! Who would supervise the class while the teacher engaged in a "private" conference with a parent. It would not be appropriate to discuss a students when other students or parents are present. Of course, parents need to schedule a conference at an appropriate time.

 

[koshergrl]

Uh huh.

Yeah, it's crazy to ask a teacher specific questions about your child when you're actually in the classroom.

 

[Annika55]

Uh huh.

Yeah, it's crazy to ask a teacher specific questions about your child when you're actually in the classroom.

Your article refers to "conferences" and "meetings."
Many times questions about performance evolve into longer conversations. The teacher's priority during the school day is her class of students. One parent's discussion with a teacher could lead to several parents who also want personal time. Administators would be right to criticize a teacher for neglecting students were she to spent designated student time in private conversations with parents. For the reasons I have provided, it makes sense tor parents to schedule a conference time when they'd like meaningful, specific information about their children. Pre-arranged meetings where parents and teachers are prepared for a conversation would be most beneficial for all interested parties.

 

[koshergrl]

Actually, my article says that parents aren't allowed to "approach teachers while they're visiting."

We're told that we need to be more pro-active and involved in our kids' schools...but then when we do THAT the teachers squawk and scream and say we can only be involved at certain times, in certain ways, under particular conditions.

It's crazy.