Re: Attention Seeking Behaviors AND Classroom Inclusion

[Guest guest]

I'm frankly amazed that 8 year old children are expected to sit thro lectures

and have to take notes at all, heck I

have problems as an adult doing that! Is all elementary teaching like this in

the states? I can't imagine the

reaction of tims class mates if they were suddenly taught like this. This style

of teaching doesn't become common

before high school (age 11 here) and even then there is more hands on and

project type work than straight sit and

listen stuff. Even Ben at 14 has more interactive teaching than this. Maybe

you need to change the education

system?!!!

Not much help I know, but I am still gob smacked at the thought of tim and his

peers sitting thro a lecture and

learning anything!

sue wong

> >>So, she is reporting to me that doesn't do well in the regular

> >>classroom. He can't keep up with the curriculum, sit through lectures, take

> >>notes, etc.

>

[Guest guest]

I'm frankly amazed that 8 year old children are expected to sit thro lectures

and have to take notes at all, heck I

have problems as an adult doing that! Is all elementary teaching like this in

the states? I can't imagine the

reaction of tims class mates if they were suddenly taught like this. This style

of teaching doesn't become common

before high school (age 11 here) and even then there is more hands on and

project type work than straight sit and

listen stuff. Even Ben at 14 has more interactive teaching than this. Maybe

you need to change the education

system?!!!

Not much help I know, but I am still gob smacked at the thought of tim and his

peers sitting thro a lecture and

learning anything!

sue wong

> >>So, she is reporting to me that doesn't do well in the regular

> >>classroom. He can't keep up with the curriculum, sit through lectures, take

> >>notes, etc.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi - I'm going to respond to a few things in both of your e-mails

together.....

>> has had alot of attention since birth from family and professionals.

>>He's had OT, ST, PT a teacher and for the past few years, a Sped teacher and

>>aide (or two).  He gets upset while in resource when his sped teacher helps

>>another child.  He's been striking out.  This was one of my fears with him.

>>Does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with this? 

jd;daghrashg;aJimmy has also had LOTS of adults " hovering " over him since he

was a baby.....he had lots of medical problems from birth to 3, and had

private nursing during most of that time. He also craves adult attention and

has had lots of behavior problems related to trying to get attention. The

way that we dealt with this was to give lots of positive input for doing

independent work. We would ask him to do a part of a very easy worksheet

that we KNOW he can do independently by himself, then praise the heck out of

him for " being a big boy and doing work all by himself " . Another suggestion

is to give him something to DO when the resource room teacher has to work

with another student.....I don't think it's a really reasonable expectation

for him to just sit and wait, doing nothing for long periods of time

(whatever " long " is for him) while she works with another student.

In addition, Jimmy also had sensory integration/balance issues that would

cause him to push and hit other kids that invaded his space (someone else

mentioned this already). You may want to get a SI eval to see if some

therapy might help him in these areas. It helped Jimmy a LOT.

>>So, she is reporting to me that doesn't do well in the regular

>>classroom.  He can't keep up with the curriculum, sit through lectures, take

>>notes, etc.  I asked about adaptations and she is trying to modify the work

>>for him.  But I feel there is more that can be done....like the regular

>>teacher changing her teaching style a bit and be more creative with her

>>lessons so can be included (and to reach other students with

>>different learning styles). 

In my opinion, it's not really reasonable to ask a teacher to totally change

her teaching style to accomodate your son. The school administration should

have considered her style BEFORE they put him in her class. Now that he's

there, I think you're probably going to have to make the best of a less than

optimal situation. I think that SOME suggestions as to changes.......ie,

specific recommendations about things she can do to draw your son

in........are appropriate, but it's not reasonable to expect that she can

change her entire teaching style.

All the stuff about not sitting through lectures, taking notes, keeping up

with curriculum are MODIFICATION issues. He shouldn't be expected to do what

the other kids do if it's beyond his capability. Does he have a 1:1 aide?

(I think you said he does?) The aide should be working 1:1 with him during

long lectures and non-hands on lessons......to keep him engaged and learning.

>Now, realistically, does not tolerate large classrooms.  He started

>at this school when it was small and the enrollment has tripled if not

>quadrupled in the past 2 years.  I think would do much better in a

>regular classroom that had less kids (the noise level, chaos, etc.) and a

>teacher who welcomed him. 

Again, things like class size and teacher selection are things that should be

well thought through BEFORE the start of the school year. If you're choosing

inclusion, though, you have to accept the general class size of the school.

I don't think it's reasonable to say " I want my kid included, but he'd really

do best in a class of about 15 kids " when the " normal " class size is 25. If

he really can't function in a larger class, and you push the district on it,

they will probably take that as an indication that he needs a more

restrictive setting. On the positive side, though, I think if you deal with

the curriculum/modification issues, the class size will be much less of a

factor. If he is engaged and enjoying the learning process, it won't matter

as much how many kids are in the room. If it were me, I'd concentrate on

that problem.....the rest will hopefully fall into place if it's addressed.

GOOD LUCK!

[Guest guest]

Hi - I'm going to respond to a few things in both of your e-mails

together.....

>> has had alot of attention since birth from family and professionals.

>>He's had OT, ST, PT a teacher and for the past few years, a Sped teacher and

>>aide (or two).  He gets upset while in resource when his sped teacher helps

>>another child.  He's been striking out.  This was one of my fears with him.

>>Does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with this? 

jd;daghrashg;aJimmy has also had LOTS of adults " hovering " over him since he

was a baby.....he had lots of medical problems from birth to 3, and had

private nursing during most of that time. He also craves adult attention and

has had lots of behavior problems related to trying to get attention. The

way that we dealt with this was to give lots of positive input for doing

independent work. We would ask him to do a part of a very easy worksheet

that we KNOW he can do independently by himself, then praise the heck out of

him for " being a big boy and doing work all by himself " . Another suggestion

is to give him something to DO when the resource room teacher has to work

with another student.....I don't think it's a really reasonable expectation

for him to just sit and wait, doing nothing for long periods of time

(whatever " long " is for him) while she works with another student.

In addition, Jimmy also had sensory integration/balance issues that would

cause him to push and hit other kids that invaded his space (someone else

mentioned this already). You may want to get a SI eval to see if some

therapy might help him in these areas. It helped Jimmy a LOT.

>>So, she is reporting to me that doesn't do well in the regular

>>classroom.  He can't keep up with the curriculum, sit through lectures, take

>>notes, etc.  I asked about adaptations and she is trying to modify the work

>>for him.  But I feel there is more that can be done....like the regular

>>teacher changing her teaching style a bit and be more creative with her

>>lessons so can be included (and to reach other students with

>>different learning styles). 

In my opinion, it's not really reasonable to ask a teacher to totally change

her teaching style to accomodate your son. The school administration should

have considered her style BEFORE they put him in her class. Now that he's

there, I think you're probably going to have to make the best of a less than

optimal situation. I think that SOME suggestions as to changes.......ie,

specific recommendations about things she can do to draw your son

in........are appropriate, but it's not reasonable to expect that she can

change her entire teaching style.

All the stuff about not sitting through lectures, taking notes, keeping up

with curriculum are MODIFICATION issues. He shouldn't be expected to do what

the other kids do if it's beyond his capability. Does he have a 1:1 aide?

(I think you said he does?) The aide should be working 1:1 with him during

long lectures and non-hands on lessons......to keep him engaged and learning.

>Now, realistically, does not tolerate large classrooms.  He started

>at this school when it was small and the enrollment has tripled if not

>quadrupled in the past 2 years.  I think would do much better in a

>regular classroom that had less kids (the noise level, chaos, etc.) and a

>teacher who welcomed him. 

Again, things like class size and teacher selection are things that should be

well thought through BEFORE the start of the school year. If you're choosing

inclusion, though, you have to accept the general class size of the school.

I don't think it's reasonable to say " I want my kid included, but he'd really

do best in a class of about 15 kids " when the " normal " class size is 25. If

he really can't function in a larger class, and you push the district on it,

they will probably take that as an indication that he needs a more

restrictive setting. On the positive side, though, I think if you deal with

the curriculum/modification issues, the class size will be much less of a

factor. If he is engaged and enjoying the learning process, it won't matter

as much how many kids are in the room. If it were me, I'd concentrate on

that problem.....the rest will hopefully fall into place if it's addressed.

GOOD LUCK!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/13/01 8:48:44 AM Central Standard Time,

lauralk38@... writes:

> In my opinion, it's not really reasonable to ask a teacher to totally

change

> her teaching style to accomodate your son. The school administration

should

>

> have considered her style BEFORE they put him in her class. Now that he's

> there, I think you're probably going to have to make the best of a less

than

>

> optimal situation. I think that SOME suggestions as to changes.......ie,

> specific recommendations about things she can do to draw your son

> in........are appropriate, but it's not reasonable to expect that she can

> change her entire teaching style.

HI

I kind of disagree with you, having a middle school teacher sister I KNOW she

has to change her teaching style through the year. In fact she called me the

other day to tell me she has a non-speaking English child in her class who

tests at almost a genius level (more than half in her class are LD labeled)

She called to ask me for some creative ideas to meet his needs. Hands on

teaching is what I told her. Teachers have to teach to the whole spectrum of

learners. One style of strict teaching cannot reach all of the kids. Beth

(sister) does a lot of hands on learning/projects, she finds this as a way to

help the kids struggling and help the kids who are way above their peers

level.

My 12 yr. old had a 3rd grade teacher who met no ones needs, she was so set

in her ways that most did not reach their potential ....very sad

Oh well not to argue but just wanted to say YES teachers have to adjust their

teaching styles to meet everyone's needs

Kathy mom to Sara 10......just a reminder, our kids arent the only ones who

have demands

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/13/01 8:48:44 AM Central Standard Time,

lauralk38@... writes:

> In my opinion, it's not really reasonable to ask a teacher to totally

change

> her teaching style to accomodate your son. The school administration

should

>

> have considered her style BEFORE they put him in her class. Now that he's

> there, I think you're probably going to have to make the best of a less

than

>

> optimal situation. I think that SOME suggestions as to changes.......ie,

> specific recommendations about things she can do to draw your son

> in........are appropriate, but it's not reasonable to expect that she can

> change her entire teaching style.

HI

I kind of disagree with you, having a middle school teacher sister I KNOW she

has to change her teaching style through the year. In fact she called me the

other day to tell me she has a non-speaking English child in her class who

tests at almost a genius level (more than half in her class are LD labeled)

She called to ask me for some creative ideas to meet his needs. Hands on

teaching is what I told her. Teachers have to teach to the whole spectrum of

learners. One style of strict teaching cannot reach all of the kids. Beth

(sister) does a lot of hands on learning/projects, she finds this as a way to

help the kids struggling and help the kids who are way above their peers

level.

My 12 yr. old had a 3rd grade teacher who met no ones needs, she was so set

in her ways that most did not reach their potential ....very sad

Oh well not to argue but just wanted to say YES teachers have to adjust their

teaching styles to meet everyone's needs

Kathy mom to Sara 10......just a reminder, our kids arent the only ones who

have demands

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/13/01 4:03:31 PM Central Standard Time,

sbntwong@... writes:

> Not much help I know, but I am still gob smacked at the thought of tim and

> his peers sitting thro a lecture and

> learning anything!

>

> sue wong

Hi Sue

Yep its still going on here, lecture type of teaching in Early Ed. Sara's

teacher was picked because she teaches the " hands on " type and uses peer

groups a lot too.

Sara has a test tomorrow and we've been studying all week. Some of her

questions will be; Who lived in St. Augustine? Where is St. Augustine? How

did the Spanish stay safe? What Ocean is by FL? and identify on a map north,

south, east and west Heehee we have that down pat Thank goodness they

supplied the answers lolol it's been a long time since I was in 3rd grade.

Schools are taking a bit of a turn, Ive heard of some teaching in some really

creative ways, just not Sara's school as a rule. What is even sadder is that

the schools Ive come across are teaching to the state tests, conflicting with

the curriculum. My sister told me once that this is so unfair to the kids,

they miss a lot of curriculum, only because it won't be on the state test.

Kathy mom to Sara 10

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/13/01 4:03:31 PM Central Standard Time,

sbntwong@... writes:

> Not much help I know, but I am still gob smacked at the thought of tim and

> his peers sitting thro a lecture and

> learning anything!

>

> sue wong

Hi Sue

Yep its still going on here, lecture type of teaching in Early Ed. Sara's

teacher was picked because she teaches the " hands on " type and uses peer

groups a lot too.

Sara has a test tomorrow and we've been studying all week. Some of her

questions will be; Who lived in St. Augustine? Where is St. Augustine? How

did the Spanish stay safe? What Ocean is by FL? and identify on a map north,

south, east and west Heehee we have that down pat Thank goodness they

supplied the answers lolol it's been a long time since I was in 3rd grade.

Schools are taking a bit of a turn, Ive heard of some teaching in some really

creative ways, just not Sara's school as a rule. What is even sadder is that

the schools Ive come across are teaching to the state tests, conflicting with

the curriculum. My sister told me once that this is so unfair to the kids,

they miss a lot of curriculum, only because it won't be on the state test.

Kathy mom to Sara 10

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/13/2001 7:48:54 AM US Mountain Standard Time,

lauralk38@... writes:

> In my opinion, it's not really reasonable to ask a teacher to totally change

> her teaching style to accomodate your son

I MUST disagree with you on this one. If a teacher has 30 children, all with

their own learning style, and she has only ONE teaching style, then she is

only teaching that one child. I think teachers need to accomodate ALL

children. And I think we need to have higher standards for what we expect of

our teachers. Teaching is a HEART job, and you need to put your heart into

it and reach as many of the children as you can.

I used to work at a charter school where ALL the children had IEP's and

Maverick was the only one with a noticible delay. All the kids learned in

their own style and had much more enthusiam for their learning. As staff we

were expected to work on each child's IEP and there was never a question of

whether we could or would. That's just the way that it was, and should be.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/13/2001 7:48:54 AM US Mountain Standard Time,

lauralk38@... writes:

> In my opinion, it's not really reasonable to ask a teacher to totally change

> her teaching style to accomodate your son

I MUST disagree with you on this one. If a teacher has 30 children, all with

their own learning style, and she has only ONE teaching style, then she is

only teaching that one child. I think teachers need to accomodate ALL

children. And I think we need to have higher standards for what we expect of

our teachers. Teaching is a HEART job, and you need to put your heart into

it and reach as many of the children as you can.

I used to work at a charter school where ALL the children had IEP's and

Maverick was the only one with a noticible delay. All the kids learned in

their own style and had much more enthusiam for their learning. As staff we

were expected to work on each child's IEP and there was never a question of

whether we could or would. That's just the way that it was, and should be.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/13/01 8:28:31 PM Eastern Standard Time,

cindysue@... writes:

> Oh Kathy, you and are on the same page on so many things! She should change

> her teaching style. I found out today that the aides don't feel comfortable

> going in her room. She reminds me of one of those old teachers who teach

> what is in the file cabinet..year after year..boring! I once attended a

> NDSS convention where the workshop was on inclusion. The speaker was a

> school administrator who thought all kids should have an IEP and that those

> kinds of teachers have no business teaching. He would fire one in a

> heartbeat.

>

> Oh yea, I found out today that his old Sped teacher choose her. URGH.....I

>

, Kathy, and anyone else that's been following this thread......please

understand that I am NOT saying that the teacher SHOULDN'T change her

teaching style.......in a perfect world, of COURSE she would change her style

to accomodate students with different learning needs. What I'm saying is

that it is not reasonable to expect that she WILL change her teaching style,

particularly if she has been teaching for a long time and is tenured. Some

teachers are very set in their ways, and there's really nothing anybody can

do about it. We had one of those in first grade, and it was a nightmare.

The sad fact is that, even though we may feel that some of these teachers

SHOULD be fired, they WON'T be.....

The point I was trying to make is that the time to address teaching style is

during the teacher selection process. From where I sit, it makes no sense to

say " her style is all wrong for my kid " once the school year has begun - that

should have been identified during the selection process and another teacher

chosen. , I think it's a GREAT idea for you to be included in the

teacher selection process next year.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/13/01 8:28:31 PM Eastern Standard Time,

cindysue@... writes:

> Oh Kathy, you and are on the same page on so many things! She should change

> her teaching style. I found out today that the aides don't feel comfortable

> going in her room. She reminds me of one of those old teachers who teach

> what is in the file cabinet..year after year..boring! I once attended a

> NDSS convention where the workshop was on inclusion. The speaker was a

> school administrator who thought all kids should have an IEP and that those

> kinds of teachers have no business teaching. He would fire one in a

> heartbeat.

>

> Oh yea, I found out today that his old Sped teacher choose her. URGH.....I

>

, Kathy, and anyone else that's been following this thread......please

understand that I am NOT saying that the teacher SHOULDN'T change her

teaching style.......in a perfect world, of COURSE she would change her style

to accomodate students with different learning needs. What I'm saying is

that it is not reasonable to expect that she WILL change her teaching style,

particularly if she has been teaching for a long time and is tenured. Some

teachers are very set in their ways, and there's really nothing anybody can

do about it. We had one of those in first grade, and it was a nightmare.

The sad fact is that, even though we may feel that some of these teachers

SHOULD be fired, they WON'T be.....

The point I was trying to make is that the time to address teaching style is

during the teacher selection process. From where I sit, it makes no sense to

say " her style is all wrong for my kid " once the school year has begun - that

should have been identified during the selection process and another teacher

chosen. , I think it's a GREAT idea for you to be included in the

teacher selection process next year.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/13/01 10:47:15 PM Central Standard Time,

lauralk38@... writes:

> The point I was trying to make is that the time to address teaching style

is

>

> during the teacher selection process. From where I sit, it makes no sense

> to

> say " her style is all wrong for my kid " once the school year has begun -

> that

> should have been identified during the selection process and another

teacher

>

> chosen. , I think it's a GREAT idea for you to be included in the

> teacher selection process next year.

>

>

HI

I can see your point that some teachers will never change but we cant stop

trying or asking for changes. Some of us have no choice on who our child gets

for a teacher or an aide. How I make this work is to have it wrote in the IEP

how Sara is to be taught. It's then in black and white to be followed. If the

teachers choses not to follow it, she's in violation of the IEP. I think when

one works for a pay check then they need to be flexible, do what's told,

that's reasonable sorry but that's the way I was raised.

Knock on wood Ive had great teachers and assistants for Sara but if the day

comes when I get one who wont change a bit to meet her needs (and they can

change daily......example her epilepsy mid year) then Sara's out of that

classroom or someone else will get he/she straight.

I looked up the definition of " reasonable " and it said

: not extreme or excessive <reasonable requests>

To me making changes in ones teaching style, to meet the needs of the whole

spectrum of learners and their uniqueness is neither extreme nor excessive.

To ask for some changes is (IMHO) a reasonable request. Asking for a field

trip to FL to learn about their history isn't reasonable, so I was told lolol

Kathy Mom to Sara 10.............who was once told it's not a reasonable

request to have our county pay for Sara's education, ooooooh she's such a

burden lol. Now I will agree, to disgree though heehee

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/13/01 10:47:15 PM Central Standard Time,

lauralk38@... writes:

> The point I was trying to make is that the time to address teaching style

is

>

> during the teacher selection process. From where I sit, it makes no sense

> to

> say " her style is all wrong for my kid " once the school year has begun -

> that

> should have been identified during the selection process and another

teacher

>

> chosen. , I think it's a GREAT idea for you to be included in the

> teacher selection process next year.

>

>

HI

I can see your point that some teachers will never change but we cant stop

trying or asking for changes. Some of us have no choice on who our child gets

for a teacher or an aide. How I make this work is to have it wrote in the IEP

how Sara is to be taught. It's then in black and white to be followed. If the

teachers choses not to follow it, she's in violation of the IEP. I think when

one works for a pay check then they need to be flexible, do what's told,

that's reasonable sorry but that's the way I was raised.

Knock on wood Ive had great teachers and assistants for Sara but if the day

comes when I get one who wont change a bit to meet her needs (and they can

change daily......example her epilepsy mid year) then Sara's out of that

classroom or someone else will get he/she straight.

I looked up the definition of " reasonable " and it said

: not extreme or excessive <reasonable requests>

To me making changes in ones teaching style, to meet the needs of the whole

spectrum of learners and their uniqueness is neither extreme nor excessive.

To ask for some changes is (IMHO) a reasonable request. Asking for a field

trip to FL to learn about their history isn't reasonable, so I was told lolol

Kathy Mom to Sara 10.............who was once told it's not a reasonable

request to have our county pay for Sara's education, ooooooh she's such a

burden lol. Now I will agree, to disgree though heehee

[Guest guest]

> HI

>

> I kind of disagree with you, having a middle school teacher sister I KNOW

she

> has to change her teaching style through the year.

Oh Kathy, you and are on the same page on so many things! She should change

her teaching style. I found out today that the aides don't feel comfortable

going in her room. She reminds me of one of those old teachers who teach

what is in the file cabinet..year after year..boring! I once attended a

NDSS convention where the workshop was on inclusion. The speaker was a

school administrator who thought all kids should have an IEP and that those

kinds of teachers have no business teaching. He would fire one in a

heartbeat. I forget his name, but he was from Illinois..I think

Napersville. I bought the tape...and years later went to share it with some

school administrators. Thank God I listened to it first because TJ

rerecorded some rap music on one side that had a lot of foul language!

Oh yea, I found out today that his old Sped teacher choose her. URGH.....I

will make sure I am a part of the selection team next year. OH yea, I did

find out today that the VP made her change her schedule around to

accommodate ..hehe! He was in speech during that time and the ST is

only there in the mornings.

[Guest guest]

> HI

>

> I kind of disagree with you, having a middle school teacher sister I KNOW

she

> has to change her teaching style through the year.

Oh Kathy, you and are on the same page on so many things! She should change

her teaching style. I found out today that the aides don't feel comfortable

going in her room. She reminds me of one of those old teachers who teach

what is in the file cabinet..year after year..boring! I once attended a

NDSS convention where the workshop was on inclusion. The speaker was a

school administrator who thought all kids should have an IEP and that those

kinds of teachers have no business teaching. He would fire one in a

heartbeat. I forget his name, but he was from Illinois..I think

Napersville. I bought the tape...and years later went to share it with some

school administrators. Thank God I listened to it first because TJ

rerecorded some rap music on one side that had a lot of foul language!

Oh yea, I found out today that his old Sped teacher choose her. URGH.....I

will make sure I am a part of the selection team next year. OH yea, I did

find out today that the VP made her change her schedule around to

accommodate ..hehe! He was in speech during that time and the ST is

only there in the mornings.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/13/2001 11:05:55 PM Eastern Standard Time,

Michdock@... writes:

> I MUST disagree with you on this one. If a teacher has 30 children, all

> with

> their own learning style, and she has only ONE teaching style, then she is

> only teaching that one child. I think teachers need to accomodate ALL

> children.

DITTO DITTO DITTO DITTO!!! Teachers have to STRETCH to reach all children

and learn to change as not only the students change but as the times change.

Cheryl in VA

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/13/2001 11:05:55 PM Eastern Standard Time,

Michdock@... writes:

> I MUST disagree with you on this one. If a teacher has 30 children, all

> with

> their own learning style, and she has only ONE teaching style, then she is

> only teaching that one child. I think teachers need to accomodate ALL

> children.

DITTO DITTO DITTO DITTO!!! Teachers have to STRETCH to reach all children

and learn to change as not only the students change but as the times change.

Cheryl in VA

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/14/2001 1:04:54 AM Eastern Standard Time,

cindysue@... writes:

> BTW, do we parents even have a right to help select staff? I know Joan told

> me before to make a list of qualifications the staff should have...and I got

> a sense that was the max we could do.

>

I think there are no " rights " but you can advise the team to look for

someone who fits the qualifications to ensure the most harmonious year

possible. They know who will be most suited for your child but you cannot

choose a teacher unless they allow parents of non-disabled kids to choose

their teachers.

Cheryl in VA

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/14/2001 1:04:54 AM Eastern Standard Time,

cindysue@... writes:

> BTW, do we parents even have a right to help select staff? I know Joan told

> me before to make a list of qualifications the staff should have...and I got

> a sense that was the max we could do.

>

I think there are no " rights " but you can advise the team to look for

someone who fits the qualifications to ensure the most harmonious year

possible. They know who will be most suited for your child but you cannot

choose a teacher unless they allow parents of non-disabled kids to choose

their teachers.

Cheryl in VA

[Guest guest]

What I'm saying is

> that it is not reasonable to expect that she WILL change her teaching

style,

> particularly if she has been teaching for a long time and is tenured.

Some

> teachers are very set in their ways, and there's really nothing anybody

can

> do about it.

Well if she were in Naperville, she may not be teaching...

But you are right. This year is wasted because she will not change. I am

going to talk to the VP in the morning. I have to protect my moles,

too....or I won't have them anymore. 's Sped Teacher actually said

something like " its too bad we can't change teachers " .

BUT, I know one teacher who will not be getting a gift this year. lol!!!!

BTW, do we parents even have a right to help select staff? I know Joan told

me before to make a list of qualifications the staff should have...and I got

a sense that was the max we could do.

[Guest guest]

What I'm saying is

> that it is not reasonable to expect that she WILL change her teaching

style,

> particularly if she has been teaching for a long time and is tenured.

Some

> teachers are very set in their ways, and there's really nothing anybody

can

> do about it.

Well if she were in Naperville, she may not be teaching...

But you are right. This year is wasted because she will not change. I am

going to talk to the VP in the morning. I have to protect my moles,

too....or I won't have them anymore. 's Sped Teacher actually said

something like " its too bad we can't change teachers " .

BUT, I know one teacher who will not be getting a gift this year. lol!!!!

BTW, do we parents even have a right to help select staff? I know Joan told

me before to make a list of qualifications the staff should have...and I got

a sense that was the max we could do.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/14/01 12:05:03 AM Canada Central Standard Time,

cindysue@... writes:

> BTW, do we parents even have a right to help select staff? I know Joan told

> me before to make a list of qualifications the staff should have...and I

> got

> a sense that was the max we could do.

>

>

Hi ,

I would think this would vary from school to school. Some may have no

problem with requests, mine takes teacher requests for about a month, this

is for all children, while you aren't guarenteed the teacher requested they

do their best to get the kid into that classroom. Does your school not offer

something like this? well ok perhaps in larger schools it's impratical. hehe

Joy

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/14/01 12:05:03 AM Canada Central Standard Time,

cindysue@... writes:

> BTW, do we parents even have a right to help select staff? I know Joan told

> me before to make a list of qualifications the staff should have...and I

> got

> a sense that was the max we could do.

>

>

Hi ,

I would think this would vary from school to school. Some may have no

problem with requests, mine takes teacher requests for about a month, this

is for all children, while you aren't guarenteed the teacher requested they

do their best to get the kid into that classroom. Does your school not offer

something like this? well ok perhaps in larger schools it's impratical. hehe

Joy

[Guest guest]

OK,

Here's my take on all this. First as a teacher, I feel that it is a

personality trait and some people are willing to change with the times and

with the population of their classes and some are not. We have been taught

how to vary our teaching styles and hopefully professionally developed along

the way.

There are some long time teachers not willing to change and then there are

many that are always going to workshops, taking courses, going to see other

classes and teachers to try and improve themselves.

Education has drastically changed over the years and in order for us to be in

on whatever " trend " is popular, we need to be re-educated.

Now as a parent, we will have some very good teachers and some so so and some

we wish would retire. That goes for all our children special needs or not.

For our kids, I feel that the best team (if you guys have team teachers,) is

a veteran teacher with a younger teacher. One has wisdom and one is fresh

with new and inovative ideas. that is only in all of best worlds. 's

team this year is awesome!!!! We have a wonderful veteran teacher who is

very nuturing and her other teacher is so cool and has great ideas. They

work great together.

There have been other great teams for amanda and some that i pulled my hair

out with. thats how it goes - for all our kids. And ya know, ask them. We

may not get along with a particular teacher and they are learning and having

a great year.

Don't let our personality get in the way of whats best for our kids!

Peace,

~ Mom to 11 DS and 7 NY