F/U to special ed post - I did it

CaptainSerious

I went against my better judgement and found myself just spewing what I saw yesterday when that school's child study team manager called to discuss the program this morning.

I had decided to wait until we were happy with M and J's placements and programs, and my husband agreed, because we didn't want to jeopardize that process, but when I was on the phone, dancing around why I didn't really feel compelled to ask her any of my many program-related questions, I just couldn't stop myself from telling her that I didn't feel comfortable with how the teacher was talking about the students.  I explained what I saw, and said that I wasn't going to say anything because I don't want to make waves, but I just felt like someone should be aware of what I saw.

The woman said she was going to follow up on it, and call the two child study team members that observed with me to get their impressions.  I told her that I was surprised but no one else seemed to notice, and I may have been the only one who did, but that I just felt I had to say something.

ETA:  I told my husband and expected him to be upset that I told, because he is afraid about how it will affect our proceedings.  I was pleasantly surprised that he was not perturbed at all, and understood why I needed to tell what I saw.  In other news, M is learning touch math and it is finally clicking.  So, today is a good day.

AwBeth

I think it's great that you told them!  Having been in education myself, I would have wanted to know!  That teacher, although her actions not excusable, has gotten to a place in her career where she forgets how much her words and actions mean.  She definitely needs to be reminded!!  

Art Teacher

I don't think I commented on your post yesterday, but I'm really glad that you said something.  I am a teacher (on leave at the moment) and I know that my words and actions have a huge impact on my students, like the pp mentioned.  I can't imagine saying the things she said and feeling like it was okay; hopefully this will be a wake-up call for her. 

I'm glad M is having a good day and learning touch math   That's great.  Glad it went over well with your husband when you told him you spoke your mind about what had happened.  I think my husband would have been right on board with that, too.  Your child deserves to feel good about himself in the classroom, and so do all of those other students.

kmkaull2

CaptainSerious:

The woman said she was going to follow up on it, and call the two child study team members that observed with me to get their impressions.  I told her that I was surprised but no one else seemed to notice, and I may have been the only one who did, but that I just felt I had to say something.

Good for you.  If the two other child study team members really didn't notice, I would request that they not be on your son's team.  Seriously, that is some awful teaching.  Glad you reported.  

 Yay for Touch Math.  It can be a big help.  I've had a few kids who really did especially well with Touch Money, too.

CaptainSerious

kmkaull2:

I've had a few kids who really did especially well with Touch Money, too.

That's on the agenda for later this year, and I can't wait!