I overheard the assistant principle and his teacher talking about my child behind my back?

Question

They mentioned the fact that I am going to have a rude awakening when I put him in a specialized tutoring program this summer and find out that he is two grade levels behind. I just had a conference with them two weeks ago and this was not mentioned. I very plainly spent extra time asking every question possible in the conference to find out how he was progressing.I know for a fact that he is struggling in some areas of math, however, it is one of his favorite subjects. He definitely isnt reading up to speed and has a problem focusing in class but does just fine one on one. He is on a ton of medications for asthma and allergies and I believe this affects his concentration. We just moved at the beginning of this semester and he is still trying to adjust to the move and a new baby brother. I don't know if holding him back will help or hurt. Especially if the teacher has given up on him. I haven't, and I will do whatever it takes.He is in a charter school, and school ends soon.Now what?

Answer 1

Have him tested independently.

I have always wondered what would happen if someone filed suit against a school for breach of contract.....

We pay taxes so that our children can get an education, then if they fail to uphold their end of the deal, shouldn't we get our money back????

Seriously, get your son tested by Sylvan or whoever and then sit down with this assistant principle, the teacher, and I would probably bring a lawyer or school board member along, depending on which you think you can drag along.    

The last teacher conference I had, the science teacher who I had an issue with because she did not know her subject decided to bring a couple of other teachers with her to the meeting.  Not once did she speak, the other teachers did the talking during which they decided my child had difficulties taking tests.  This was not even the issue, but they saw one of their own trapped and in trouble and came to their assistance.

So it goes with teacher conferences, in yours, you were told what they were going to tell you, and nothing more.  You could ask questions till you were blue in the face, but nothing more than what they wanted you to know was going to come out.

So the next teacher conference, bring your own backup.... if nothing else, they can always be a witness in that lawsuit ;)

Answer 2

Schedule another meeting with the assistant principal and the teacher. Make certain it was your kid they were talking about. If he's two grade levels behind then you should have been told. Inquire why this was not brought up at your previous conference. Ask for resources that will  help your son.

Answer 3

I hope you can afford one on one teaching it helped me some. I hated school and most especially math, but when I got a tutor my grades improved some-I still hated it though. It sounds like the staff in your school isn't up to par. If you can afford it a Christian school might be the ticket.

Answer 4

Ahhhh public education at it's finest!!!

Consider Cyber School. It is unacceptable that he is two grade levels behind and they have never mentioned this!

Answer 5

why dont you switch him schools so he doesnt have to deal with mean teachers. help him read sound things out with him buy him educational toys and stuff like computor games that teach you how to read and stuff  go to toys r us it defenetly will help it helped my brother alot just dont give up on him

Answer 6

I would bring it up again with the teacher and the asst. principal.  Tell them you heard what they said, and ask them to clarify for you exactly what they meant.  I would also bring it up with the principal, because it is unethical for them to be discussing your son's situation behind your back, especially when it is so obvious that anybody could have overheard them.  If the charter school has a higher authority than the principal (like the public schools have administrative offices), I would consider going to them as well.  Charter schools are public schools that are overseen by the government and receive government monies to operate; and they usually have a board of directors you could contact.  Your school should have a website with this information easily accessible (ours does); if not, you could contact the school and ask the secretary for the information, it is public information and should not be refused to you for any reason.  Last resort, contact the state, as they are usually the first government authority over a charter school.

Can you hire a tutor to help your son??  Maybe a high school or college kid looking for a little extra money, that can help him with his problem areas??

Answer 7

i'd ask to have him switched classes to a better teacher who focuses on encouraging children, or perhaps even changing schools

Answer 8

Teachers like the one you mentioned are the reason half of the kids in our country make it through high school at only a 5th grade reading level. They dont take the time to help a student who is falling behind, they just let them squeak by or fail just enough things to still pass to the next grade where they will fall even more behind. You need to confront a school administrator about what you overheard. NOT the principal or the teacher in question, but someone above them. Especially when you specifically asked about his progress and there was no mention of him being behind. I would also seek some help from a tutor a grade or two above him instead of an adult. For some reason it comes easier from someone closer to their age. I would also possibly look into the Sylvan program. I have heard wonderful things about their tutoring, and if it is indeed his medication causing it, see if there is an alternative from your doctor that will help him to focus better in school. If the doctors dont know it is causing a problem, they cant do anything about it. Dont let your son fall behind due to a slack teacher or school system, work with him on your own and encourage to do his best!

Answer 9

Schedule another conference with his teacher, and ask for her honest recommendation.

If he is already behind and struggling now, the last thing you want to do is let him move ahead to the next grade, because he will just end up struggling even more.