Is it o.k. for a teacher to require arrival to class 20 minutes early?

Question

If she offered assistance, it would be welcomed. However, having this as a classroom rule - and then telling my child he is late when he has arrived on time (by district standards) doesn't seem appropriate to me. No other grade level teacher requires this of their students. My concern is that she initiates a negative start to my child's day when in fact, he has done nothing wrong. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

I answered your similar question but alas, you have actually added information that shines some different light on the subject.

I still think you should determine the reasoning for this early arrival and find out what is being accomplished, or what value added there is.  I think it is safe to take it up with the teacher first, but certainly if you don't get satisfaction from the teacher's explanation, don't be slow to take it to the administration, especially if it is causing undue stress on your child.

Earlier  I said:

It is not illegal, if that is what you mean. There has to be a reason for it though. If your child is singled out, there must be a reason for that. If the teacher is forcing every student to be there 20 minutes early, then there better be a really good reason for that. I remember as a child getting to school early and denied access to the building until a certain time. Ask the teacher the rationale for the decision and make a determination if it is reasonable. If not, negotiate or go over the teacher's head. Perhaps you can't get your child to school early, then what? Yes, confront the issue now.

Answer 2

that is horrible. if your child feels it is nesassary then go to the board.

Answer 3

There is a reason class times are listed the way they are.  As a college student (I'm assuming you are talking about a child who is not in college), I would take the case to the department head.  Class schedules are there for a reason.  I don't see any excuse for a teacher requiring students be there 20 minutes early.  School doesn't start that early for a reason.  I personally would talk to the teacher about it first, if she still insists I would take it to the principal.  Some may say it sounds childish, but if she is going to require this, then I would say that she has to provide the transportation and breakfast for every student every day.  This sort of thing is totally inappropriate.  My college professors don't even have such a rule, if anything they ASK that students arrive 5-10 minutes early, schedules permitting to get things moving quicker, and then it's mainly lab classes.  She has no right requiring this of a student of any age.