Dear **** County Schools,
I am writing you to express my disappointment in my childrens' experiences at your school this school year. Let's start with my Kindergartener, shall we?
My kindergartener is a bright, eager student. She started off the year well, but a few months into it she started coming home saying, "I feel like nothing I do at school is good enough." She is sensitive, so I shrugged it off at first. Then she started getting more and more homework piled on her. It was very stressful for both of us. She was so overstimulated by the end of the day that we had a very hard time getting through it. There were lots of tears and meltdowns, but we did the best we could. We did an hour and a half of homework EVERY.SINGLE.NIGHT. Then homework sheets started coming home, with notes saying "re-do" and "INCOMPLETE" if something wasn't done to her teacher's satisfaction. I started to understand why she was saying "I feel like nothing I do at school is good enough." Here is a perfect example:
These didn't even come home with a letter, Charlotte pulled them out of her homework folder crying, saying "Mrs. ****** told me I have to re-do these. They are too close together and not neat enough!" At this point she is sobbing, and again she says to me, "why can't I do anything good enough?" Well that was IT. You don't have to worry about her education anymore, because now I am in charge of that.
Now for my third grader. I understand that 3rd grade is the grade in which the children have to take the almighty End Of Grade Test. And I understand that y'all have a lot riding on the scores from this test, and without good scores you could lose funding. However, you have made my child a mess. At least three days a week throughout the school year my funny, happy-go-lucky son has come home from school in tears. He is so stressed about his AM and AR scores that it is seemingly all he thinks about. He worries. He has developed heart burn after meals. He has also expressed to me that he feels as though his best is never good enough while he is at school. He has been penalized by his teacher for not reaching his AR goals on time. He has had to sit out of recess to work on his AR, even though it is the LAW that he must have 30 minutes of physical activity every school day. He has said on several occasions that his teacher and others are condescending to the students when they don't meet their goals. For example, "oh good job, you didn't meet your goal, I guess you won't be going to recess."
There is a big party coming up for all of the children who have reached 100% of their AM and AR goals this quarter. Is my straight-A student going? Nope. Because he has 100% in AM and only 80% in AR. The sad thing is, he knows it's impossible to reach his goal in time at this point, but he is trying so hard to get there. He is going above and beyond what he thought he could do, but instead of being rewarded he is going to be punished. His best is never good enough for his teacher or this school it would seem.
**** County Schools, I sent you my precious children as little lumps of clay, expecting you to help mold them into the people they are supposed to be. Instead you hammer all of these children into the same exact shape. Everyone has to be the same. Everyone has to get a perfect score. Everyone wears the uniform, in the right colors, and God forbid you deviate from it even slightly. No one gets to be special.
My children are special, they are smart, and I will be educating them from now on. Sadly you have lost two of your best students, and I'm sure if other parents are paying attention you will be losing more. I sincerely hope you think about the pressure you are putting on these children. They are children, after all.
Sincerely,
The Newest Homeschool Mom on the Block
****IF YOU HAVE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES AND YOU AGREE THAT OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE BROKEN BECAUSE OF OUR LAWMAKERS, PLEASE SHARE THIS POST ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, WHEREVER. PLEASE COMMENT BELOW AND TELL ME YOUR STORIES. ONE PERSON HAS TO FIGHT TO BE HEARD, BUT A GROUP HAS A POWERFUL VOICE!****
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Oh how awful! I understand completely... I've been so frustrated with my Kindergartener's experience this year. We love her teacher, but they put so much pressure on the teachers who, in turn, put it on the kids. They don't even give them a nap! My 5 year old NEEDS a nap. My first-grader hasn't had that bad of a time, but her teacher just doesn't seem to have any passion for teaching at all. I applaud you for taking their education into your hands. I have wished at times that I could do that, but our homework experiences don't really give me much encouragement that I'd be an effective teacher...
ReplyDeleteThat's because you are trying to fit the child to the homework (the school), instead of fitting the homework to the child. Parents become teachers the moment they become a parent. You know your child better than anyone, and you know how best they learn and do things! Try it and I'm sure you will see a big improvement in their love of learning. Schoolwork does not have to be a bunch of worksheets, and learning is not just 8-3 on the weekdays! Actually most homeschooling families I know get more done before noon then a brick and mortar teacher does in a full day at school. And the homeschooled student today is very well adjusted, is involved in his or her own education and most often is advanced in knowledge. Go online and check out the state standards for your state and you will see that you are capable of teaching what is in the standards. Curriculums are also on line and a lot of it is free. There are lots of families and churches, or other groups that offer support. You want what is best for your child and that may be YOU! So give it a try!
DeleteA retired teacher that loves home-schooling.
Oh my goodness Alida! This is HORRIBLE!!! I don't understand what happened to schools. I feel for the teachers and the tremendous pressure they are under now days, but for the kids and the innocents - really? I only have the 1 in school, and just in kindergarten, and I have already had the thought of taking her out to homeschool. She will break down and cry if she doesn't get something right - for fear that she will upset her teacher.
ReplyDeleteBut I have other issues - mind you, she goes to a good school. But we have already had issues of one of the students threatening to KILL her. It was 'handled' by the teacher after I reported the incident - and I still haven't gotten a good report on what went down. The teacher didn't call me back, and I had to call her a few times before she even spoke to me!
Of course, it is just kindergarten - so I didn't take the threat too seriously, but still. Why would a child of 5 even say that?! This is kindergarten for Pete's sake! I have a sensitive child, I know that - but it is my job as her parent to nurture her and help grow and mold her into the incredible person God wants her to be.
The schools? It seems to be less about the children, and more about meeting goals and deadlines and trying to be sure they are not ending up in a ridiculous lawsuit that our country is so sue happy over. So sad.
You made the right choice.
A death threat!? Oh my gracious. That is out of control.
DeleteFirst, you GO girl! There are so many parents out there who just accept the school system as being what it is and they do nothing about it. I applaud you for standing up and taking back your children. I have always said that I would leave homeschooling open as an option for my kids if I ever felt that it was necessary, and this would be the kind of case I think would make it necessary.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, we've been blessed that our local school is a pretty supportive environment. I have one in kindergarten and one in second grade. Just last night I had to contact my son's (2nd grade) teacher because we were facing hours of struggle over his word study (spelling) each week. The words were just too hard for him. I understand challenging the kids, but he was literally in tears several days a week over these words. She was very understanding and said that she had had him working at a 4th-grade level. Apparently he reads at a 4th-grade level, so his spelling was a 4th-grade level as well. She said she'd be happy to drop him down a level. I could see how the stress had been really doing a number on his confidence, and I knew it wasn't healthy for him.
Good for you for being your kids' advocate and standing up for them when they can't stand up for themselves. You will be a fantastic teacher for them- love and patience are much better motivators than threats and condescending remarks, that's for sure.
I am never amazed, or even appalled anymore at how much a teacher forgets about teaching reading once they get into a school after college. Very few children who are high ability readers spell at the same level. All parents need to be an advocate for their child and request a face to face meeting for any change to their child's education before it can be implemented. Principals call these parents "high need", but I call them good parents looking out for their child's best interests and needs!
DeleteFed up and retired from the teaching to the test!
p.s. Tell your kindergartener that her letters look FANTASTIC and she should be proud of them! (you should see my kindergartener's- heck, and my second grader's- handwriting!)
ReplyDeleteAww thank you Kasey! I feel like contacting the school only made my situation worse. I'm glad you have a supportive school environment!
DeleteWOW This is awful. My son isn't old enough for school just yet but I feel you are doing the right thing on teaching them yourself. Honestly an hour and a half on homework for a kindergartner is a bit much. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYou go Girl! I am disgusted at how hard they push kids! It seems my first grader is learning things I did in 3rd grade and it makes me mad. Why push them so hard, at such a young age and wear them out before they even reach high school!!?? I was home-schooled and (I will be honest) my mom didn't do a good job, we were lucky to get 1 hour a week. However when I took my GED I did better than most high-school graduates! At way less time than they spend in school!!! I think that is because they get pushed hard and fast when they are young and they give up before they even reach high-school when grades DO matter!
ReplyDeleteAnyways you go for it! I know your kids will be better off and smarter for it :o)
Oh, how sad! What an awful experience. I'm a former teacher (now SAHM) and I know learning is supposed to be fun. I plan on sending my kids to public school, but only if it helps them. I'm glad you were able to make the decision to pull your kids from school. You'll be a wonderful homeschoolin' mom!
ReplyDeleteI feel like they have SO MUCH work to do that there is no time for fun anymore at school. I remember how much fun I had in Kindergarden. We were able to explore, go on nature walks around the school, bake things. Now there are so many rules and regulations it seems like the fun they can have is very limited. Also, I don't think Kindergardeners should have homework. Let them be kids!
DeleteAlida, I know that growing up and watching both of my parents as teachers, they both did so many neat and fun things with their 7th graders. But as I got older, and time went on, I heard them discuss how teaching was becoming more and more about do this and do that, cover this standard and that one, and there was no time for the neat and fun things anymore.
DeleteNow, from my personal experiences, I must say that I whole heartedly agree that there is no time for fun anymore at school. Growing up, all I ever wanted to be was a teacher. I taught 2nd grade in the NC Public School System for two years and during that time, it became clearer and clearer that school was no longer what it once was. Teachers were drill sergeants and there not to make learning fun and exciting, but to "drill" the standards into the childrens head. That was NOT the reason I wanted to become a teacher! You have done the right thing for your kiddos and I know you'll be a fabulous homeschool teacher. You are one of the special ones that is cut out to be a stay at home mom and homeschool your children. If I can be of any help, you know that I am always here for you guys...love you!
I know the heartbreak; this happened to my youngest. I am now on the 4th week of homeschooling. It took a third letter before I ever got the attention of the school board president, unfortunately it was too late for I had already enrolled my daughter in a homeschooling program. Well it it is a considerably more work for us, we are getting through this. Yes, she is missing her friends but we've made time to spend with friends from church and are making friends at HS group meetings. I wish you well at this challenging endeavor.
ReplyDelete((((HUGS))) Thank you for sharing. It's sad that this is what it's come to.
DeleteI feel for you and completely understand your decision. We are taking it year by year. So far things are going well and I LOVE my daughters kindergarten teacher (my son also had her), but my sons 1st grade teacher last year made him feel like your daughters K teacher and I pulled in the guidance office after not being able to successfully deal with the teacher. That was the best thing I ever did. I am lucky that our school wants good scores, but they also want happy children, so they do their best to achieve both, but I know not all schools are like that. Good luck and I know you will do great. I would like to know who in the world came up with the idea that more work put out better students?!
ReplyDeletePlease, please, please (as a teacher trying desperately to get out of public education and really thinking I'm going to homeschool my children), please send this letter to the school! And the editorial section of the newspaper and your school board and your congresspeople. None of the behavior you describe is acceptable, but it is a sad result of the way lawmakers have broken our public education system. And until parents and more importantly voters speak up about this, it seems to just keep getting worse. Please do this for the moms who can't homeschool and the kids that have to keep going back. School should not be like this!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your kids have you to be able to homeschool. Way to go for doing what's best for them.
Thank you Melissa! I am planning on doing just that. I am trying to get a few other moms to write letters about their children's experiences as well. I'm going to be the school boards' worst nightmare, a mom who pays attention.
DeleteYay! I am putting this on my Facebook and Twitter - believe me there are many, many other parents and teachers who feel that school should not be like this and that something must be done. Kudos to you for taking steps to do something!
DeleteOh my word. I cannot believe this!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your newest decision & the challenges ahead. You are so lucky to have the option to home-school, as so many families do not - and that makes this letter even more sad. How frustrating!
Good for you. The more I see of public schools, the more I see I want to keep homeschooling as an option for my kids. My girl is in kindergarten right now, but fortunately has a great teacher. Good luck in moving to homeschooling!
ReplyDeleteIf I could just make one small suggestion to your letter - DEFINITELY send it and stick it to the school board!!! - correct the spelling of Kindergarten. Your last d should be a t. Not trying to nitpick at all, but when you're telling off the school board, you want them to focus on your points, not on misspellings.
Yikes! Thanks for catching that!
DeleteI have nearly identical emails I have sent over the course of the year. I have struggled, met with teachers, met with the principal, Taken my daughter to a therapist, read books dealing with "smart" and "scattered" kids. Every night we print the homework report from the school website, check and double check the completed work matches. But... Surprise something wasn't posted, a requirements sheet was misplaced, or the instructions were strictly verbal and boom. Meltdown! My first grader and fifth grader fight constantly now. Our house is a stressful environment of no playing until homework is done. Worse yet are the two nights a week my fifth grader has gymnastics and does homework until 10 or 11 at night. Yep, I tell her to go to bed and I send her to bed. The next morning I discover she snuck up and got things that were incomplete and finished them after everyone was asleep or tried to finish them. My consequences never touch whatever stress and consequences are inherited with the homework so nothing changes.
ReplyDeleteDon't even get me started on how mornings stink with those pressures. The kicker! I have a masters degree in adult education. I know for a fact studies and research do not validate much benefit from all that homework.
I can't home school my kids or open enroll them to a less impressive public school. I need my job and I need the bus option that comes with a local school. I wish I understood how to make a change. I have written some letters, met with every person alive in the school who might make change, nothing! The policy is unmovable. I live in littleton Colorado. I want to scream BACK OFF! Let it go, Harvard is not calling yet.
As a mother of 2 grown children I just have to say that given a choice to do it over again I would never have sent my children to school and would have home schooled from the get-go. My older child started out in public school and later went to private, the younger always went to private, but even then I think home school is the better option. Government (public) schools are terrible academically, but they also serve to further the socialistic agendas of the Federal Government (imho) I'll get off my soap box now, but I wish you and your children the best.
ReplyDeleteDISGRACEFUL!!! Gosh and I was having wobbles about our school - and that was because they weren't having enough fun! You sock it to them. Grrrr
ReplyDeleteI don't have any kids in school, but I went to school to become a teacher. I ended up not getting my teaching credential because of the standards and how everything is only about those stupid test scores. They took the fun out of teaching and made it all about the tests. P.E. is hardly taught in school now, and here, at least in this school district, it is mostly taught by someone who come in do it, the teacher doesn't even do it anymore. It is so crazy, I love teaching kids and working with them, but currently, I teach Sunday School, and that is my teaching time.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that you and your kids are going through such a horrible time with public school.
omg that's terrible... poor Charlotte and Gabe. Well WAY TO GO ALIDA! You will be a great teacher to your kids. And I know that they'll love having you as their teacher. ;) And there are so many more opportunities that they'll have with homeschooling. Plus they will actually ENJOY it! =) Good luck, and if you ever need any help don't hesitate to ask my mom. I mean after all... she's homeschooled 6 kids!
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad and upsetting. My daughter is only two and I dread sending her to school because of all the stories I have read. I shared this on my facebook wall to help spread the word.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 grown children, 5 grandsons and my first grand daughter on the way. I have read your letter and the comments. My oldest went to private and public, the younger only public. Public school was a great new experience. My youngest dd got 12 yrs public, older dd just 4yrs public Both got a great education. The displine was fair and fit the crime. During 12 yrs of public school younger dd was taught the test the yrs the test had to be taken. I Didn't like the time the kids had to spend in review but they did know it when they left that grade unlike in yrs past.
ReplyDeleteDont misunderstand both girls had there share of troubles with the mean kid, homework,misunderstanding of what was expected. And Many, many melt downs,(that doesn't stop just because the child is in high school)
As the mother, I was active in the schools my girls went to, when the girls came home with problems like U speak of I went up the chain of command, and most times that took care of problems, but when it didnt I continued up the chain.
The elementary school had one thing I think yours should try, a Tuesday folder. Things in the folder were... previous weeks homework graded,and test taken. What the child would be doing (and how they were doing)the coming week, (homework for the next week,test coming up,special programs,etc.) It also had misc stuff that the school was doing. All had to be signed and returned on Wednesday.
My youngest dd is a teacher and loves the kids and gets a lot questions from parent and kids, but still loves what she does. The older one has a masters in business and is subing in her boys schools. She will return to get her teaching hours for certification.
U know homeschool is nice, but the teacher your child has should know how to teach too. I know there are programs that help with the homeschool programs, well that is great if U really do that. Do U have the time to run her here and there do get this or that subject taught to them because U are not qualified? Do U have the time and the will to do all the paper work that is needed to keep the child on track? Remember those kids need certified grades to get into college. Remember U have more that one child, and U like to do these crafts, and not last or least your husband. Bottom line is if U dont like the school your kids go to get involved and get it changed. Join the PTA, the district PTA, attend School board meetings. Express your concerns. They do listen, and if they don't that is why U vote. If they see U enough they know who and what U are about..
I like to say I have been to elementary school 3 time, high school 3 times, and College 3 times.
It was a long exciting, stressful,wonderous time that ends just when I was getting the hang of it. I will get off my soap box now and let U all think about what a old mother who has been there and already done all of what U are going though. Enjoy this time, Love and fight for your kids.
I do not have children, but I do teach four year old kindergarten (otherwise known as Pre-K). We are working on learning to write our lower case letters as well, and I would just like to say I would be turning backflips to have my students write letters that were even LEGIBLE, let alone as beautiful as your daughter's. I can't imagine ever giving a child in kindergarten that kind of feedback.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm extremely upset with how your third-grader has been treated with the AR program. AR is for Accelerated Reader, is that right? That program came out when I was in elementary school, and it was only for children that wish to participate. I did, because I loved to read, and there were parties for children who did participate, but no one was ever penalized for not reaching goals. I'm horrified to think that a little boy who makes straight As would be punished for something like that.
These are the things that made me change my major in college, as I decided that I wanted no part of the public school system as it is today. There is too much pressure to push the children too hard, and punishing them instead of making exceptions and embracing individuality. Some children simply do not grasp certain subjects as well as others, and it isn't their fault. Being kept from physical activity (which is IMPERATIVE for physical development in a child) is a completely inappropriate treatment of the situation.
In any case, I support you completely and am so glad you are so attentive to their needs! What a great mom!
I don't have children, but it just makes me CRAZY that your kindergardener has that much home work. When I went to kindergarden, we played in the sand box, we played with bubbles, and learned the days of the week. My husband didn't even go, it was an option back then and he has 9 years of University, he is brilliant. Your children should not have to worry that much. Way to go...I think that we are going to see a major change in the way schools are run (up here in Canada too). I can see the one room school house coming back, but it will be a teacher teaching a few families. It's the way they used to do it.
ReplyDeleteThis letter made me cry. Especially the clay part. I am homeschooling next year too after not liking the way the school system works, even though we had a great teacher. I am excited to do the teaching myself. I think it will instill confidence. And even more exciting than that, I hope it will give my kids a great Godly foundation. Good for you for not making your kids struggle through anymore but changing it for them.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know about an amazing homeschool resource that you can access thru facebook. It is "The Old Schoolhouse Magazine". If you friend them thru FB you get to see all the questions homeschool moms ask. There are so many questions and answers daily that help me and I have been homeschooling for over two years. Best wishes on your homeschooling journey and sorry about the bad experiences thru the public school.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe your kindergarten aged child has homework! Unbelievable!
ReplyDeleteNow, compound that hour and a half by my kids learning disabilities....it takes us upwards of 3-4 hours, one on one time with two of my kids and then the other 3 with no disabilities end up on there own!!! Tears fights bribery....you are very brave to venture on your own. It is still something that scares me to death, I barely make it through homework hell....
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteNow, compound that hour and a half by my kids learning disabilities....it takes us upwards of 3-4 hours, one on one time with two of my kids and then the other 3 with no disabilities end up on there own!!! Tears fights bribery....you are very brave to venture on your own. It is still something that scares me to death, I barely make it through homework hell....
ReplyDeleteMm husband and I were both homeschool kids. My mom pulled me from public school. Our opportunities in life have been far greater because of it. We learn strong work ethic from our daily and weekly chores, along with solid financial sense from learning with Dad how to keep the construction business books. We got our work done early in the day and played hard the rest of the time. It kept our attention spans in line. We were able to go far beyond what the school system would ever have allowed us in the subjects we were gifted in (art, english, music, biology) and move along at a manageable pace in the difficult subjects (chemistry, math). No keeping up or staying behind for the rest of the pack. I left homeschool with more skills than I ever gained in the public school system. I can run a home, I can run a business, I can play my instruments well, I can cook a good meal, I can paint, draw, roof a house and I don't get ripped off my mechanics and repairmen. I am so glad I was educated according to my best abilities. I am so glad my parents did what they did, my childhood was awesome because of it. You are doing a great thing.
ReplyDeleteMm husband and I were both homeschool kids. My mom pulled me from public school. Our opportunities in life have been far greater because of it. We learn strong work ethic from our daily and weekly chores, along with solid financial sense from learning with Dad how to keep the construction business books. We got our work done early in the day and played hard the rest of the time. It kept our attention spans in line. We were able to go far beyond what the school system would ever have allowed us in the subjects we were gifted in (art, english, music, biology) and move along at a manageable pace in the difficult subjects (chemistry, math). No keeping up or staying behind for the rest of the pack. I left homeschool with more skills than I ever gained in the public school system. I can run a home, I can run a business, I can play my instruments well, I can cook a good meal, I can paint, draw, roof a house and I don't get ripped off my mechanics and repairmen. I am so glad I was educated according to my best abilities. I am so glad my parents did what they did, my childhood was awesome because of it. You are doing a great thing.
ReplyDeleteGood job. My Mom pulled me out of the public school system, and my husband was home schooled as well. I was able to excel in my strong subjects far beyond what the system would have allowed(english, art, history) and I kept a slow steady pace at the subjects I struggled in (math, chem etc). I learned how to do so many practical things too: book keeping, woodworking, garden growing, cooking, REAL house cleaning, I can make a metal roof, and (mostly) run a bee farm. My education was tailored to me, allowed me to grow and be creative, and still keep pace in touch subjects. We played half the day, so attention span for our schoolwork was never a problem. I am so glad for the practical things I learned and for the INCREDIBLE education I gained. When my Mom would show teachers in the public system what we were learning and what our curriculum was they would just gawk and tell her how they wished their curriculum was half as good. There is absolutely no doubt that I will give my kids the same opportunity that I had. I really got to just be a kid, and I'm so thankful for that. I think you are doing a great thing.
ReplyDeleteI live in arizona and I know what you going thru. I went have my children in charter schools for that reason. These are schools tha are tuition free. Granted you might need to buy a longer list of materials at the beggining of the year but the uniforms I love and there getting a great eduation. :) hope this helps Check to see if you have any charter schools you can enroll them in,
ReplyDeleteThank you! There is a charter school about 30 minutes away from here. We are on the waiting list but I'm not holding out much hope that we'll move up enough to get in.
DeleteI am a recently "retired" teacher, at only 34 years old, because of this pressure to make cookie cutter kids. Our teachers went on strike, one of the longest in our state's history, because of what they were asking us to do to our kids and our workload. We received some support from families, but a lot of bad press about teachers just wanting more money. Between being abuse by parents when I did what I was told or administrators when I followed my heart, I had to quit. I am currently enjoying the time with my own kids and looking for a position in a district or private school that believes in nurturing the talents of our kids, not shoving a political agenda down their throats. Oh, did I mention I teach high school? It's every bit as bad or worse as the kids approach graduation.
ReplyDeletethis was total crap. those teachers should be fired.
ReplyDeleteOMGosh! Are you kidding me? That's horrific! A teacher's job is to encourage, teach, and mold young students; to help them become who they will and equip them with the tools to do so (with in an educational setting. Parents are responsible for the rest). They are to expect that each child gives their best. But if their best isn't "good enough", it's up to them to HELP the children reach their potential, not squash their self esteem. It's not about demanding perfection. It's about demanding their best...whatever that is and helping them get there.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you and your children had to endure this. I'd say you made the right move removing your kids from that school. It didn't seem to be just one teacher, it seems to be the way the school operates.
How awful! I am so sorry to hear your story. I also homeschool my kids. Our community does not have the best schools. It is hard work, but I'm really happy with the decision. There are so many resources available, especially now with Pinterest :)
ReplyDeleteMy only word of advice... Every family is different. Find a curriculum that suits you/your kids needs. Homeschool mama's are very opinionated, and don't mind voicing their opinions. Listen if you want, but do what you think is best.
I wish your family the best.
That's a bummer! I thankfully have haqd awesome public education for my kids schooling! With excellent teachers... Thank goodness... because I'd go insane if I had to homeschool my kids!!! I wish you the best of luck that truly is aweful! Those handwritting papers looked fabulous to me for K!!!
ReplyDeleteIt even more like that in high school they told My oldest grandson they take his license he told them he would quite before they do that they told him good, he quite he liked 1 year,so sad,
ReplyDeleteAs a former teacher, this breaks my heart. I know first hand how utterly rediculous the expectations that were placed on your babies are. Our job is to send them out into the world feeling important and confident, not to break them down. I applaud you for taking their education into your own hands.
ReplyDeletei haven't taught in 4 years since my daughter was born but still think of myself proudly as a teacher. and the most important thing to me about teaching was to make learning as fun as possible. luckily, i taught in an environmental school that encouraged creative teaching methods. we rarely (if ever) sat at our desks doing worksheets! and an hour and a half of homework in kindergarten?
ReplyDeletei hope that homeschooling works out for you. i also hope that you will still advocate for public schools to get their priorities straight. unfortunately, for most kids in the us, public schools are the only option, and we as parents and caregivers of the next generation simply can't afford to abandon our schools.
kinda late in reading/posting (new here) but CONGRATS on the homeschooling journey!! i am a 8 years vet homeschool momma to 3 kids (ages 16, 12, 2) . THE most important value to teaching children, education is not something drilled by books facts and handwriting. education should create free thinking humans that have the foundation to form their free thoughts. so you want to write close together? go for it! you want to write OFF THE LINE?! feel free! school in a tree on a gorgeous day...enjoy :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you made the choice to homeschool. I'm a former teacher, and I pulled my daughter out of public school right after first grade when it became even more painfully clear that the Almighty End of Year Test controlled her entire education. We chose private school, but if we had more than one child, that wouldn't be an option. You are definitely doing the right thing.
ReplyDeletei've just found your blog so i've been reading it all morning! had to comment on this post because i had a similar situation to my son last year (4th grade). he was doing petty well at meeting his AR goal % but throughout the year it would drop a bit or he wasn't taking his tests, etc. (just like most of the kids). then he started coming home and telling me that he wasn't allowed to go to gym or music class, no recess and that he was going to have silent lunch (a punishment for those who didn't do homework or got in to trouble that morning) if he didn't raise his AR %. he was stressed out and scrambling to read 20+ point books (harry potter sized) in 2 days. they'd also have to sit in the library and read K/1st grade easy readers so they could test on as many books as possible.
ReplyDeletei was livid! my son who has loved to read since he was 2 years old didn't find it fun anymore! it was a chore! i sent him to school with a note from me saying i wanted a meeting with all 3 of his teachers. when i didn't get a timely response i went straight to the principal. she seemed shocked that they were punishing kids and informed me that it was against the law for him to be pulled from gym. AR is not graded and it is optional. i informed the principal that i was pulling him from it and he was not to take tests unless there was a solution.
3 days later i got a call from his reading teacher who tried to tell me that "oh he's doing so well he just needs to read more!". i asked her why they thought that punishing a child for not meeting a reading goal they set for themselves was ok...her answer? punishing them was all they could do to get them to actually keep keeping. i told her that was not the case (i'm using nicer words here) that if they wanted to keep kids excited about reading they needed to be rewarded! meeting your goal = a prize (for our school it's gotcha tickets which are redeemable for treats). after that there was no more silent lunches and they were going back to gym/music class as far as i know. i never did get a straight answer from either the teacher or principal about a solution. my son starts 5th grade at the same school in a few weeks and i'm definitely going to make sure it doesn't happen again!