No prize in our Cracker Jacks
UPDATED: April over at It’s All About Balance is hosting a BlogBlast for Education on June 20. I will be all over that. Check over at her place for other bloggers who are joining the fray and think about jumping in too.
Breathe in, breathe out. Whew! Even though it’s just Thursday, I feel like celebrating like it’s 1999 Friday. Today is the last day of school for WK. Whoot!
Sadly, even with the magic piece of paper from his DR, we didn’t end the year on the up note that we had hoped. (For those not in the know ~ check this out ~ we’ll wait)
Hubs scheduled a second mega conference with WK’s teachers and guidance counselor, that less than half of the teachers felt they needed to participate in ~ big surprise. His counselor, I think, was finally coming around and knew we have legitimate complaints. She also knows if they, the teachers, don’t follow through with the measures spelled out, it could be a problem for the school.
We were surprised that even presented with all the paperwork and the forms filled out by his DR, a few of the teachers were still vehemently opposed to working with us. We weren’t asking for any thing any other kid with disabilities wouldn’t get. If WK was epileptic, or dyslexic, there would be no problems. But because his disorders aren’t always visible, he’s just perceived as a slacker or troublemaker.
The worst thing we’ve asked for, the thing that the teachers are fighting the hardest against, are the very things their own school district wants them to do for every student – post grades and homework assignments in a timely manner.
Every student can access their grades online and see where they are missing assignments. If these aren’t updated at least weekly, we can’t find out if WK is turning in assignments or how he’s doing in class until it’s too late to do anything about it. Often he’s done the work, just forgets to turn it in. One of his teachers would consistently be 2-3 weeks behind on grades.
Teachers also have several options for posting work assignments. One tool is a Homework Calendar, an Internet program provided by the School District. Here teachers can publish a month’s worth of homework and classroom assignments online. None of WK’s teachers used this. Two posted assignments on something called School Notes and the other four - nothing.
When we would ask for his weekly homework assignments, we were told they already gave that to the kids in class and didn’t see any reason to go out of their way to give it to us.
Hearing all this grousing from the teachers actually made WK’s guidance counselor mad. I believe she sees our frustrations now and I think she will be a better advocate for him when school starts back in the fall. We really never expected miracles this year. But, we have a lot more ammunition now, and will come back guns blazing in August. We will get help for our kid or there will be hell to pay.
In our school system, the middle school uses a program called TeacherEase which I loved because I could keep up with H’s work. Like you, I got aggravated because the teachers (some, not all) didn’t always update the info in a timely manner (i.e., posting the date for a test the day AFTER the test was given). Her softball coach didn’t update his info for the class he taught for the entire softball season and, according to the computer info, she was failing (even though she’s an A student). When I got on the kid about having the bad grade, all she could tell me was that the coach was busy and didn’t have time. The teachers gripe that parents aren’t more involved and then when you do try to be involved and keep track of their grades, behavior, etc., the teachers tell you they’re “too busy” and to check with the child. What child really wants to come home and say “Guess what, Mom/Dad, I made a D/F on a test?” Get real!
Hope you and fam have a great summer!
[Tara R.] Dina… that’s it exactly. We try to be involved, try to keep ahead of any problems and still some of these teachers fight us every step of the way, almost to the point of sabotaging us. You and yours have a great summer too! Hopefully we’ll get to see each other soon.
We have our own database where parents can log-on to see grades, homework, test results, etc. Teachers are required to update their data base.
I think the issue with your son’s school is a matter of culture that’s built by the leadership. If the leaders in the school don’t effectively enforce the grades update on the database, then teachers will see as the least important thing to do.
We don’t have this problem with our school because teachers come into our system knowing the expectations.
[Tara R.] Chris… there really is no reason for the teachers here to use these tools, since there is no criticism or consequence if they don’t. A lot of WK’s homework issues could have been dealt with much more effectively if we had known what his assignments were. Couldn’t get them from him, and definitely didn’t get them from the teachers on any consistant basis.
I DEFINITELY know what you’re talking about there! We’ve also struggled with teachers and Lauren’s ADHD. It’s pitiful! Some have been fantastic working with us, and some seemed to fight us at every turn, accusing us of misdiagnosing her and one accused us of child abuse. That wasn’t even investigated because it was so ridiculous. Even her pyschiatrist was a disappointment. (all he wanted to do for her was drugs and didn’t seem to mind that she had horrible and dangerous side effects).
We were suggested to get a wrap-around aid so we might look into that next year. This year she had private tutoring that helped. The aides in our school district make sure the assignments are noted and turned in and everything else is in order. I’m seriously considering this.
[Tara R] Sue… if we had the option of such an aid when WK was younger we would have done that. Just having someone at school to make sure those sorts of issues are addressed would have been great. Good luck!
I can’t believe that after all this time you’re still getting a hard time from WK’s teachers. You’d think by now they’d have gotten it.
I really can’t wait to read your Education day post.
[Tara R.] CableGirl… it’s unbelievable to us too. I’ve already started putting together my thoughts for that post. I’m not going to pull any punches.
Methinks you all should move up our way. As a high school teacher, I’m required to post assignments online; also to send regular e-mail grade updates. As a mom with a high school kid in the same district, I receive the same courtesy. It sounds a lot harder than it is, and it’s most helpful in the end. Unfortunately, some so-called “educators” are the ones most adamant about turning to technology for help. BTW, I’m not one of those. Good luck fighting the system!
[Tara R.] Melissa B… thanks. I’m afraid in the end we might have to get professional help to get all these promises fulfilled. WK’s had a few teachers who have been great, but they were few and far between.
I can’t believe they’re fighting against you so hard. I mean, what do they think you’re going to do, with all of this determination you guys have? Give up? Even I know you’re not going to do that, and we’ve never had ONE conference. Keep your chin up, hun, cuz you know WK is feeding off of you, too.
[Tara R] Zoeyj… that’s one reason I can’t let this drop. If we give up, what will that say to WK about how important this is, how important he is. It is really strange. Here they have a set of parents who want to do the right thing, to help their child succeed, and these people offer no cooperation, no real sense of wanting what’s best for one of their students.
I just read your other post about your son. My daughter is 8, in Grade 3, struggles immensely. It was evident in SK. We were lucky because the school was right on board. Now in Grade 3, she has an IEP & for Grade 3 testing had a scribe & a quiet room, etc… She was diagnosed with ADD (no H). I also think she’s mildly dyslexic. Anyway, we tried her on methylphenidate single dose for a few weeks & it helped a bit but took away her appetite (& she only weighs 50 lbs. as it is). Then we tried her on the slow dose (Concerta) & she went crazy. She had stomachaches, anxiety, it was brutal. I kept her on 5 days. Basically, my heart goes out to you. I have some idea what you’re going through. It is frustrating for her (and us) on a daily basis.
[Tara R.] Eve… all those symptoms WK had too, but his drs. think now that those were related to his anxiety/panic disorder or his OCD more than the ADHD meds. He is actually doing better with all that. He hasn’t had a migraine in months or stomach problems. It’s just the school stuff now. I hope SK gets the help she needs too. I totally understand what you all are going through.
I don’t even know what to say… clearly our educational system is failing the people it’s supposed to be protecting.
[Tara R.] Jill… clearly. Thanks for the support.
This makes me sad, but happy. I am sad that WK’s teachers are such assholes. I’m happy that you and Hubby are really letting everyone know how unhappy you are about it, and how you’re not going to take it. I wish you the best of luck next year! WK can DO IT!
[Tara R.] Heather… it is sad, because there has to be dozens more kids like WK who don’t have anyone fighting for them, or trying to get them the help they need. These are all the lost kids in the school system. It is very sad.
Tara, you probably know this, but just in case: The reason they’re fighting you is all about the Benjamins. If they have to get WK special “help,” it also very well could mean it will cost them extra bucks. One of my friends has a special needs daughter. She has several challenges, but the school fought her tooth and nail because it would mean hiring additional staff to meet the kid’s needs. WK, of course, is a different case, but even if they have to have a counselor write an IEP (individualized education plan) for him, they’re going to balk. I know it might cost you big bucks, but there are lawyers out there who specialize in making sure that kids like WK get their needs met by the public schools. Also, you might want to consider filing a “class action” suit against the district, in which several families with similar complaints sue the district as a group. Less expensive, and often yields faster results. One other thought–have you considered going to the local press about this? If you can latch on to a “sympathetic” reporter, one story in a big-sized paper (Pensacola, perhaps?) would work wonders. Schools HATE bad press! I know it just feels like spittin’ in the ocean sometimes, but every little bit of advocacy for your son will help. Let us know how it turns out!
[Tara R.] Melissa… I found out about the $$ when we took WK out of the Gift Program in middle school. The district gets fed funds for each gifted student, but has to pay out for any special needs kids. It is definitely about the Benjamins. One of WK classmates in elementary school was really struggling and his mom couldn’t get the school to test him for special needs. She finally went to great expense to have him privately tested. The boy was autistic… this was fourth grade by now. She was pissed. I am to the point where I want to take drastic measures, Hubs wants to take it to the school board first. The other problem is that the harder we fight, the worse it is for WK in some of his classes, so we have to weigh that into the equation too. It’s just a vicious cycle.
How can teachers ask their students to turn their work in on time when they don’t meet the same standard themselves? Maddening.
[Tara R.] Groovy Mom… they hate it when we bring that point up too. It is very frustrating.
As a high school teacher who deals with kids like yours and parents like you, all I can say is, KICK THEIR DAMN ASSES until they do what is right by your kid.
Sic ‘em cuz. I got your back.
[Tara R.] Mike… I’m really glad to hear you say that. Too bad he does have more teachers like you.
Thanks for pimping the BlogBlast for Education!
Your saga with WK is an unfortunate one that my sister has also experienced to a similar degree. I feel like everyone’s looking for someone else to blame, and even though everyone’s complaints are valid, they don’t ever see the other side of it, which makes it soooo frustrating because I think we should all be working on the SAME side of what’s best for the students. I know, I’m totally delusional like that!
[Tara R.] April… that is all we are asking. Nothing special, nothing outrageous, just work with us so that WK can function at a successful level. When he’s on target, it’s so much easier for the teachers too. You would think that if they could do something as simple as provide written homework assignments it would be a ‘no brainer’ but it’s been like pulling teeth.
rooting for you girl! beany
[Tara R.] Beany… thanks, I’m sure we’ll need the support.
I can see I need to take an evening and read through all your past posts. I didn’t realized our lives were so alike. I know they want me to medicate Hannah. They don’t know I just may pull her and homeschool her if I’m gonna have to be her full-time para anyhow. Who knows.
Good luck. Enjoy your summer, tourists and all. Hope you stay hurricane-free while we watch for tornadoes here.
[Tara R.] Angela… I’ve said before, I wished that I had homeschooled him at the first sign we would get no cooperation from the school system. I hate that we’ve had to resort to medication, but it really has been helpful.