Today our team had quite possibly the most uncomfortable parent meeting EVER. The child in question has definite reading delays (for those of you familiar with benchmarking, she was at an "m" last year in 6th grade, meaning she was reading at a 3rd grade level), processing issues and vision problems. She is a move in from another district, a district which apparently was a tad late in catching on to her problems. In my district, teachers move on it fast. You can almost sense our desperation with some kids.
To make a very long story short, we had to have the child's mother come in and agree that she be evaluated to see if there is a gap between her ability and her actual performance. This is what defines a learning disability. Obviously, parents, administrators, counselors and teachers should all be involved in the process.
I am starting to believe that team needs to be reduced by one. The parent.
Now, don't get me wrong. I believe all parents have legal rights in being part of the process of their child's education, be it "special", "gifted" or just plain ol' education for the masses. However, I am astounded at how little parents really see teachers as experts in not just teaching, but LEARNING.
From the get go, we are trained to see discrepancies in each child's performance. Like many schools, we are data-driven. Trust me, if you ever want to see the data I have on tests and what I do with the results of the data, I would be in line to be beatified, just like Pope John Paul II. It is quite a daunting task. It is essential to understand a child's performance. Aside from data, most teachers have the knack of just knowing when a child is not performing where she should be. This is the case with this student.
She not only has reading delays, but her writing is a mess. She will turn things around, capitalize in the middle of a word, attempt phonetical spelling, but it all fails for her. She refuses to read aloud for fear of embarrassment. She also needs glasses. Her mother has said time and time again she will take her to the doctor. Even with a program in which a local opthamologist will provide her with a free exam and free glasses, mom has failed to move on this.
To top it all, mom has no car, so our school counselor has brought her to and from her home to our school for meetings. And, if all goes well, she will provide transportation for her to take her daughter for her free eye exam Friday.
The thing that got me today was this: when confronted with the fact that her daughter is struggling, mom decided to have her daughter brought into the meeting to "prove" she can read and write effectively. Much to our dismay, she asked her to read a poster on the chalkboard. When her daughter stumbled over the word, "reputation", MOM COULD NOT READ IT HERSELF. It was a tragedy unfolding before our eyes.
Of course this child cannot read on level. Mom can't read. Mom probably did not read to her when she was a baby or a toddler, and certainly cannot read to her today. Mom's full set of braces in her own mouth has superceded the need for own daughter's need to be able to read a book, see my Smartboard, and to read her math problems. Simply put, her life has been delayed because her first teacher, her parent, has not made her daughter's schooling her number one priority.
Teachers need to market themselves like doctors do. "I AM THE PROFESSIONAL HERE. Yes, you have the right to a second opinion, but I see your child more than you do all during the work week. Please listen to me when I tell you, we need to intervene so your child can be successful."
This child has one of the most impressive work ethics I have ever seen in a 12 year-old. She loves school and wants to do well.
We should all want that for our children.
So please, the next time you have a bone to pick with your child's teacher, even if you are a teacher, take a moment and remember we are the experts. We have our faults, but all of us entered this difficult profession because in our hearts, we want to work with kids and help them discover the world around them.
**this post dedicated to "I". Hang in there, kiddo. We've got your back.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
I can see a lot whilst atop this soapbox.........
I've been sitting on this one a long time. I hope writing it, or blogging it out, helps me sleep well tonight.
At one point can I, as a Christian, start calling out my fellow Christians on their self-righteous comments, their assumptions about our common faith and their judgemental, un-Christlike behavior?
Of course, this might be difficult as many Christians do not include all churches in their "circle of trust", nonetheless, I want to know when did it become alright to assume what you believe is right and everyone else is wrong?
I do not presume to know everything about God, nor about Christ. Sorry, the Bible does not give me all the answers, it begs to question more. I think that is the ultimate beauty and gift of scripture. It isn't there to be pushed into my head. It is there for me to absorb at my own pace, it is there for me to interpret. And guess what? The meanings change as I grow older; some become more powerful, others not so much. The little details that used to be a huge part of my faith do not matter as much to me now. I think that is my greatest showing of God's grace. That's right, I said it. God gave me a soul, a body and a brain. Appreciating all of those is my ultimate act of worship, praise and prayer to God.
I think it was my Episcopal upbringing by a very intellectual and liberal mother that has allowed me to hold on to my faith, regardless of what others tell me it should be. When others questioned why I was not saved, I was confident in my answer, from my catechism that was drilled in my head, that God does not take tickets into heaven. But hey, if you believe in the concept of being saved, I don't judge you. It is just not a part of my religious fiber. Just like you might not understand why my priest wears a collar or why we say the Nicene Creed. See what I mean? No harm. No foul. That's the beauty of religion.
Tolerance is essential to religious freedom. Can any of us really say we practice this? How many of us are willing to learn about other religions? Is our faith so weak that we would abandon our own at the thought of practicing another? I think not. Learning about other religions for me has opened my mind and my heart about my own religion. The parallels in all religions is a comfort to me. How else does God make himself known to all of us, scattered everywhere on this giant, spinning ball? Um, yeah. The earth is round ;-)
That being said, and yes mom, I have been breathing throughout this blog, our relationship with our higher power is our own. No one can take it away. No one person can bring it to you. It is between you and God, Yahweh, Allah, the Great Spirit. Isn't that wonderful to know?
And, if you think I blaspheme by writing this, that is okay with me. God loves me and will forgive me. She and I are tight.
Peace.
At one point can I, as a Christian, start calling out my fellow Christians on their self-righteous comments, their assumptions about our common faith and their judgemental, un-Christlike behavior?
Of course, this might be difficult as many Christians do not include all churches in their "circle of trust", nonetheless, I want to know when did it become alright to assume what you believe is right and everyone else is wrong?
I do not presume to know everything about God, nor about Christ. Sorry, the Bible does not give me all the answers, it begs to question more. I think that is the ultimate beauty and gift of scripture. It isn't there to be pushed into my head. It is there for me to absorb at my own pace, it is there for me to interpret. And guess what? The meanings change as I grow older; some become more powerful, others not so much. The little details that used to be a huge part of my faith do not matter as much to me now. I think that is my greatest showing of God's grace. That's right, I said it. God gave me a soul, a body and a brain. Appreciating all of those is my ultimate act of worship, praise and prayer to God.
I think it was my Episcopal upbringing by a very intellectual and liberal mother that has allowed me to hold on to my faith, regardless of what others tell me it should be. When others questioned why I was not saved, I was confident in my answer, from my catechism that was drilled in my head, that God does not take tickets into heaven. But hey, if you believe in the concept of being saved, I don't judge you. It is just not a part of my religious fiber. Just like you might not understand why my priest wears a collar or why we say the Nicene Creed. See what I mean? No harm. No foul. That's the beauty of religion.
Tolerance is essential to religious freedom. Can any of us really say we practice this? How many of us are willing to learn about other religions? Is our faith so weak that we would abandon our own at the thought of practicing another? I think not. Learning about other religions for me has opened my mind and my heart about my own religion. The parallels in all religions is a comfort to me. How else does God make himself known to all of us, scattered everywhere on this giant, spinning ball? Um, yeah. The earth is round ;-)
That being said, and yes mom, I have been breathing throughout this blog, our relationship with our higher power is our own. No one can take it away. No one person can bring it to you. It is between you and God, Yahweh, Allah, the Great Spirit. Isn't that wonderful to know?
And, if you think I blaspheme by writing this, that is okay with me. God loves me and will forgive me. She and I are tight.
Peace.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Martin Luther King, jr Day
So today is supposed to be about taking a day and working in your community. At least that is the original intent of the holiday celebrating the birthday and life of MLK, jr. Most of us sleep and take it easy, which is why it is a shame it is in winter, or perhaps more would volunteer or take time doing something with their community. This would explain why I am blogging whilst still in my pajamas. Don't judge me. :-)
I guess what strikes me so much about this day is that relatively speaking, it was not that long ago that people in this country did not have the rights that should have been afforded to them as American citizens. As a history teacher, I think the biggest thing my brain does is recognize patterns of human "progress." Even further back, women did not have the right to vote in our republic until 1920. Not even 100 years ago! My maternal grandfather was 2 years old and it was year of my paternal grandfather's birth. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Today I am reminded that our country is a work in progress. There are so many Americans who believe our democracy, our very existence, is threatened from the social and political changes occurring around us. It's part of the process. We are not static, we are dynamic. If we stayed in the same place as our founding fathers had us, think about what our lives would be like today. All men were not created equal in their eyes, but I know better than to judge them by my own time and my own standards. That is the trouble with history; we forget it is there to look at, to learn from and to interpret for ourselves.
So today, from the comfort of your own homes, your warm jammies and perhaps a Snuggie, remember today is not only for people of a particular color or creed; it is for all of us. And for me, despite the growing pains and the divisiveness I see around me, I still find it awesome (not the slang, but the overpowering feeling of awe) that I was lucky enough to be born here.
I guess what strikes me so much about this day is that relatively speaking, it was not that long ago that people in this country did not have the rights that should have been afforded to them as American citizens. As a history teacher, I think the biggest thing my brain does is recognize patterns of human "progress." Even further back, women did not have the right to vote in our republic until 1920. Not even 100 years ago! My maternal grandfather was 2 years old and it was year of my paternal grandfather's birth. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Today I am reminded that our country is a work in progress. There are so many Americans who believe our democracy, our very existence, is threatened from the social and political changes occurring around us. It's part of the process. We are not static, we are dynamic. If we stayed in the same place as our founding fathers had us, think about what our lives would be like today. All men were not created equal in their eyes, but I know better than to judge them by my own time and my own standards. That is the trouble with history; we forget it is there to look at, to learn from and to interpret for ourselves.
So today, from the comfort of your own homes, your warm jammies and perhaps a Snuggie, remember today is not only for people of a particular color or creed; it is for all of us. And for me, despite the growing pains and the divisiveness I see around me, I still find it awesome (not the slang, but the overpowering feeling of awe) that I was lucky enough to be born here.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
I just need something to do......
I have wanted to blog for a while now. Not sure why. Perhaps it is because it is the dead of winter and I need something to get me out of the post-Christmas blues. Perhaps it is because I have painful osteoarthritis at the age of 38 and writing does not strain my joints and my pain, but exercises my brain. Perhaps it is because I have so much to say, but nowhere to really say it. So, this is where it will begin.
I have started a new medication, a food medication called Limbrel, which is loaded with flavonoids, the equivalent of 4-5 lbs in each pill. These flavonoids are supposed to improve joint health. Like any medication, they take some time to kick in, if they are to work at all. I cannot take NSAIDS, like ibuprofen, in combination with this therapy, as they have been found to block the effects of Limbrel. I have been taking almost 2400 mg of Ibuprofen each day. A prescription dose three times a day. This is under the direction of my rheumatologist, so don't be alarmed. However, such doses of Ibuprofen can raise blood pressure, they can also put strain on kidneys, so I have been looking to manage my pain in other ways. Since my "Rheumy" recently diagnosed me, we began having conversations about drug therapy. So, Limbrel was the first choice, as it has been shown to have effects on younger OA patients like myself. I am on day 6 of the therapy. Limbrel has no known interactions with other drugs and the side effects, of which I have had none, are very minimal. However, these 6 days without ibuprofen have proven to be very painful. It is very frustrating to me that a medication that can offer such tremendous relief can have such adverse effects on the body. I am not ignorant; I know this is the way medicine works, but it is very frustrating nonetheless.
I come by OA honestly. My grandmother, my mother, my uncle all had/have it. All had double hip replacements in their 60s. I am too young for such a procedure, but the studies being done on new joint materials and other procedures seems hopeful.
I have been taking it easy for the past few days, because I missed a day of work due to pain. Moving around helps, but due to my need to have a completely organized and clean home, I often overdo it and end up laid up. Yes, I have a husband who cleans and has paid to have my home clean, but those of you who know me, know I like things done my way. I have control issues, to say the least.
Today I had a great talk with my mother about what is going on out in the world of mobile people. The conversation we had today ended with me saying, "It's enough to make me crazy, mom." She said, "You can't make yourself crazy, you need to rest." We were discussing church, the shootings in Arizona, politicians, the new governor and my fears of what might happen to my retirement money as a teacher with all the rumors about union busting and retirement funds for teachers. So, I had an epiphany. I have wanted to blog for a while, this is the perfect time to do it.
Since I teach, I have papers to grade this weekend. About 650 extended response items to be exact. But, I have promised myself and my husband I will not leave this comfy sofa today. Just sit, write and grade.
We'll see if I can do it.
I have started a new medication, a food medication called Limbrel, which is loaded with flavonoids, the equivalent of 4-5 lbs in each pill. These flavonoids are supposed to improve joint health. Like any medication, they take some time to kick in, if they are to work at all. I cannot take NSAIDS, like ibuprofen, in combination with this therapy, as they have been found to block the effects of Limbrel. I have been taking almost 2400 mg of Ibuprofen each day. A prescription dose three times a day. This is under the direction of my rheumatologist, so don't be alarmed. However, such doses of Ibuprofen can raise blood pressure, they can also put strain on kidneys, so I have been looking to manage my pain in other ways. Since my "Rheumy" recently diagnosed me, we began having conversations about drug therapy. So, Limbrel was the first choice, as it has been shown to have effects on younger OA patients like myself. I am on day 6 of the therapy. Limbrel has no known interactions with other drugs and the side effects, of which I have had none, are very minimal. However, these 6 days without ibuprofen have proven to be very painful. It is very frustrating to me that a medication that can offer such tremendous relief can have such adverse effects on the body. I am not ignorant; I know this is the way medicine works, but it is very frustrating nonetheless.
I come by OA honestly. My grandmother, my mother, my uncle all had/have it. All had double hip replacements in their 60s. I am too young for such a procedure, but the studies being done on new joint materials and other procedures seems hopeful.
I have been taking it easy for the past few days, because I missed a day of work due to pain. Moving around helps, but due to my need to have a completely organized and clean home, I often overdo it and end up laid up. Yes, I have a husband who cleans and has paid to have my home clean, but those of you who know me, know I like things done my way. I have control issues, to say the least.
Today I had a great talk with my mother about what is going on out in the world of mobile people. The conversation we had today ended with me saying, "It's enough to make me crazy, mom." She said, "You can't make yourself crazy, you need to rest." We were discussing church, the shootings in Arizona, politicians, the new governor and my fears of what might happen to my retirement money as a teacher with all the rumors about union busting and retirement funds for teachers. So, I had an epiphany. I have wanted to blog for a while, this is the perfect time to do it.
Since I teach, I have papers to grade this weekend. About 650 extended response items to be exact. But, I have promised myself and my husband I will not leave this comfy sofa today. Just sit, write and grade.
We'll see if I can do it.
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