Ok, NOW I'm irritated.

from JoeUser Forums

One of my son's teachers is pissing me off.

Friday, Davey came home with a homework assignment that involved getting on the internet.  I don't agree with that.  Not every child has access to a computer and the internet at home.  my friend is having problems with her computer and her boy (he's in the same class as Davey) expressed concern about not being able to complete his assignment because of the computer problems.  Her response?  "Have you mother take you to the library".

The base library is closed on Sundays, leaving Saturday as the only viable option for him to go do his homework there. What is his mother had worked Saturdays?  Or had no way to get to the library?  In addition, the library only has a few public computers, and as with anything else, active duty take priority.  The rest of us have to take a number and wait.  So, even if they HAD been able to get to the library, they still might have had to wait hours to get onto a computer.  What if his mother was, due to a deployment, trying to single parent a family with smaller children in it?  How would she have managed taking those smaller kids to the library and waiting around for who-knows-how long for a computer to come open?

As it turns out, my friend managed to get her home PC working properly long enough to get on the school website.  When she tried to access the quiz that the teacher asked the kids to take, she found that said quiz had been archived and was no longer acessible to the public.

She called me, and asked me to try and access it.  I did, and I got the same error message.

I decided to email the teacher and explain to her why my child wouldn't be able to complete his homework assignment.  I also expressed my concerns about teachers assigning weekend homework that involves internet access, citing the same reasons as I gave here.

That was Sunday.  I know she got my email because my son told me that she had mentioned it to him, also saying that she had mistakenly archived the quiz.

I have yet to hear back from her.  That irritates the crap out of me.  At the very least she could have emailed me back telling ME, the parent, what had happened.  My child is NOT a reliable messenger....matter of fact, I don't think that he should be ANY kind of messenger for his teachers, period.  I don't tell him to tell his teachers stuff, I contact them directly.  I expect the same in return.

I'm going to email her again this evening, asking what the status of the quiz is.  I'm going to make like my son never told me anything, and I'm going to sit back and wait for a reply. I aint holding my breath, though.

Am I wrong for thinking that she should have at least sent me a 2 line email explaining what happened and reassuring me that my child won't be penalized for HER mistake?  Am I asking too much?

I thought that most teachers wanted parents to be involved in their children's education.  How can we do that when their teachers won't communicate with us?

 

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18,153 views 52 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
Bump
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
I am glad not to be the only one with a teacher that needs an attitude adjustment.

My son't teacher told me "HAHAH SORRY about your luck!" When I told her he hadn't had a certain style of math at our last home. And she was SERIOUS! When she stopped laughing I said, "NOw that the joke is over can you provide me with the resources to teach him what he missed or tell me where to get them?"

Answer: Shrug. "I dunno. We really don't like to have the parents get involved in the Math. It is a complicated system out of the University of Chicago and parents usually screw it up."

I just looked at her mouth agape. And then went to see about getting my son moved.

I'd go see her face to face and let her know you are an involved parent who will be up there everyday if you think she's not on her game.

Good luck.
The Political Machine 2024
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
That is irritating Dharma! I'm with you, if you took the time to contact the teacher directly, the teacher should answer you directly.

Answer: Shrug. "I dunno. We really don't like to have the parents get involved in the Math. It is a complicated system out of the University of Chicago and parents usually screw it up."


From what my wife is learning (she is a secondary ed for math major), "Connected Math" is too complicate even for teachers to be involved with it. The teacher wasn't making a joke, she was proving conclusively that she (at least as a teacher) is a joke!
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
Computer: Free, if you're willing to settle for something that isn't a speed monster.
Internet: $10 a month, which is negligable even to a poor college student like me.

Isn't a kid's education worth a $10 a month investment? And if it's not, I figure the library is a pretty decent alternative. I do agree, however, that there should be direct communication between the teacher and the parent.

Haven't pressed any buttons lately, so I figured it was past time to stop by.

Dan
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
My son't teacher told me "HAHAH SORRY about your luck!" When I told her he hadn't had a certain style of math at our last home. And she was SERIOUS! When she stopped laughing I said, "NOw that the joke is over can you provide me with the resources to teach him what he missed or tell me where to get them?"

Answer: Shrug. "I dunno. We really don't like to have the parents get involved in the Math. It is a complicated system out of the University of Chicago and parents usually screw it up."


THAT would have prompted me to call to the school superintendent and complain. NO parent needs to be spoken to like that, and I would have told her right there and then that I didn't appreciate her attitude and demeanor. What a bitch....

I'm with you, if you took the time to contact the teacher directly, the teacher should answer you directly.


THANK YOU!!!!

I'm emailing her again, and if I don't get a response by Friday, I'm calling the principal.
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
Computer: Free, if you're willing to settle for something that isn't a speed monster.
Internet: $10 a month, which is negligable even to a poor college student like me.


So, these parents are supposed to rush out on the weekend in search of a free computer and instant internet set-up? Where exactly does a person get a free computer at the drop of a hat, anyway?

A lot of internet providers do a credit check. Not all internet providers have service in every area....which leaves some people high and dry.

Teachers shouldn't set homework over the weekend that involves internet access. During the week is fine; there are computers at the school that students can use.
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
*sigh* I've grown used to this stuff...we get assignments all the time that usually require a computer and/or internet access.....especially in English....*bleh* I've got like 3 reports due within the next couple months.

As for the teacher-parent communication....it should be direct, it couldn't be dependable or even practical any other way.

~Zoo
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
bad teacher! bad teacher!! SLAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
As for the teacher-parent communication....it should be direct, it couldn't be dependable or even practical any other way.

EXACTLY!!!

I'm sure *some* teachers would also accuse your friend of not caring about her child's education, too.

Not that this particular shoe would fit anyone on JU.


Why Sabrina, I'm SURE I don't know who you could possibly be talking about. Surely nobody here is that egotistical and pretentious? (Cept for Lucas, but he's not a teacher.)
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
Isn't a kid's education worth a $10 a month investment? And if it's not, I figure the library is a pretty decent alternative. I do agree, however, that there should be direct communication between the teacher and the parent.


I don't know how things run in your home Dan, but in mine, my wife and I decide if we want a computer and/or internet access, not the kids' teachers.
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
bad teacher! bad teacher!! SLAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!


I wish I could say what I REALLY think. For the sake of my kids education I have to keep in polite and relatively nice. She's snatched Davey's papers out of his hands and trashed them once this week already......if I get bitchy with her I can see her taking it out on my kid, which would call for me to go up to the school and probably get arrested for causing a disturbance.

I'm all about teachers punishing kids if they misbehave. That's part of the job. However, embarrasing kids in front of their peers by calling them names or belittling them IS not acceptable behaviour. If WE did that, we'd have CPS all over our asses like white on rice, therefore I don't think it's acceptable for a teacher to treat a pupil that way. She hasn't done it yet, but some of the stuff she's done has come dangerously close to it.....
Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
I don't know how things run in your home Dan, but in mine, my wife and I decide if we want a computer and/or internet access, not the kids' teachers.


I was just coming back to add that.
Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
Nothing to do but a full Mr. Spock and Captain Kirk CIRCLE OF DEATH!!!!
Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top
Dharma- The best place to get a free computer is educational institutions that are updating technology. Churches, also. You'd be surprised how much is availible. I think it's reasonable to limit internet homework to weekdays, though.

I don't know how things run in your home Dan, but in mine, my wife and I decide if we want a computer and/or internet access, not the kids' teachers.


Let's try restating this:

"I don't know how things run in your home, Dan, but in mine, my wife and I decide whether we want a roof on our house."

People can survive without a roof, but not comfortably. Once upon a time, people slept under the stars, but that day is long past. I wouldn't say that the internet is as much a part of our society as a roof (yet), but come on. Everybody has it. The internet is the future. Why deny your kids the future?

And if you don't... well, don't complain if you get rained on.

Dan
Reply #15 from JoeUser Forums Top
While computers (and internet) access is growing in American homes, I do agree with you that handing out a weekend assignment that cannot be accomplished without internet access is foolish.

During the school week the children should be able to access the net at school, but on the weekend, there's no guarantee that a kid is going to be able to get to a computer. According to some statistics (which may or may not be on the mark), only about 56% of Americans have internet access. If this is factual, the implications to your situation are obvious.

Your friend's son was not the ONLY child in the class who would have to scramble (and might not even be able) to do the assigned work.

Not all families have crayons at home. If a child is assigned a project that requires it, they can borrow a package or spend a buck and buy some. Not all families have a calculator at home. Again, borrow or spend a buck or so.

But...a computer with online access? If a family doesn't have one already (and believe it or not, it's not a necessity to live), they're probably not going to be able to afford to go buy one (not to mention the mess that getting internet access entails). And how do you justify doing that when the child will be at school with online access on Monday?

A cheap, can't-do-much computer is still several hundred dollars.

I just think this teacher has lost her mind. (And she probably hasn't contacted you because she knows she's in the wrong and doesn't want to have to own up to it)
Reply #16 from JoeUser Forums Top
(And she probably hasn't contacted you because she knows she's in the wrong and doesn't want to have to own up to it)

I think TW is right. Hope you hear from her soon, but not holding your breath is wise. She knows she's wrong and doesn't want to be held accountable or have to explain her reasoning.
Reply #17 from JoeUser Forums Top
"I don't know how things run in your home, Dan, but in mine, my wife and I decide whether we want a roof on our house."

People can survive without a roof, but not comfortably. Once upon a time, people slept under the stars, but that day is long past. I wouldn't say that the internet is as much a part of our society as a roof (yet), but come on. Everybody has it. The internet is the future. Why deny your kids the future?


Sorry but that was the most innane response you could come up with. Try again, when you're ready to actually respond to point.
Reply #18 from JoeUser Forums Top
During the school week the children should be able to access the net at school, but on the weekend, there's no guarantee that a kid is going to be able to get to a computer. According to some statistics (which may or may not be on the mark), only about 56% of Americans have internet access. If this is factual, the implications to your situation are obvious.


Exactly Texas!
Reply #19 from JoeUser Forums Top
mm SITTING IN CYBERSPACE ROOM HOLDING sign... will give internet access for food. heh
Reply #20 from JoeUser Forums Top
My kids have homework almost every night. If parents ask me for some extra stuff for their kids to do, I might point them to the internet, if that's available to them.

But as for homework I assign, it's all pencil-paper-crayon type of stuff. I assume that if they're able to purchase a box of 24 crayons for school, they probably have something colorful at home. If not, we have very nice people in our community and even parents that volunteer extra supplies if the kids need. And crayons? I can go buy a box or two as well...but I hand them out with the proviso that they be well-taken care of at home.

I've been grumpy at my class lately...I don't know what to do to fix the problem either...i'm going to try a new seating arrangement but those only work for so long, too. I try to get them up and moving because I know it's hard this early in the year to sit for more than a few minutes. But they just don't understand that we need to take TURNS talking--when it's MY turn, no one else should be talking...when it's Lesley's turn....no one else should be talking...and when it's work time, we need to use whispers. I think we're just going to have to practice, practice, practice whispering until we get it...

Tomorrow's another day though...another day to try something new and try to do something the right way. I love my babies.

Oh...and if any of you are the prayin' sorts...please pray for one of my students and her family. Her mom and dad fought last night and I think dad broke mom's hand...mom didn't say that to me today, but my student was really upset today. My student didn't get hit, so that's good. I've talked to my social worker and my principal about the situation, and they told me that there wasn't really anything I can do....So...just keep them in your thoughts and prayers if that's your gig.
Reply #21 from JoeUser Forums Top
I'm emailing her again, and if I don't get a response by Friday, I'm calling the principal


it would be lots more fun to email her a lil treat instead. similar to givin an apple to the teacher only in this scenario, the teacher may decide pcs are too vulnerable and will wind up having to buy her own new apple product.
Reply #22 from JoeUser Forums Top

The best place to get a free computer is educational institutions that are updating technology. Churches, also.

Hmm...when my husband was deployed to Greenland and we were using email as our primary method of communication, my Dell crashed and died on me (motherboard fried).  At the time, we were broke, and were going to be broke for the next couple of months.  The cheapest computer I could find (after calling a TON of places looking for used) was $200.  There weren't any free ones.  I called a veriety of places, not just computer stores and related services.

I don't think that it's as simple as you think, Dan.  if it was, EVERYONE would have internet access and computers at home.

Reply #23 from JoeUser Forums Top

I wouldn't say that the internet is as much a part of our society as a roof (yet), but come on. Everybody has it. The internet is the future. Why deny your kids the future?

Dude, that has to be one of the most assinine statements I've heard in a looooong time.  Maybe in your relatively well-heeled circle of acquaintences EVERYONE has internet, but where I live they don't.  They didn't at my last base either.  I'd suggest that you go check your stats before you make such claims as 'everybody has it'.

Reply #24 from JoeUser Forums Top

But...a computer with online access? If a family doesn't have one already (and believe it or not, it's not a necessity to live), they're probably not going to be able to afford to go buy one (not to mention the mess that getting internet access entails). And how do you justify doing that when the child will be at school with online access on Monday?

Exactly.  If people have internet access at work and the kids have it at school, why should they go buy a computer for use at home, especially if money's a bit tight?  That would be the LAST thing I'd think of or be willing to spend money on.

I just think this teacher has lost her mind. (And she probably hasn't contacted you because she knows she's in the wrong and doesn't want to have to own up to it)

I think you're right, but I still want a response.  If nothing else, for politeness' sakes.

Reply #25 from JoeUser Forums Top
Everybody has it. The internet is the future. Why deny your kids the future?


Everybody does not have it. I just moved into a new, as yet uncompleted subdivision and not everone is able to get access to the types of services they want. We (on my side of the street) cannot get cable. Some people prefer to hold out for cable (through which they would get their Internet) rather than the alternatives. A wait of a few months seems reasonable to them...but here Dan says these people are cheap and are denying their kids the future. Extenuating circumstances - such as a broken computer or services not yet available doesn't equal denying your kids the future IMHO.

I would also be irritated Dharma! Especially if there is a chance the teacher might take out any of her frustrations with you on your son. Grrr.