What I'm reminded in relation to this article is a discussion I had with my wife (who I've previously mentioned is a teacher of 29 years) and ADORES it when parents come in to discuss their child. Her opinion is that's what parents are SUPPOSE to do, be an active part of their child's education, if they're not, she feels sorry for the child....anyway, she stated that the vast majority of teachers and administrators avoid meetings with parents like a disease, simply because they completely lack the skills to effectively work through any kind of confrontation. These aren't skills they teach in the college of education, there is no, "Teacher / Parent Meetings 101" Colleges teach the mechanics of teaching, they don't teach personal relationships and conflict management. Is it any wonder then that teachers are deathly afraid of meeting with parents and get defensive?
