Would you be upset?

I feel like I have a parent who is trying to tell me HOW to run my class. Just about every morning the parent has a conversation with me about their childs preformance or behavior from the previous day. Of course numerous times the parent has offered suggestions on how I should do things.

I got upset because the parent kinda disagreed about a rule I have when students are taking a test. If you are talking I take off points. A few of the students do get points off, but its never really the same ones, except their child. So now the parent complained and I can't do it for tests I gave recently.

This child as issues not listening and is constantly overactive. The child goes into the bathroom just to scream, sing and has even been caught standing on the sink just yelling. The thing is while I would say the child was ADD not ADHD (I have a student diagnosed with that too) The parent doesn't seem to acknowledge it. Since I'm in private school I can't have the kid evaluated.

Any who, I basically felt undermined in my own classroom even though a suggested an alternative for this student taking their tests. AND this parent is also a teacher. How would you feel?

I know its only my second year teaching but I've seen and been through a lot but this has never happened to me where a parent basically is putting there foot into my classroom and telling me how I should run it.

Message edited 11/22/2008 12:02:36 PM.

Re: Would you be upset?

I have worked in a private school as well. The parents can be veryyy involved and sometimes too much. have you spoken to your principal about this?? I would just so that he/she is aware of the situation. You never know if she will call the principal.
You need to tell this parent in a nice way of course..that you know how to handle your classroom setting and that you appreciate her advice but your the teacher.
I used to take off for points if the students were talking during the test. I don't care and i wouldn't care what parents say b/c their child is disturbing other students who are tryin to take the test. It's annoying to the other students I'm sure. You can not give into parents either just because she is a teacher dont let that intimidate you. I'm sure ur an awesome teacher and don't let a parent bring you down.

How do u know these children are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD?? Many students that have this have an IEP. If this continues througout the year, then I do not think private school is for these children and i would suggest being evaluated. Remember you are doing what you feel is best for the children. You can discuss your concerns with a parent but as long as you say it in a nice way but do not attack
Feel better!

Re: Would you be upset?

yea my supervisor is usually behind me but this time gave in to the parents demand.

As for the ADHD Child they were medically diagnosed and are on meds. This other child who I believe exhibits ADD behaviors the parent claims to have gottem them tested but i dont really think so because my school has been on the parent for a few years in reagrds to the behavior, and it seems the parent isnt acknowledging it as ADD rather that their child is just a child who is high active.

Re: Would you be upset?

i agree with the parent. a second grader should not get points taken off of a test for talking. these aren't high school kids. points should only come off for getting a question wrong. if that were my kid, i'd have a BIG problem with it. move the child to a different spot in the room if he's talking and/or have all students put up folders as dividers. dividers stop talkers.

i know that's not what you want to hear, but it is not good teaching practice.

when the parent tries to get your ear in the morning tell her "please write me a note letting me know when you're available, and we can have a conference regarding your child. i can't give you my full attention at this time". before and after school aren't appropriate times for a parent to catch you to discuss their child--you need a more secure spot.

as a teacher you can't possibly know if the child is ADD or ADHD. we can't make a diagnosis. ADHD does not necessarily mean the child is hyperactive---that's a misconception. if the parent does not want to get the child tested there is not much you can do. work with the child to try different behavior modifications. give him jobs, move the seat, put him next to a model student, don't let him go to the bathroom without a buddy, etc. it is your responsibility to keep him under control in and out of your classroom.

good luck.