Is this inappropriate?

Question

i was at a learning stratagies meeting (lsm) at my school, which is designed for students who have trouble in school, for any reason. the meeting includes the school psychologis, guidance counsler, school official, school nurse and ppr (pupil's something something). the meeting also includes an informational summery, which has papers from all the student's teachers, with their observations about the student. on my papers, my teachers generally say that i'm trying hard but struggle to understand material despite my efforts. my english teacher wrote a concern saying that 'maybe he has an identity crisis? questioning his sexual orientation?' as a comment about me. nobody read it aloud, even though it was written there, and the psychologist went to the principal to whisper to him that 'this is unacceptable'. i was embarresed to see it on the paper, but was it really an 'unnacceptable' comment? could somebody explain this to me more?

Answer 1

Well, it shouldn't be brought up in the context of learning, as of course it doesn't affect your brain even if you are g*y.  It would be better if the psychologist met with you privately to help you think through things.  However as long as you're not upset then no harm done.

Answer 2

It is inappropriate. Your teacher is making a psychological comment which probably she wasn't trained for, to such serious matter.  No matter what her trainings are, she can't divulge such information to anyone true or not.

I know it can get embarrassing, just don't think about it. It's only her opinion, unfortunately, she seems to not know what certain teaching is all about.  Just be true to yourself.

Answer 3

Will, my question to you is this: Are you aware of the system of that learning strategy class stuff? If you are aware and accept it rules, than whatever comments, may it be pleasing or not pleasing, you have no choice but to know it. Lucky for you since now you know what they are thinking about such topic. Do not be upset or afraid, try to follow with the flow of exploration, at the end you will learn things about you that you were not aware of before. And that will help you to become a better person if not best. You'll find out later that the best of you is yet to come!

Answer 4

It's absolutely inappropriate. MOST people are questioning many aspects of their identity during school. Bringing up your sexuality in an educational meeting filled with both other professionals and yourself is uncalled for and rude. It's one thing if someone wants to practice their pop psychology at home, but quite another when brought up in that context.

They're supposed to help you learn. Not make assumptions on what you may be thinking about sexually. There is no correlation between the two, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Answer 5

The question about your possibly having trouble coming to terms with your sexual orientation is not inappropriate.

You yourself know whether this is true or not.  If it is true, then it could have something to do with the problems you are having at school.

If you feel that coming to terms with your sexuality is indeed a problem, you should discuss it with someone at school who you feel is trustworthy.

Perhaps then you may be given the tools to deal more effectively with this problem, and your schoolwork will improve.

Harleigh Kyson Jr.

Answer 6

I don't think the topic itself is inappropriate, since it is clear that a lot of teens with identity/sexual orientation questions do struggle with a lot of issues in their lives, including academics, and it could be a concern.  However, what might have been unacceptable was bringing it up in front of you in that setting, with all of those people there.  For some people, that could have been embarrassing or humiliating, which would not help the situation.  If it didn't bother you, more power to you.  But in some cases, it could have upset the student and made the trouble worse.

Answer 7

I think that this is a personal topic that should have stayed as the teacher's opinion and shouldn't be written out. This differs if it is interfering with your school work. I think that if an issue is making it hard for you to complete work, it is their business but otherwise, it is personal. Either way it shouldn't have been brought up so bluntly.

Answer 8

Doesn't fit the scene man....doesn't fit the scene.

Answer 9

You are correct. First what expertise does and English teacher have about an identity crisis and sexual orientation. Second what does this have to do with learning strategies? Plus it was put in writing.

I am not a lawyer, but I would get a copy of the papers at that meeting. Get your parents to see them. Maybe have a lawyer take a look/see. I think some teacher passed the professional line. Write down from memory what was said by the Psy. to the principal. This type of info. is damaging to you.  Just a thought. At least have your parents meet with the staff. Good-luck. It is up to you and your parents.