tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post2875370824577641819..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: How About Better Parents?Melissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-8418465215999509732011-11-23T16:28:40.186-08:002011-11-23T16:28:40.186-08:00I don't think it is that, SolvayGirl. I think...I don't think it is that, SolvayGirl. I think everyone knows there are people who parent badly. I think it is more a resistance to letting the outside powers come up with one more reason/excuse for blaming poor learning on factors that kids can't control. <br /><br />The issue over which "society" has the most immmediate control is funding -- and, well, they don't. They don't want to. Some of them decided some time ago that they weren't "getting enough for their money" and it sure seemed to them that "private enterprise" was leaner and less wasteful. That group is being led by another group with worse motives. THEY have looked at the total dollar figures, and have decided that they can make a TON of money by getting local, state, and federal governments to give those dollars to THEM to provide the service -- rather than giving directly to the schools. The same thing happened with the military and Blackwater/Xe; it will soon happen with Fannie and Freddie -- and the same group wants to see it continue to happen with health care (thus -- no single payer or public option).<br /><br />Both these groups want to spend as little money as possible on education -- and both are served by finding SOME OTHER entity (outside their payment circle) that is responsible for the kids who don't succeed. "Bad" parents make a great story for these groups. Just like inadequate health care gets blamed on the obese, the diabetic, and those with high blood pressure and bad hearts (WE don't need to provide services -- YOU need to live a cheaper life), and unemployment gets blamed on the unemployed -- even when statistics show that there are 4 or 5 candidates for every available position -- meaning that there simply are. not. enough. jobs.<br /><br />I would be charmed to see schools, communities, faith based organizations, etc. all put time and effort into supporting and educating parents, encouraging good parenting skills, etc. But that would actually take MORE resources, not fewer. And at least some of the finger pointers don't want to do that. They just want cover -- a group to "blame" for the fact that so many kids are failing to learn.<br /><br />I am generally happy to discuss my own parenting problems (because self reflection helps me get better, I hope). And I am happy to discuss parenting issues generally in the context of figuring out how best to deploy assets, direct funding to initiatives that will help kids learn, etc. But otherwise -- not so much.Janhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09923777229601243321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-13065148067146362192011-11-23T14:34:12.780-08:002011-11-23T14:34:12.780-08:00I have to say I find it a bit puzzling that there ...I have to say I find it a bit puzzling that there are some people on this thread who seem to think there is no such thing as a "bad" parent. Seriously? <br /><br />What about the woman who left her two-year-old in an unlocked car while she went to get gas? What about the parent out on the street corner hustling drugs? What about the parent more concerned about those "Real" housewives? What about the teen parent who's hanging out at the mall with friends? What about the parent who might have some real mental health issues of their own that get in the way of parenting? What about the parent living with a wanted felon (a parent at my daughter's elementary school whose relationship resulted in a TV-style drama on our playground with cops with guns drawn while our kids were locked down in the school)?<br /><br />There is no license needed or required test to become a parent. The majority are great and doing the best they can in what might be very difficult times for them. But there definitely are parents (of all stripes) that do not do the best they can; some don't even try. <br /><br />Teachers have to work with the children of the best parents, the worst and everything in between. We ask them to be mentors, instructors, social workers, nurturers, disciplinarians, and—in many cases—surrogate parents. Expecting them to do all this for every single child, while being demonized, undermined and disrespected is a bit much.<br /><br />Yes, their job is to teach ALL children—let's realize that this can be a very hard job, and give them the resources and supports they need to do the job well. That includes good curriculum, school counselors, family support workers, nurses AND a good Principal.<br /><br />WV: extrus — Yup, that's what they need.SolvayGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12709893209963350066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-4036755570005835942011-11-22T21:21:23.732-08:002011-11-22T21:21:23.732-08:00I'm a teacher in a school and I'm seldom s...<i>I'm a teacher in a school and I'm seldom surprised when I meet the parents of students that are rested, engaged, mannered, curious, respectful of others, and hard workers. The parents have made their children their priority and have made education a priority. </i><br /><br />Gee, what about when you meet parents of those <i>other</i> type of kids? Are you surprised then? Have their parents not prioritized their kids? What about when you meet the parents of kids with disabilities? Are you surprised? Do those parents meet your bar? Or have they failed?<br /><br />-curiousAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-5105727801348139962011-11-22T19:33:42.255-08:002011-11-22T19:33:42.255-08:00It is easier for parents to fill the gaps left by ...<i>It is easier for parents to fill the gaps left by school, than for school to fill the gaps left by parents.</i><br /><br />Not always. <br /><br />My kid is one of the language immersion programs, and I have to say that gives you a whole new level of appreciation for the difficulties faced by parents not fluent in English.<br /><br />There's not a lot I can do to help my kid in the language I don't speak. To a large extent, I have to trust the teachers are doing what needs to be done because I don't have the ability to fill in the gaps or even know if the gaps are there.<br /><br />Schools have to work for everyone, even kids that don't have parents who can actively watch over the schooling.Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16540428343439198125noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-39710138536607569062011-11-21T20:20:23.556-08:002011-11-21T20:20:23.556-08:00Let's remember that cultural competency is a t...Let's remember that cultural competency is a two-way street.<br /><br />Yes, the district staff and the school staff need to gain an understanding of the students' cultures.<br /><br />The students and their families also need to gain an understanding of the school's culture.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-1020605690244923312011-11-21T20:13:40.306-08:002011-11-21T20:13:40.306-08:00good teachers, good parents, good schools, good ne...good teachers, good parents, good schools, good neighbourhoods...<br /><br /><a href="http://sahilachangebringer.blogspot.com/2011/11/of-dogs-cows-stars-question-marks.html" rel="nofollow">dogs, cows, stars & question marks</a>Sahilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610179287237833742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-83187267211321316332011-11-21T14:18:34.685-08:002011-11-21T14:18:34.685-08:00If my sister-in-law moved here, she would not be a...<i>If my sister-in-law moved here, she would not be a good support to her children because in her country it is disrespectful for parents to intervene at all in school or academics.</i><br /><br />You might be surprised how fast some parents learn how to advocate for their kids when they see how necessary it is.Jet City momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14804841958585043967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-48410596677116114022011-11-21T14:14:29.842-08:002011-11-21T14:14:29.842-08:00thanks "didnt go to high school" for tha...thanks "didnt go to high school" for that additional insight...<br /><br />much appreciated...Sahilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610179287237833742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-15221993164036100842011-11-21T13:21:45.088-08:002011-11-21T13:21:45.088-08:00Of course it is parents who make the difference. ...Of course it is parents who make the difference. It is easier for parents to fill the gaps left by school, than for school to fill the gaps left by parents. <br /><br />And of course parents do the best they can. Their biggest limitations are not placed on them by schools, but by our economic, cultural & political differences. <br /><br />The question is, can parents do better with help/knowledge? Or do we expect to only improve outcomes by changes in schools? Are there things that schools can do to help parents support their students? Could those investments have more effect than say, academic coaches?<br /><br />If my sister-in-law moved here, she would not be a good support to her children because in her country it is disrespectful for parents to intervene at all in school or academics. She would never ask a question of a teacher, or give her child extra practice, or demand testing for a learning disability. She would not advise her children to self-advocate in a school setting. She may be the only one who needs to learn things about helping her child in our system, but I would be surprised.<br /><br /><br /><br />-didn't go to high schoolAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-67725867919577316392011-11-21T12:14:02.142-08:002011-11-21T12:14:02.142-08:00I've always believed that the breakdown of our...I've always believed that the breakdown of our family units and communities are some of the largest obstacles our educational system has to overcome. No amount of resource or enough great teachers to go around will negate the affects that start in a student's home and community. I liken it to entropy.<br /><br />A friend of SeattleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-27812264893268544502011-11-21T11:22:42.182-08:002011-11-21T11:22:42.182-08:00you're welcome, one of those yankee minorities...you're welcome, one of those yankee minorities...<br /><br />and no, I couldnt leave out the word yankee cos you included it as a self-descriptor about the people of this country...<br /><br />and yes, my skin might be white AND I have been a minority in most places...<br /><br />Apart from having the advantage of a white skin, my life experience has been quite similar in many respects to the experiences of immigrants of colour... having to learn new language, culture, mores, how a different society functions bureaucratically...<br /><br />and I've been marginalised for my difference... whites can be racist to other whites, just as blacks can be to other blacks...just as asians can discriminate against other asians - go and live in Singapore or Malaysia to see how that works...Sahilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610179287237833742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-63741182436514784712011-11-21T11:10:17.332-08:002011-11-21T11:10:17.332-08:00Thank you, European-born white lady from New Zeala...Thank you, European-born white lady from New Zealand, for moving here just to teach all of us ignorant yankee folk a lesson.<br /><br />signed, one of Those Minorities LOLAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-55790341309837765902011-11-21T10:49:11.176-08:002011-11-21T10:49:11.176-08:00listened to me and the others working to uncover w...listened to me and the others working to uncover what is really going on, as opposed to the Alliance for Education and Stand for Children and Our Schools Coalition and the League of Education Voters and the SPTSA - all funded by GATES????<br /><br />yep - I wish they would listen...<br /><br />and no, I am not being arrogant... go talk to anyone who has contact with some of our most minority communities - ALL of the information they need to make a fully aware choice is not getting to them...Sahilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610179287237833742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-91781303157641322142011-11-21T10:45:05.607-08:002011-11-21T10:45:05.607-08:00Oh, I'm "going with the oligarchs' re...Oh, I'm "going with the oligarchs' reformist agenda because there is some sort of payoff in it" for me. I'll get started right after I push my kid off the cliff. There are a whole lot of ignorant people ahead of me though... <br /><br />WV says something about gibber...ish, maybe?I mean reallynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-23463026600139128162011-11-21T10:23:08.602-08:002011-11-21T10:23:08.602-08:00its a whole group of people - families and childre...<i>its a whole group of people - families and children - who are being exploited and dont have the knowledge or the choice to walk a different path...</i><br /><br />Oh those poor ignorant people-if only they listened to you....Jet City momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14804841958585043967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-54901153634197487632011-11-21T10:18:52.895-08:002011-11-21T10:18:52.895-08:00@skipping her comments...
well, get off your butt...@skipping her comments...<br /><br />well, get off your butt and go and do some research then...<br /><br />figure this all out for yourself...<br /><br />instead of going along with the crap that's being served up to you...<br /><br />its not hard to do...<br /><br />my "style" is direct and blunt and "off-putting" because for seemingly intelligent people, many of you here are choosing to stay ignorant...<br /><br />and I get why that is...<br /><br />IF you acknowledge what is really going on, you might have to alter course, question your choices and decisions, change your world view and DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY...<br /><br />Daunting... hard work... not much fun.... scary - where will it lead?<br /><br />But for crying out loud... what are you - a man or a mouse?<br /><br />These are our kids and their futures at stake and most of you here seem to be willing to be led (with them) over the cliffs... in fact, many of you seem willing to help push your kids over...<br /><br />I wouldn't care if it was just adults, but it isn't... and I wouldn't care if it was just rich adults and their rich kids - they have options...<br /><br />But it's not... its a whole group of people - families and children - who are being exploited and dont have the knowledge or the choice to walk a different path...<br /><br />So - either wake up and get with the reality and confront it and change it...<br /><br />or say upfront you are going with the oligarchs' reformist agenda because there is some sort of payoff in it for you and yours (you think/believe) and to bloody bad about everyone else...<br /><br />If you cant stand the heat in the kitchen, why are you here?Sahilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610179287237833742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-44813212105094420272011-11-21T10:09:49.937-08:002011-11-21T10:09:49.937-08:00@Anonymous.... yes - I know who Rhee is.... hence ...@Anonymous.... yes - I know who Rhee is.... hence my sarcastic "yeah right' re her org's name...<br /><br />I spend a lot of time on her various media presences debunking the crap she spews... its not hard - stacks of research and hard evidence clearly showing her and her arguments/agenda up - but it is time consuming...Sahilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610179287237833742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-35118333571110060152011-11-21T09:14:19.636-08:002011-11-21T09:14:19.636-08:00A couple of suggestions to help this parent suppor...A couple of suggestions to help this parent support the learning:<br /><br />1. put HW assignments on the source<br />2. return tests, quizzes, assignments timely (with in 2 weeks of turning them in) so I can go over them with the kids. This lets me know what they know and don't know.<br />3. on-line access to textbooks being used in classrooms. If cannnot provide on-line access, provide alternatives to help supplement at home.<br /><br />Thank you,<br />Seattle momAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-41281314680636859212011-11-21T08:27:40.043-08:002011-11-21T08:27:40.043-08:00@skipping: That's better than censure any day...@skipping: That's better than censure any day. WSDWGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-50699886180122897972011-11-21T08:26:22.330-08:002011-11-21T08:26:22.330-08:00No other industry is the target of marketing like ...No other industry is the target of marketing like education (and healthcare). A million here...a million there...and all because we think there's a magic answer in the next program. Amazing.<br /><br />The Christian Science Monitor had a picture on the 18h or 19th of a Chilean student protesting against profiteering in education. <br /><br />Just imagine what education and healthcare could look like if, like other countries, we didn't use them as vehicles to make other people rich.<br /><br />northenderAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24286116178408493552011-11-21T08:24:52.280-08:002011-11-21T08:24:52.280-08:00And the beat goes on!
Two days in a row, and seve...And the beat goes on!<br /><br />Two days in a row, and several times over the past week, the Times and the UW Bothell's Center for Reinventing Education have been in bed together pushing for more technology, not just IN the classroom, but actually INSTEAD OF in classrooms, touting how "fiscally sensible" (translation, "cheap") it is at a time of shrinking budgets and deficits. <br /><br />Once again, Milton Friedman's "Disaster Capitalism" rears its ugly head, as the tech industry which funds the Center for Reinventing Ed pushes further into our schools, attempting to capitalize on the latest funding shortages by turning crisis into big profits. <br /><br />Same old, same old. <br /><br />Shouldn't we be starting another war soon enough too? How will the arms industry protect it's profits if we don't? <br /><br />Watch the editorials pump the "regime change in Iran" stories in the next year or two. <br /><br />In Big Ed, it's always "all about the kids." In Big War, it's always, "all about freedom." <br /><br />WSDWGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-25585482150760163042011-11-21T08:24:32.513-08:002011-11-21T08:24:32.513-08:00whateve sahila's message is, her condescending...whateve sahila's message is, her condescending style is so off-putting i'll never get it.<br /><br />this is a blog, not a flog.<br /><br />signed, skipping her commentsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-62382938474430924522011-11-21T08:19:56.754-08:002011-11-21T08:19:56.754-08:00Thank you Sahila.
CarolThank you Sahila.<br /><br />CarolCarol Simmonsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-67702389394999291732011-11-21T08:15:19.116-08:002011-11-21T08:15:19.116-08:00WSDWGWSDWGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-28214651991117747672011-11-21T08:14:41.718-08:002011-11-21T08:14:41.718-08:00Sahila: You are aware, of course, that former TFA...Sahila: You are aware, of course, that former TFAer Rhee is now on the "Education Expert" speaking circuit, charging 50k per speech, while demanding first class airfare, and five star hotel accommodations, right? <br /><br />"Students First" is the new shell company, er, <i>student advocacy</i> group she founded to maintain her CEO lifestyle after quitting mid-year in DC last year when voters tossed out her political patron Mayor Fenty. <br /><br />Wish the rest of us were able to "fail upward" like they do on Wall Street and in the Education Administration racket.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com