Any teachers out there?

[stacie]

In the 60's, our town was sued resulting in segregation of our schools and busing of the kids. It continues to cause problems in our education system today. We moved to a neighborhood to ensure the best grade school experience. For middle school, we applied for magnet schools which focus on advanced studies. My son's grades and testing support this. Kids are accepted to the schools based on a lottery. I never win anything and this is another instance. We are on waiting lists for the three schools (max allowed). Our neighborhood school is frightening. Seriously. Something like 30% of the kids can read at grade level. Rough group of kids as well. So, through some deception we were able to get our son into another neighborhood school. Certainly not my first choice, but it has a reputation for having a good advanced studies program. Two days before the start of school, the principal announced that they would no longer have standard classes. All kids will attend advanced classes. School just started so I don't know how this can possibly work. My son is attending advanced classes with kids who didn't pass last year. Some haven't passed in several years. This school does not score very well but I was ok with my son going because the advanced program does well. Is there some new teaching idea that I don't understand or is this a losing proposition for my son? If he is not taking advanced courses and we are moved up on the waiting list, I'm afraid he will be far behind. It is possible that he could move up enough by January to attend the magnet. Nothing positive of course.
We could, through further deception, move to a school in the suburbs. The classes may be the same as this sounds like it could be an idea from the superintendant. But, the school does better and has kids with a background more like my son's. It's a hike and will be a commitment to help him attend the extracurricular activities.
My son's friends attend the schools they wanted. They tell him that he is going to get beat up at this school. He hasn't said anything to me but has been "sick". My heart is breaking. He deserves a good education in a good environment and I don't feel like I am providing it.
Maybe there is some grand scheme that I don't understand. One teacher told me that the kids will just be put in groups according to their ability to work together. Is it possible to teach advanced classes in this setting? Or is it as I suspect, there really are no advanced classes?

[mimitabby]

the chaos of our schools, you've described it pretty well.
If your kids want to learn, they'll learn in school or out of it.
My kids went to classes like you are describing. Their grades were good enough to go to college; one even got scholarships. They made friends,
learned about all sorts of cultures... school wasn't a total waste; they had a great orchestra, that's where my sons spent most of their time.

encourage them to read. help them with stuff they aren't "getting" in school
because the chaos level is too high.

Your kids will grow up and mature and learn even in a bad school if YOU
continue to be a vital part of the process.

[rocknrollgirl]

I am a teacher, HS Biology, Advanced Placement and Honors. I can. not imagine teaching an "advanced" class under the conditions you are describing.
Something sounds a bit fishy about this plan.

[stacie]

According to our principal, our super wants all kids taking AP classes in high school. Therefore, everyone must take advanced classes now to prepare for that rigorous workload. If they are struggling, electives are used as intensive learning classes. I"m feeling screwed over. Trying to be positive around the kid until I figure out how to resolve this. s

[Veronica]

No Child Left Behind strikes again. ALL students taking AP classes? That's like all kids being starters on the varsity football team.

V.

[stacie]

Thanks Veronica, I'm filing that quote away for my discussion with the principal.

[Bad JuJu]

According to our principal, our super wants all kids taking AP classes in high school. Therefore, everyone must take advanced classes now to prepare for that rigorous workload.
This is a knuckleheaded idea, but not unusual, judging from my experience with AP exams. I scored AP English exams for a week in June, and I could tell that many of the students were nowhere near prepared to do that level of critical thought and writing. In some cases, the students wrote little notes in their exam booklets, essentially saying they were required to take the test and asking for the graders' mercy since they knew they didn't have a snowball's chance in he*l of passing. It was sad, really.

[mimitabby]

This is a knuckleheaded idea, but not unusual, judging from my experience with AP exams. I scored AP English exams for a week in June, and I could tell that many of the students were nowhere near prepared to do that level of critical thought and writing. In some cases, the students wrote little notes in their exam booklets, essentially saying they were required to take the test and asking for the graders' mercy since they knew they didn't have a snowball's chance in he*l of passing. It was sad, really.

really?!?

[Eden]

I'd say that if you include kids that are not ready in advanced classes one of two things is going to happen. Either the slower kids are going to get so left behind that they won't be getting anything out of the class or the class will get slowed down to the level of the slowest kid, so the higher level kids won't be getting much out of it. I don't know how you could make a winning situation out of it - the teacher won't have time to teach to all the levels...

[mimitabby]

I invite anyone to visit a highschool and enter a class like we are describing.
It is truly chaotic.The teacher is in the front with a resigned expression on his/her face, there are kids doing just about anything in class, in the hall, in the doorway..
The kid that wants to pay attention to the teacher has his/her work cut out.

[Tri Girl]

Don't know what new "philosophy" this seems to be, but sounds a little kooky!
You have to do what's best for your child- but I went to a rough school and came out with a full-ride scholarship and plenty of good learning experiences. Your child will get what they want out of school if it's a priority at home (but I understand that this is a tricky situation).

Warning: rant coming on (skip this if you'd like)
NCLB- HA!!!! What a joke. I teach, and IMO, we're simply striving for mediocrity sometimes. We worry so much about a child's self esteem that we don't place them in the correct classes where they could actually learn the most they can (ex: we can't put poor Johnny in the lower math class where he could actually get remediation, learn the skills he needs and move ahead- we'll put everyone in the "regular" class so we can all learn at the same level). ALL kids in AP classes and advanced studies? Sure- that makes sense- NOT. Guess what? We all need help in certain areas, and that's a reality we have to deal with in life. We worry so much about kids never experiencing failure or disappointment that they never learn to deal with it- and let's face it- disappointment is a fact of life and one we get better with when we deal with it (and I don't mean in elementary school- when they get older, of course).


Sorry for the rant- couldn't resist.

Now- back to planning my lessons so I can teach to the test that the students have to pass in the spring.... :rolleyes:

[Duck on Wheels]

It strikes me that this is also frustrating and insulting to the kids who are slower in academic subjects. It seems to signal that AP classes in academic subjects is all that counts. Does that leave any room to acknowledge them for aspects of life that they do excel in? For that matter, will it allow them to achieve their highest potential in the academic classes as well, even if that potential is not AP level? And if enough kids are frustrated and insulted, that can cause jealousies and troubles. Some may try to reclaim their dignity by trying to lower the status of academic subjects and those who excel at them -- goofing off, disturbing the class, or "dissing" the kids who excel in those academic subjects but maybe not in ... say, home ec or metalshop or dance or sports or ... whatever. And too, even students who do well might be feeling over-pressured. If your son is already feeling sick unusually often, that sounds to me like something is not working well at school. It also sounds to me like you're working on it the best you can. Try to get your son to talk things out with you, then you can maybe tell him to hang in there for now while you find a better solution.

That said, here all kids go to the neighborhood school until HS. Classes are not sorted by achievement levels until you get to middle school and choose electives. Our district is mixed, with an upper middle class and academic neighborhood, some really fancy homes, and an area with lower cost rental homes. Then too, even rich and/or well-educated parents can have kids with learning problems, and even working class parents can have kids who go on to be rocket scientists. So all in all UK Elephant and her brother both were in classes that ranged from super-bright kids like themselves to kids with serious learning disabilities. UK's teacher grades 1-5 wasn't the brightest bulb in the chandelier either, but grades 1-3 even she did a fairly good job of building solidarity in the classroom. And the one girl who barely made passing grades in middle school, went on to feel competent and independent and valued as a cook in a cafeteria here in town. At least, that's what UK reported to me after running into her in town a couple years ago. I guess we're just lucky we didn't have NCLB here back then. There are tendencies in that direction here now, but not yet as bad as Stateside.

[uforgot]

No child left behind is killing us in Missouri too. Our district has declared that every freshman will take Algebra I. Well, guess what? Not EVERY freshman is ready. I teach AP Calculus, and trust me, there is a very small percent of the student body who has the drive (major factor) to take this class. If I had to water it down, it would no longer be AP. The College Board has made it very clear what will be taught in their AP courses, and you now have to submit an audit to be approved by them. If you pass, you may call (and transcript) your class AP. Maybe this is a result of the "watering down" of advanced classes as you described. I suppose the watering down is a result of No child left behind. I guess it would make a student feel good to take a class called calculus, even if they do not have the necessary skills, but what is wrong with being terrific at accounting? Auto body? music? Not every class is right for all students. This is a dis-service to those who could excel at hands-on classes as well as the advanced students, (who may not know a pipe wrench from a screwdriver.)

[rocknrollgirl]

In NJ we are moving toward Alegbra II and Physics for all...crazy.

[uforgot]

In NJ we are moving toward Alegbra II and Physics for all...crazy.

That IS crazy, because they won't really BE Algebra II and Physics. I have two sons, both are dyslexic. I took them to be tested at a local university. They told me that they would never LIKE to read, but they have been trained to cope. My two sons can also take apart and put ANYTHING together. They know how everything (including your computer) in this world works. They struggle in upper level classes because of the reading, but they are the ones you want figuring out how your house should be wired, or setting up your network. I also have excellent students, who are wonderful on paper, definately college bound, and when it comes to putting together a prom, they are lost. They are also the ones who should call in a repair man for their cars and houses. We need diversity like that. Students should be encouraged to pursue the areas in which they excel. Seems like we are trying to make everyone the same. If you excel in academics, then take REAL advanced classes. If you excel in other areas, most schools have technical programs, art and music programs. If all the kids take all of these advanced classes, then what is going to happen to our Fine Arts? That concerns me.

Talking to the principal is probably not going to do any good. He is under pressure from the Super, and the Super has to hear from the State Legislature. (I love that these politicians are telling us what to do in our classrooms.)

I'm through rambling now.

[uforgot]

No, I promise, I'm through rambling, but I just thought of something. Every year I get letters from the local colleges about programs they have for high school students. Why don't you check with any local colleges and see if they offer any institutes, classes, etc for college-bound high school students?

[Tuckervill]

I have to wonder why you live in a neighborhood where the schools are so crappy? I would just move.

Karen

[stacie]

I can't move to where the schools are good. Kids are bussed to these schools from, well, my neighborhood and others. I can move out to the suburbs, but that is not the lifestyle that we love. We love being near downtown where our son can go to museums, and experience so many other things frequently. The good schools are located in the worse neighborhoods. Btw, the neighborhood kids don't go there. They are bussed elsewhere as well.
My son is in middle school so there aren't college programs for him. He's just eleven. I do like that you are giving me ideas and things to think about.
Funny thing just happened...My friend, a 3rd grade teacher just stopped by. She's worried about school this year. Seems we no longer have classes for special needs kids either. They must go to class and stay in class with all kids. I know some of these kids benefit from being with the other children. But, she said all the children who were getting extra attention in smaller specialty classes are in her regular class now. She spends her time helping kids with emotional needs rather than teaching.
Talking this out is making the intention more clear. Schools are judged based on passing scores of the state exam and progress made by failing kids. Kids who are already passing or especially those excelling don't get their needs met. They will continue to pass. Their improvement provides no benefit to the school rating.
Right, talking to the principal isn't going to help. What do I do to help my child have the education he deserves?
He's happy today. The teachers all said he shouldn't expect much homework. Shocking considering he's taking all advanced classes and the amount of progress these failing kids would have to make. Advanced classes without the effort. :confused:

[stacie]

uforgot, thanks. It helps that you confirm my concerns and understand. Everyone, I love my son and want the best for him. Thanks for listening and sharing my concerns. s

[salsabike]

That IS crazy, because they won't really BE Algebra II and Physics. I have two sons, both are dyslexic. I took them to be tested at a local university. They told me that they would never LIKE to read, but they have been trained to cope. My two sons can also take apart and put ANYTHING together. They know how everything (including your computer) in this world works. They struggle in upper level classes because of the reading, but they are the ones you want figuring out how your house should be wired, or setting up your network. I also have excellent students, who are wonderful on paper, definately college bound, and when it comes to putting together a prom, they are lost. They are also the ones who should call in a repair man for their cars and houses. We need diversity like that. Students should be encouraged to pursue the areas in which they excel. Seems like we are trying to make everyone the same. If you excel in academics, then take REAL advanced classes. If you excel in other areas, most schools have technical programs, art and music programs. If all the kids take all of these advanced classes, then what is going to happen to our Fine Arts? That concerns me.

Talking to the principal is probably not going to do any good. He is under pressure from the Super, and the Super has to hear from the State Legislature. (I love that these politicians are telling us what to do in our classrooms.)

I'm through rambling now.

I agree with every word of this (school psych weighing in here).

[uforgot]

If he's only 11, then I have to applaud those teachers who aren't loading him down with homework. Others may disagree, but sometimes you just have to be a kid, and I think at 11, he still needs this. After he's been in school for 7 hours, he needs to be out playing soccer or even "kick the can" with his friends. Even better, I love the fact that you are taking him to museums and other things around there. Gosh, you have no idea how much you are contributing to his education by showing him all that you can. What you are doing makes learning fun, while homework can be a real drag. Although it really depends on the teacher. Four pages of identical division problems is the drag, but a newspaper interview...fun. I certainly wouldn't worry about putting him in any educational "programs" right now unless HE is wanting them. Let him go out and build a fort, collect snakes, or ride a bike. It will actually make him a better learner. Trust me, I like the kids who can explore and think when they get to High School, rather than those who memorize and then "plug and chug".

[lyca]

Even better, I love the fact that you are taking him to museums and other things around there. Gosh, you have no idea how much you are contributing to his education by showing him all that you can.

I second these thoughts! And I'd like to throw in the possibility of getting him involved the in the arts. I'm a musician and I taught instrumental and vocal music in the public schools before heading back to University to work on a doctorate. Kids have so much fun learning to play instruments. Especially if their parents decide to learn with them!! It does all sorts of great things for the brain, too.

Good for you for being an advocate for him and for his education. Keep it up and I'll send positive thoughts your way!

[DirtDiva]

Having classes with a huge range of academic ability isn't the problem - meeting every child's needs, whatever they may be, is simply your job as a teacher. The problem comes when the curriculum doesn't have the inherent flexibility required to meet all those needs and/or you're not getting the support you need from your school to help solve whatever problems are making it most difficult to create and maintain a suitable learning environment in your classroom.

Stacie - taking your son to museums and the like is a fantastic thing to be doing for his education. I taught a lot of children from very disadvantaged backgrounds in London and the thing that worried me most was the number who missed out on even the simplest of childhood experiences (such as visiting the playground) because their parents never took them anywhere. Getting your son involved in extra-curricular activities (if he's not already), be it music, art, drama, sport or whatever takes his interest, would be great as it will teach him much better time management skills than he'll ever learn anywhere else and, of course, help foster interests he will likely hold for the rest of his life. And, for goodness sake, if you're worried about his education and want some more specific ideas about how to help your son get the most out of his classes, talk to your son about what he wants and then TALK TO HIS TEACHERS!

[Crankin]

OK, I'm going to chime in here, because it's almost time for school to start and for the first time in 30 years I am not getting ready to go back. Stacie, I was a middle school language arts teacher and i worked as a special educator for many years before that. That said, I have some pretty strong feelings about what your local schools are trying to do. Middle schools should not have leveled classes for kids, except maybe in math. I feel strongly about this and have worked in 2 places where this really worked. There is no "AP" for middle school! Come on, our kids have enough stress as it is. The problem comes from the fact that it takes a very skilled teacher to meet the needs of all learners in a classroom. This is called differentiated instruction. As a former special educator, what seemed normal to me was not education as usual for a lot of my colleagues. You have to have the ability to diagnose, prepare, and plan different levels of activities for the things you are teaching. You also need a wider range of materials. This was easy in writing and reading, where the kids worked within their own level to begin with. No more 'whole class" novels, except maybe once a year. We did independent reading, along with lit. groups, which varied between being mixed ability or like ability. Writing is just writing. Everyone worked on the same type of writing (i.e. expository essay, creative, poetry), but some kids got more time or had more lessons. The "challenge" level was always offered for major assignments and projects and was required for the academically advanced kids, who btw, did not always want to do it.
So, if your school is moving toward this type of instruction, great. It CAN be done, but it requires hard work and a lot of professional development. I found that the expectations were raised for all of my kids and more than once I had a parent ask me if we were the "gifted" team... no, I just had high expectations for everyone.
Now, I know this doesn't help you in your particular situation. I appreciate the fact that you have chosen to stay in the city. But, as long as our schools are funded by property taxes, not much is going to change. I agree NCLB su***, and I hate the testing aspects of it. But, it has raised the bar in some areas. Keep supplementing your children's education with what you are doing. Let me tell you a personal story. When we moved back to Massachusetts from AZ we could not afford to live in one of the suburbs with really good schools. So we moved to a town that was quite average, more blue collar than white. My kids were very different from the others in terms of life experience and religion (they were almost 8 and 5). We became friends with the teachers and volunteered the best we could with our work schedules. We gave small amounts of $, like 25 or 50 dollars to help buy materials. We also did all of the stuff you are doing with your kids outside of school. They went to summer camp with kids from different towns, who were probably more like them. They also made friends at religious school. In fact, when we moved after 6 years, they didn't want to leave (but we couldn't wait). Both went on to do very well in a super competitive middle school and high school where 95% of the kids go to college.
It is hard for us as a society to face the fact that social class determines what kind of education you are going to get. You might have to send your kids to private school if you are determined on staying in the city. But in reality, all kids should have an "advanced' education.

[stacie]

Robyn, I'm glad you chimed in. You've given me good advice in the past and I respect you. I disagree with you but respect you. I still feel that we are entitled to a basic education. Every kid should be given every opportunity to take the basic courses that he needs to succeed. Kids who excel and do the extra work should have an opportunity to seek out an advanced education. I realize that this is the way our society is headed but I still feel that every kid isn't going to college. My brother is an electrician. He was a lousy student. He's happy doing a trade. I was relieved when he stopped going to college because everyone expected him to go.
I"m not going to convince you just like I'm not going to convince the principal. So, how do I make this a successful for my son. How can I as a parent assist the teachers? Can I volunteer in the class and help in some way? I'm meeting with his team of teachers on Monday. What can I offer that will show this is important to me and I want to be part of the solution.

[Crankin]

Well, I found that by volunteering, the schools in general were more open to any requests we made, whether it be for a specific placement for the next year or a suggestion as to a book or other unit that they were thinking about using. Of course, this was in a small town, not a big city school, so the dynamics might be different. Generally, I think any teacher would appreciate thoughtful volunteering and might be open to anything that you request because they appreciate your effort on their behalf. It's good that you are meeting with the team. Keep an open mind and remember that most teachers are not particularly open to "change." No offense to any other teachers on the board, but this was an issue in many of the places I worked. Not knowing the particular culture of your system, I would say go in with a positive attitude and kill them with kindness. If you are worried about your child's safety, discuss this with the teachers and principal in a calm but realistic manner. Ask what the "plan" is for various situations and if they have a program for social-emotional development that often helps develop a community and stop some of the nasty things that often happen in middle school.
That said, keep looking at alternatives for your son. Are there charter schools? Private schools with scholarships? And please, another personal note, let your son know that you are trying to support him! My older son has a girfriend who was brought up in the city. She was in gifted classes through elementary school, but she failed the entrance exam for Boston Latin School by one point! (it's a public exam-entrance school). Her parents, I guess, really had no idea what this meant for her, or didn't care, so she ended up going to the first year of middle school at a regular Boston Public School. According to her, it was awful, so she got herself into a Quaker school for the rest of middle school and then she got herself a scholarship to a good arts oriented high school (private). From there, she went to a great college, but she is now saddled with debt and really is paying for her parents lack of support, both emotionally and financially. I guess what I'm saying, is that if you can bear some of the burden for private school tuition, it might be worth it in the long run. And yes, I agree that not everyone needs to go to college! But, we have generally dumbed down everything in this country, when we should be raising the bar.
Stuff like this really makes you question everything this country is supposed to stand for.

[uforgot]

Just showing up and meeting them is going to show them that you are interested in your child's education. You would be surprised how many parents don't even appear at parent teacher conferences. Then ask THEM what you can do, not us. They probably have specific ideas, or will think about it. I know I love it when parents become involved!

Meet with the teachers and quit worrying for now. You may be surprised at how positive you feel after meeting with them. Most teachers are there because they love their job, and if they are taking the time to meet with you, chances are they also want what is best for your child. I had several frustrated parents this summer because our schedule was going to make their children choose between band and Alg. I. (small school) They worried all summer, and finally at the end of the summer, they talked to me about it. I had no idea it was a problem, so I told them I would just split my 7th hour and have half of the room be Geometry and half Algebra. Yeah, it's a footrace, and a lot of extra work, but it's working and the kids didn't have to choose. They spent the summer frustrated when they should have just approached ME first.

Take a deep breath, meet with the teachers, and then report back! I hope it turns out for you.

[stacie]

For those still interested, I met with my son's teachers and the 6th grade administrator yesterday. I'd studied up on the practices and felt that I knew what to look for and what to ask. It was obvious they wanted to give me a high level explanation and hope that I would be satisfied. I hope they encourage more thought provoking conversation in the classroom. To be fair, I actually studied up on current teaching techniques, pros and cons and buzz words. I"m guessing that's outside the norm.
My overall impression was that the teachers have been coached on responses but their hearts are not in this. I do believe they want to be successful and have their students do well. The emphasis does seem to be to cover alot of material. What I missed was the indepth study of the material. I would expect advanced classes to include projects to promote better and more thorough understanding of the subjects. There was primarily, read the chapter, answer the questions, quiz, test. Both teachers had previously taught standard, advanced and honors classes. They assured me that the material covered was advanced. When I asked about the more indepth projects they'd had in the past in those classes, it was confirmed that it would be difficult to require these in this class. They would suggest them however. One teacher obviously did not want me anywhere near the class. The other said she was desperate for help and when could I start. I cancelled anything I had for the rest of the day and spent it with her. I wanted to make clear that I wasn't just saying the right things. She gave me work to grade which told me alot about where my son and his class mates were. Again, the work was multiple choice or one word answers. I didn't see anything that required any critical thinking. Just memorization.
A call to the magnet office confirmed that we are not likely to get into the program this year. The liklihood diminishes each year as they have less openings. Therefore, getting into a good high school is not likely. My choices 1. Lie AGAIN, and say I live somewhere that I don't and drive to get him into a good school. The students do well and are from households similar to ours. There are definitely more kids working at the level he is. Classes are overcrowded and we will have to drive further to drop him off and pick him up. There may be social consequences because he is further away than the kids living in this neighborhood. It may be difficult to plan activities with kids whose parents aren't willing to drive.
2. Stay where we are and plan to supplement. He currently is not getting art, so we continue to attend art walk, museums, travel, etc. No pe currently, but that's easily fixed with baseball and just getting outside in the fresh air. I can make sure he is reading books that are intrigueing and interesting and at a level that is beneficial. The book he is currently assigned is very elementary. Extra projects are difficult because school starts at 915 and ends at 415. By the time we get home it's almost dinner time. However, we can set a schedule and do science projects, and supplement the other subjects. It will take some help from his teachers as they don't currently provide information on what they are studying in school. That may change. It's still early. School releases an hour early every other week. We previously used this time for additional art music or pe. We can do some fun experiments instead or look up something he's studying in history. Fun, extra detail work. I'll volunteer weekly in the teacher's class who encourages it and continue to bring home papers to grade. This will help me be aware of what is going on.
3. There is a program that offers home schooling two days a week and private school three days per week. I don't think I could maintain my part time job due to scheduling so the cost would be very expensive. My husband thinks I may strangle our son! I'm not organized, but want the best for my son so I think I'd find a way.
I'm curious, which would you choose? Private school is out. I bargained on magnet schools and lost. I was assured we would get in if I took certain steps which I did.
Beautiful custom made Independent Fabrication Crown Jewel will be collecting dust it seems. :(

[Veronica]

What book is he reading?

I teach 5th grade by the way.

V.

[stacie]

just picked it up in the classroom. Amelia Earhart Courage in the Sky
Mona Kerby

[Crankin]

Stacie, that seems very odd that with this kind of program (i.e. heterogeneous grouping) there are not projects and other tiered level assignments for the kids. This was required at my last school. It is EASY to have the kids read, test, read and do no writing or thinking! I have found that oddly, many teachers who have taught "advanced" level kids in the past tend to want to stick with the mindless multiple choice method and get by on the strength of their good lectures, etc. This is not the way education is today. For G-d's sake, some of my least able writers and readers flourished when they had the chance to do a Power Point presentation for a project.
I'd also be happy to help you with a supplemental reading list.
And yes, I think I would have strangled my kids if i had home schooled them!

[Veronica]

Amelia Earhart - research project! What does he think happened to her? He has to support his hypothesis with some research. You could probably get newspaper articles from the time, other books to read about her. Science could be stuff on engines, flight, weather, human psychology...

Or encourage him to write a "puff piece " about what happened to her...Bermuda Triangle, alien abduction, murdered by her navigator...


V.

[uforgot]

Amelia Earhart - research project! What does he think happened to her? He has to support his hypothesis with some research. You could probably get newspaper articles from the time, other books to read about her. Science could be stuff on engines, flight, weather, human psychology...

Or encourage him to write a "puff piece " about what happened to her...Bermuda Triangle, alien abduction, murdered by her navigator...


V.

Make paper or balsa airplanes! Study Bernoulli's principle. Why do planes fly? What sort of things could have brought her down?

[stacie]

Dear friends, I just want to thank you so much for the support. We attended open house last night. I thought it was important for my husband to see what I was seeing. It was not comforting My son is attending one class which seems interesting. It's called critical thinking. The focus is to get kids reading and talking about books. There is a great deal of discussion and then writing about your ideas in detail. The teacher pleaded with me to help her convince administration that she cannot be successful teaching to 45 kids. There was a general feeling of frustration, even opposition from the teachers.
I'll stop with the self pity. I've cried and worried more than you can imagine. I'm afraid that I'm not up to supplementing his education. I'm fearful. I can't talk to my girlfriend's here about it. They were able to get their children into the better schools. I'm thankful you have allowed my to cry on your shoulder and I will accept you offer to help with finding mind stretching work and books.
We talked at breakfast and decided to stay in this school for the first nine weeks with the agreement that we will do these additional things on our own. This isn't my first choice, but a compromise. I'll need your help.

[maillotpois]

I've been lurking on this thread. The perspectives have been great and I really thank you all for sharing your experiences and your thoughts on this issue.

My daughter started middle school today. I'm actually more worried about the social aspects than the educational. Girls can be SO rough on each other.

My daughter is very bright but she can be lazy. I know that I will need to push her to read extra and do extra projects. I don't think they have "advanced" classes in the 6th grade level here - she only got her teacher/class list a couple of days ago. I'm in wait and see mode....

[stacie]

I received my first ever email from my son last night. It said I love you and played the song You're beautiful.
I feel more peace than I 've felt since this started.

Mail, I spent a week on a field trip with kids this summer. I was surprised at the way girls treated each other. And these were the really nice girls! I would encourage you to read Reviving Ophelia. I wish my mom had read it. I felt more empowered just understanding why I got so screwed up! ;)
Be the strongest woman you can be. That will help her so much. Listen and Talk a lot. Knowing you are there to support her and go to bat for her will give her strength. I hope she has a great first week.

[maillotpois]

A friend made the same book recommendation! I have it - I have to read it.

Our situation is tough socially because we're scraping by in a very affluent community. So we're lucky in that the public schools are well supported by the community and the families. But it's a lot of pressure all around. The girls my daughter hangs out with can have anything they want, etc. Our financial situation is not as rosy. Even if we could afford to give her everything, we wouldn't of course. But we can't and moreover, I work full time, which is also different from most of the other moms. She's a great sport, and I am really making an effort to work at home as much as possible so I am as available as possible. I just know it is going to be tough.

Reading about the email your son wrote made me cry! Yesterday after a very good guitar/piano lesson, DD was marching around the house chanting "I am 11!" over and over - it was so funny, but I wish I could just bottle that self-esteem and positive energy she was feeling at that moment because she'll need it later, I just know.

[Crankin]

Excellent book recommendation. The girl thing is pretty, well, horrible. I looped with my kids for 6th and 7th grade and after 2 years together it was unrelenting. And some of the parents, moms especially, just had no idea that their precious daughters could be so mean. At least I was mean at home, too! I definitely was one of the mean girls, but I don't think anything I did in middle school could even come close to what I witnessed in the last 10 years or so. Probably the worst thing was hearing that one of my former students was beaten up by 3 other kids who were all on my team after they went to the high school.
But, usually it peaks by the beginning of 7th grade and as they get near 8th grade, they become more human...

[stacie]

I disagreed with you Robin when you said heterogeneous classes could work. The more I have researched it and dug into what is happening at my son's school, the more I realize that is not the problem. There is no homework and class assignments are often "draw a picture about the book we're reading." Or write a paragraph and draw a picture about a scientist. Clearly not 6th grade assignments. I haven't seen the type of assignments my son is getting since 3rd grade. I've brought enough attention to this to bring the school board to my son's school and to have the classrooms monitored. The resulting meetings with me were tearful exchanges with administration. I wasn't the one crying. The problems at this school are so deep rooted. Do the teachers really believe they are teaching at the appropriate level? Do they give these assignments because it's easier to grade a picture than an essay? I had the opportunity to look at the county curriculum and I found that very little is being followed. Very little work has been done and what has been done is busy work. This is horrible. We pulled the records from last year and the 6th grade students actually went backwards in their test scores. How long has this been happening? I feel so bad for the new principle. She is new to the school and new to the position. Things are being done to get my son out of this horrible situation, but I'm concerned about the other 900 children at this point. I will talk with the school superintendent again on Tuesday. I have to say they acted quite quickly when I wrote them. Thanks to all of you I was able to be very thorough in explaining what was happening at my son's school. This is utterly shocking and unconscionable. I've heard of teachers like this but I'd never experienced it myself. This team of teachers all have 30 or more years experience individually.
To their credit, several teachers and administrators have thanked me for being the whistle blower. When I asked other parents to fight it with me, they stopped talking with me. They only wanted to complain about it, but when I said we should take action they abandoned me. My son learned something. One person can fight for something and make a difference if they really believe in it. This school is a long way from being on track, but it has started.

[Veronica]

I am amazed that the administrators and teachers at your school have not been pouring over the school's test scores. We spent a LOT of time analyzing scores - too much it seems sometimes. We're all so worried about losing funding if we go down.

Funny story - at least it is to me. :p Our 4th grade did really well in math this year. They also happened to implement a math program that many teachers are resistant to. So of course administrators are saying, "Look what happens when you do what we say." Funny, these kids also had awesome scores as third graders and as second graders. Admin ignores that little detail. They also ignore that the teachers didn't implement the program, exactly as directed. Whatever...

About the drawing, visualizing is a valid technique in reading comprehension. If the staff at your child's school is using Strategies That Work by Stephanie Harvey and Anne Goudvis or Guiding Readers and Writers by Irene C. Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell they have probably elected to start with visualization as the first comprehension strategy they are teaching. It is one of the easier ones to teach.

There are six Comprehension Strategies in these books - making connections, questioning, visualizing, inferring, determining importance and synthesizing.

We usually start with making connections at the elementary level - even in 5th grade. You have new kids who haven't had the strategies instruction before.

V.

[lyca]

Hi, Stacie-

First, I want to say that I think it is great that you are taking such initiative for your son's education and for your son's school. I really hope progress will be made for your son and all those other kids!

Second, I'm just throwing in my support for what Veronica said about visualization and reading comprehension. Last year I had a college professor ask my doctoral seminar to draw a picture representing a concept we had been discussing in class. I thought he was insane, but I did it anyway. I found that it actually solidified some ideas that I hadn't connected before. I also often use pictures in studying for exams. I find that if I can't remember a word, or phrase, or idea, I can call up a picture.

Keep it up and best of luck making changes!! :)

[Triskeliongirl]

I'm curious, which would you choose? Private school is out. I bargained on magnet schools and lost. I was assured we would get in if I took certain steps which I did.
Beautiful custom made Independent Fabrication Crown Jewel will be collecting dust it seems. :(

I find the above statement an interesting statement of your priorities. You say you want a good education for your child, but then you seemed to have chosen to purchase a custom bike for yourself rather than pay for your son to attend a high quality school. You mention working part time, why can't you work full time? I am a mom that chose to work hard, and forgo custom bikes in order to send my kids to high quality private schools. Its not that I don't think that all kids deserve high quality public education, its that I can't fix a broken system as a single person, but I can choose how hard to work, how to spend my money, and how to educate my kids. I know my comments are harsh, and I know I don't know anything about your personal finances, but I just feel very strongly that the most important thing a parent can do for a child is provide a good education.

[Aquila]

I'd like to second what Lyca and Veronica said about drawing and visualizing. As a college English prof, I often have my students do a sketch of a difficult poetic image; the physical act of drawing can help one remember something (as can saying something aloud, reading aloud or silently, hearing something). It also helps us understand how the image is working so that we can discuss it better. It sounds hokey, but I started doing it in classes because it helps me as a reader; it's one of the strategies I use to learn.

[Crankin]

I am glad that you understand, Stacie, what I was trying to explain. The reason that heterogeneous grouping doesn't work a lot is because it is not done the right way. Why? Because it is hard and it takes a lot of work, monitoring, re-teaching, assessing and having tiered levels of assignments and assessments for every concept you teach. I don't want to bad mouth an entire group of people, but the school I last taught at was a lot like you are describing. Fortunately, the administration, over a 10 year period was able to get rid of a lot of the offending teachers. When I was hired, I had 22 years of experience and the other teachers saw me as the devil... I just kept doing what I had been doing and eventually, after about 5 years, I was surrounded by colleagues that were doing things the way i did. High expectations for all does work, but very few schools are willing to make the effort to do this.
It is great that you finally got them to listen. However, you very well may have to work full time to afford private school if things do not work out. I worked the whole time my kids were growing up and they certainly did not suffer.
As for the visualization, yes, it is the first strategy to use for comprehension. But, make sure your son is exposed to all of the strategies as i think Veronica listed. They are taught in order of the amount of inferential reasoning needed.

[Geonz]

... and don't forget that we're a diverse bunch of humans in the world. I, for one, don't visualize.... though just *working* at it helps sometimes. (I think in words. You should see me working on my bike!!! I mean hear me... I *have* to converse with it...)

[stacie]

Yes Robin, I see how heterogeneous classes can work. I still argue that it could never happen with this team of teachers. Now, if he had you for a teacher, we wouldn't be having this conversation.
My only point here is that it's important to know what is going on in our children's classes. If I had listened to the administration, my son is making straight a's in all advanced classes. I am shocked at the speed things are happening at this school and it makes me hopeful for the future. Still, Will my son be there next year? Doubtful.
Triskel, I"m not sure how you took this wild leap that I chose to buy a bike instead of educate my son. I own the bike because I can afford it. My son is not in private school because I wanted him in a magnet school. We toured many schools and based our decision on our experiences. We were assured, incorrectly, that we would be enrolled at our first choice school. The school we are attending was highly recommended by the two teachers I most respect. Had things not changed at the last minute, my situation would be different. Many things happened at the school to put us in this situation. Transferring to a private school is not an option because the best schools are full this time of year especially for 6th grade. Sure there are openings at other schools. However, I don't believe they are better than the options I presented. Private does not necessarily mean better.
Will I plan differently next year? You bet. We'll apply for the magnet again because we really like the programs offered there. You can bet I"ll have a deposit down at an appropriate private school as well.
The interest in whether I work full time, part time or at all is just strange. Whether I work at all is irrelevant and has no effect on where my son goes to school unless I choose the homeschooling option which is why I mentioned my part time job I believe. Your smugness that because you choose to work makes you a better mother, harder worker, and more organized in your personal finances, make me laugh. Thanks for the levity. :) Stacie

[Crankin]

Stacie, I think that Triskel. was just wondering why you chose the public schools over private, and given the other stuff you mentioned, I can see how she wanted to ak you those questions. Sometimes, it's hard to interpret exactly what someone means in writing as opposed to having a face to face conversation. Personally, I kept my kids in public school when they were getting a boring, rote education because I preferred to help the public schools sort of in the way you are doing. I also thought it would be hypocritical for me as a public school teacher to send them to private school. When I wrote a letter to the local paper many many years ago, in favor of passing an override to fund the school budget I said something like "I would work 5 part time jobs to pay the extra taxes, to ensure my kids get a good education." Man, I got slammed both in print and on my answering machine. My older son still has the tape that says "Why don't you rich, liberal snobs get the hell out of town..." That was very nice for a 9 year old to hear.
I have had 25 years of the mommy wars. Please, let's not start this here! I could have never stayed home, but I know most people do not feel like I do.
I hear this cultural divide is now extending to whether you dye your hair or keep it gray. Well, not to get off the topic of education, but you will never see me with gray hair!

[lizbids]

I'm a new high-school English teacher. I accepted a position in an inner-city school in New York. I have heard the worst stories you could possibly imagine regarding our schools. They're terrible. Teachers are so tormented they give up. Most students only attend school to keep their parents on government assistance. They curse you out, attack you, etc. I've heard of girls getting raped in the stairwells. Literal socio- and psychopaths attend the public schools around here. Some of these kids will knock you over the head to steal a $5 bill from you. I have a master's degree but find the rents in NYC to be so high I can't even afford to live alone in a semi-decent neighborhood. So why do I teach here?

The good news is not all public schools are like this. We try to challenge our kids. The school I chose to work in has no metal detectors. All of the problems I have listed above are not present in my school. Are the kids angry? Disadvantaged? In gangs? Hurt? Lazy? Violent? Yeah. We're not perfect. But we don't have fights. Teachers are called by their first names, and students are generally happy to be here, probably because they don't have to live in fear that someone will knock them out for no reason. Many still fail out or discharge themselves, but I have seen a few shining stars move on to higher education.

Our public schools are more and more designed to look like prisons. These kids have no impulse control, mental disorderst, etc. and they just bump them through the system. You're lucky if you can get a parent on the phone, especially one that understands English. I think it's a shame that we have to put our tax dollars towards a school system that sets our kids up for failure. It really is a shame. Every day I thank God I was able to attend a Catholic prep school, which I believe is the reason I excelled in college (or even got in!) My parents were never around, so I had to rely on the school itself to be good.

Staci, these are not stories to scare; they're just reality. I think that your child can find his way, because there are public schools that exist that are good. So what if you have to drive an extra 1/2 hour (unless it interferes with work)! I wish all of my students parents cared enough about their child's future. I would say to keep supplementing with outside actitivies. I'm sure it will be difficult socially for your son, who probably won't fit in, but as long as he has places of warmth and love, then things will eventually work themselves out. Camp is a good idea. Enrichment schools and summer programs are a great idea. Good luck, and keep us in the loop as things progress.