Feb 18 2009
The Classroom Visit
As I promised the district, I went to visit the class they’ve been trying to convince me to transfer Gus to. I had spoken to the teacher at length last week. On the positive side, she is very knowledgeable, has a diverse background, and we see eye to eye on many important topics like mainstreaming and homework. But we also have some core philosophical differences, which could become a problem like the use of candy as a reinforcer.
I spent a good hour in the in the class. At the moment, the class is quite small. Next year it is expected to more than double in size. Class size was always a concern of mine since it would be bigger than what Gus is accustomed to. The room is set up to be very open, which I think would be very distracting for Gus, but she has a primarily behavioral outlook (Applied Behavioral Analysis background) and believes that his behavior would just have to be modified. I don’t know that it is a) possible or b) totally desirable to do that in all instances. There would be less sensory support for Gus as well, and there would be no internet capability. So the learning program he’s using now would be out the window.
Academically, this class focuses on much more basic skills than what Gus needs, and there is very little emphasis on Social Studies or Science - his two favorite subjects. She does have a very interesting take on Math instruction, which I plan to do some looking into. Overall, I doubt his academic needs would be met, and he’d be bored stiff.
As much as I like the teacher, despite our differing opinions, I can’t see Gus succeeding or being happy in that class. I’m going to bring him in next week (he’ll be out of school anyway) just to see what he thinks of the room. But I’m about 99% sure that I’ll be fighting for him to stay in his current school next year. Either that, or I become a home-schooler.
- Montessori FAQ: Why is there an age range in the classroom?
- Integration of Technology in the Classroom
- Evolution, God And The Classroom
- ESL Activities for Outside of the Classroom Part 1
- Flexing naturally : Natural bodybuilding is BHS math teacher Joe Wilson’s way of spreading his influence beyond the classroom.
What’s the problem with him staying in his current school? Why is the district so adamant about moving Gus?
Thanks for the comments & support!
Nicole: the problem is that he goes to school out of district, which costs the district more. So they want him in district even if it’s not an appropriate setting - to the extent that they’re willing to lie.
Trish: I don’t think we need an advocate yet (and can’t really afford one) but I won’t rule it out if they become unreasonable.
OK, that makes sense. Our school district and a nearby one always seem to swap students. A lot of districts have reciprocal agreements. Yours probably does, too but they probably don’t want you to have too many details or actually be informed. There are 14 districts in the area of the county that I live in and it is pretty common to hop over to another district within the borders. The problem is transportation, usually.
Anyway, you are right, school districts will say ANYTHING to take the path of least expense, and by that I mean least expense at the time. If they can save $10 this week they’ll do it, even if it means it will cost them $8k next month.