Letter to Parents: I've done my job – now it's your turn, kids!

by on 09. Dec, 2008 in TEACHING AND LEARNING

I received this email from my son's teacher today(emphasis hers):

Parents:
There is a math test tomorrow.  I know that there is also a science test and that there is a choir concert tonight.  The test is over fractions.  This is a skill that they have been working on for at least 3 years now (including this year).  This is a mastery skill for 7th grade because they have gone over it for so many years now.  Students did very poorly on the quiz from Friday though.  They have the quiz back, they know exactly what is one the test.  They really need to study for a good 20 min. tonight if they have been paying attention in class.  I have stressed to them the importance of studying for math tests.  Studying in math can take many forms… the most beneficial is practicing odd problems out of their book or going to classzone.com. 

As a parent, I read the letter, but this is what I "heard"

Kids, I taught ya, you should have been listening better. If you did not get it, study harder, and maybe next time you will do better in my class! Parents, crack down. I did all I can, for Pete's sake, it's been three years already, and your kids should have gotten it by now. Make them study harder-try some extra practice problems…that'll teach 'em!

As a teacher, when students do not understand, what are our best options?

  • Assign more homework?
  • Make then study harder?
  • Remodel and Reteach?
  • Try alternative methods of instruction – manipulatives, technology, real life examples…?
  • Pull small groups for more intimate instruction?
  • Conference with students to provide them with critical feedback?
  • Allow for collaborative time, to problem solve with each other?

As a parent, I would love to know what options were exhausted before she gave up on the class.

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  • Swandollface

    As a recent college graduate I have to say. You read way to much into this. The letter was simple and to the point. As a student I had my share of bad teacher but for the majority they have been great. I watch the students in my classes with the best grades meeting with the proffesors constantly. Sitting with other students practicing and doing any thing they can to get the grade. What I realized is that they had dedication and that is something that is missing in a lot of our youth. Yes as a parent you should be responsible to make sure they practice 20 min a day. It is great that she is telling you what is expected of them and how to acheive it. It is the students responsibility to study, to practice and if not only the teacher but the parent teaches them they need to be reliant and work for what they get. Then our education system and level of education in America would be better. Yea she did her job and Yes you as a parent need to do your job. Most importantly they as students need to so theirs.