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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 658
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 658 |
The teacher is obligated to teach the grade level standards. I suspect it's likely that the teacher's contract doesn't state anything about enrichment, devising her own curriculum to fit each individual needs, or anything along those lines. Did the school psych really just say she needed "challenging work"? I *always* take the perspective, whether true or not, that teachers always want the best for the kids in the class, and is working hard to meet every child's needs. But because my kids' needs are so far different than any other child's, it's asking a lot for significant, regular, meaningful planning be done for my child. I express this sympathy to the teacher. I then repeat this statement to the principal, school psych, gifted teacher, asking that the classroom teacher be provided with the materials and time to provide my kid with appropriately differentiated *instruction* AND *curriculum.* The natural end with this sequence of advocacy for my kids has almost always been another acceleration. 
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 111
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 111 |
Does the teacher think you're pushing your child too hard? Perhaps she's asking for ideas from your DD as a way to prove the desire for enrichment is coming from you and not your child?
If I was in this situation, I would do as suggested above and compile a list of topics WITH my child. After submitting the list for approval, I'd send in materials for these independent studies. It's not fair & it's not your job. It's definitely the teacher's job... BUT the teacher has already made it clear that she is not interested in providing enrichment. Even if she does finally give in, do you think she'll plan QUALITY enrichment? This might be the only way to salvage the next semester for your DD.
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 8
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 8 |
I'm actually a little surprised at the opposition to letting your daughter plan and present a project on her own? Why not? Children are a lot more capable than they are given credit for. The teacher's position seems reasonable. She said 'YES'. This looks to me like a victory. If your daughter is truly afraid of her teacher, that is another issue. If she doesn't know what to say, have her rehearse it with you. Take the opportunity for what it is and let your daughter show what she can do.
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 582
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 582 |
Apparently the teacher thinks it is her job to provide grade level instruction, period. Not infrequent, I'd think. Personally, I'd just suck it up for the time being, brainstorm with your kids about projects and write it down for the teacher to just read and okay it, just so you don't overtax her obviously limited mental resources (trying to put this nicely). Just sent the sweetest email ever to this teacher!! I gushed about how thrilled I was that she would allow DD9 to do some extra projects. I informed her that DD and I would create a list of topics and once she (the teacher) approved of one, I would provide any necessary materials. Ugh!!! having to pretend is so hard. And I know that she doesn't want to be bothered by my husband and I (even said once that she didn't have time to meet with us because she is just too busy). She's only responding to me because the district AG specialist and our private psych. are breathing down her neck. BUT, as everyone suggested, I will pounce on this opportunity.
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 582
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 582 |
One strategy here would be to play dumb:
"Wow, I must be having one of those days, because the first time I read your response, I thought you were asking a 9yo child to plan her own education, LOL. Can you please clarify? I would be happy to brainstorm with you, if that's what you mean, since I have valuable insights into DD's interests and personality. Really, anything that allows her to learn something more than how to fill pages with drawings would be a huge improvement, thanks."
All communicated via email, of course, so that there's always a record of what was said, which can go up the chain of command if necessary. Dude - I actually used a bit of this - not quite as snarky though  !!! I cc'd the principal, the DH, and our psych. as I do with all the emails now. The teacher didn't reply to an earlier letter from our psychologist which asked that the teacher provide enrichment, but she sure did act when the principal got involved (well, she became a bit more involved!!).
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 582
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Joined: Feb 2014
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That is tough, but I completely understand what you are going through. Is there any G&T or advanced programming going on at the moment - anything? We've had really poor experience with "in class enrichment/differentiation" I'm sorry to say - 9 times out of 10 it sounds great, but it simply doesn't work or flat out doesn't happen. Yes - we do have AIG for LA and math, just 45 minutes each per week. She also is SSA math. Outside of school she does pre algebra at a after school type school (isn't that so unfair that so many kids have to go to school AFTER school!!).
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 582
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 582 |
Does the teacher think you're pushing your child too hard? Perhaps she's asking for ideas from your DD as a way to prove the desire for enrichment is coming from you and not your child?
If I was in this situation, I would do as suggested above and compile a list of topics WITH my child. After submitting the list for approval, I'd send in materials for these independent studies. It's not fair & it's not your job. It's definitely the teacher's job... BUT the teacher has already made it clear that she is not interested in providing enrichment. Even if she does finally give in, do you think she'll plan QUALITY enrichment? This might be the only way to salvage the next semester for your DD. As I stated above, I did email the teacher that we would come up with a list for her to choose from. So, besides saying to DD - "Go forth and research!!" (which, for a 9 year old, she's actually pretty good at researching), where do I get these "materials for independent study"? I have found all kinds of fun projects online, but they weren't what I would consider writing assignment items (and that is what DD needs to work on - writing). As for pushing too hard - I really don't know what the teacher thinks because she doesn't want to talk with us. It's all email conversations. Totally different than the last 2 teachers!! We were always chatty! I'm not used to such a dismissive person!!
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 599
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 599 |
I find a lot of great stuff at prufrockpress.com
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