My inbox is absolutely flooded with directives encouraging parents to get into the school immediately (in some cases before school begins) to have supports put in place to ensure your child has a successful and rewarding school year. While this may seem proactive it does not serve your child’s best interests.
Do not misunderstand me. It is important to voice your concerns about your child’s progress academically, socially and behaviorally early in the year, no later than mid-first quarter. However, meeting with the current teacher before they have had time to work with your child does not move the constructive, intervention/evaluation process along.
Do let the new teacher work with your child. You may find that behaviors that were a problem are no longer present as an issue. Even academic concerns can significantly diminish. At the same time, this year’s teacher should be able to add perspective to what they are seeing now.
Allow the teachers to get to know your child as they are in their classroom. When you do meet with them, the give and take of the meeting will give you insight into how your child is functioning now and what has to be addressed beyond best practice in the classroom.
One last bit of advice. Whenever you ask for a meeting, please do so in writing and give a brief outline of what you want to discuss. This ensures that not only is there a record of your request but also has the right people at the table.
Do not misunderstand me. It is important to voice your concerns about your child’s progress academically, socially and behaviorally early in the year, no later than mid-first quarter. However, meeting with the current teacher before they have had time to work with your child does not move the constructive, intervention/evaluation process along.
Do let the new teacher work with your child. You may find that behaviors that were a problem are no longer present as an issue. Even academic concerns can significantly diminish. At the same time, this year’s teacher should be able to add perspective to what they are seeing now.
Allow the teachers to get to know your child as they are in their classroom. When you do meet with them, the give and take of the meeting will give you insight into how your child is functioning now and what has to be addressed beyond best practice in the classroom.
One last bit of advice. Whenever you ask for a meeting, please do so in writing and give a brief outline of what you want to discuss. This ensures that not only is there a record of your request but also has the right people at the table.