OT- I think I alread know what most of you are going to say...

[disneybound31]

DS13 started 8th grade today.

They have 2 'pods' per grade in his middle school- 4 teachers per pod.

He got the pod with 2 brand new, unknown teachers and 2 known-to-not-be-so-great teachers...the Language/Reading teacher facebooks frequently with her students which I do not feel is appropriate or professional.

In both 6th and 7th grade he got the 'meh' pod and while he made honor roll and has had a good experience overall I think I am ready to speak up and request that he be moved to what I feel is the better academic environment for him in order to be best prepared for high school and onward.

We are very involved with our kids schools- volunteering and participating in activities, but we also never want to ask for preferential treatment or make waves...alot of people do that hereand I don't want to be one of those. But we feel strongly about this and it is mostly an academic concern--

is it okay if I email the Assistant Principal who handles pod assignments and ask to have our son switched?

ETA: parents did this left and right last year, but it was mostly so their kid could be with their buddies and not for academic reasons

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I would make the request if you think he will do better in the other setting. It's possible that he will not get moved if the assistant principal has already accommodated other requests (particularly if it is well-known that the teams are unbalanced), but you won't know until you try.

I have a DD13 going into eighth grade. She had a weak math teacher in sixth grade, so I requested the better math teacher for seventh grade because I felt she hadn't show as much growth as I expected. It is the only time I have requested a teacher for her, and I'm glad I did. The principal asked me if I had a preference for this year, which was nice, but both teams are pretty strong in eighth grade.

I haven't ever requested a teacher for DD9, but I would if I thought her growth would be markedly different with different teachers. You are your child's best advocate, and principals want to place children in environments where they can be successful.

 

[disneybound31]

I would make the request if you think he will do better in the other setting. It's possible that he will not get moved if the assistant principal has already accommodated other requests (particularly if it is well-known that the teams are unbalanced), but you won't know until you try.

I have a DD13 going into eighth grade. She had a weak math teacher in sixth grade, so I requested the better math teacher for seventh grade because I felt she hadn't show as much growth as I expected. It is the only time I have requested a teacher for her, and I'm glad I did. The principal asked me if I had a preference for this year, which was nice, but both teams are pretty strong in eighth grade.

I haven't ever requested a teacher for DD9, but I would if I thought her growth would be markedly different with different teachers. You are your child's best advocate, and principals want to place children in environments where they can be successful.

Well said--I almost wish I had mentioned the DS did not make near enough progress in 7th grade because of a weak math teacher, but I worried that might sound inflammatory so I left it out. But that is exactly why I feel he needs the stronger math this year. He loves math and does great in it, but last year his teacher simply reviewed and reviewed old 6th grade skills even after DS and his classmates told him repeatedly (but respectfully) that they had gotten the concepts and WANTED to push forward with harder skills.

I have never requested for either of my kids; we have been very blessed with great schools and teachers, but I feel like I need to go to bat this time. I just fear burning bridges for the future when DD10 gets there beginning next year...

 

[whoopsiedoodle]

I agree- if you think he needs a different set of teachers due to academic reasons then request a move.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by StitchandPooh'sMom

I would make the request if you think he will do better in the other setting. It's possible that he will not get moved if the assistant principal has already accommodated other requests (particularly if it is well-known that the teams are unbalanced), but you won't know until you try.

I have a DD13 going into eighth grade. She had a weak math teacher in sixth grade, so I requested the better math teacher for seventh grade because I felt she hadn't show as much growth as I expected. It is the only time I have requested a teacher for her, and I'm glad I did. The principal asked me if I had a preference for this year, which was nice, but both teams are pretty strong in eighth grade.

I haven't ever requested a teacher for DD9, but I would if I thought her growth would be markedly different with different teachers. You are your child's best advocate, and principals want to place children in environments where they can be successful.

Well said--I almost wish I had mentioned the DS did not make near enough progress in 7th grade because of a weak math teacher, but I worried that might sound inflammatory so I left it out. But that is exactly why I feel he needs the stronger math this year. He loves math and does great in it, but last year his teacher simply reviewed and reviewed old 6th grade skills even after DS and his classmates told him repeatedly (but respectfully) that they had gotten the concepts and WANTED to push forward with harder skills.

I have never requested for either of my kids; we have been very blessed with great schools and teachers, but I feel like I need to go to bat this time. I just fear burning bridges for the future when DD10 gets there beginning next year...

i've requested having my kids moved at various times for various academic reasons (up/down...teaching style, etc...) My biggest piece of advice is to not be too critical of the teacher. I was most successful by using the reasoning that they weren't a bad teacher but they weren't a good match for MY child and then pointing out WHY the other one was a good match for my child. That always worked well for me. I found parents that criticized the teacher usually were left with their child in that class, kind of like administration was going to make a point, KWIM? Good Luck! Just pick your words wisely!!


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[MomToOne]

I believe that it is a parent's job to still be an advocate for their child at that age. I see nothing wrong with contacting the school administration and requesting a different set of teachers in a respectful way. You may need to find a better way to approach it, though, than saying "I don't want him to have the bad teachers" That said, I'd keep your contact to the immediate school administration. If in the end they say no, I personally wouldn't escalate it any further.

I emailed my DD12s principal last week to get her into the elective course she wanted but was in danger of not getting for various reasons. Now, that's not quite the same level of request, but the idea was the same - I was requesting something that I felt was very important for my child. The principal welcomed the input, and was glad to know DD had a parent behind her who was actually engaged in their child's education!

But on a sidenote - some of the teachers I thought were the absolute best for DD were downright hated by other parents (to the point of complaining to the principal). It's been interesting at times to compare notes and see who thought what about the teacher. So be sure you have input on the not-so-good teachers actual teaching abilities and that you aren't getting input from parents who are really upset with the teachers for other reasons.

 

[disneybound31]

I believe that it is a parent's job to still be an advocate for their child at that age. I see nothing wrong with contacting the school administration and requesting a different set of teachers in a respectful way. You may need to find a better way to approach it, though, than saying "I don't want him to have the bad teachers" That said, I'd keep your contact to the immediate school administration. If in the end they say no, I personally wouldn't escalate it any further.

I emailed my DD12s principal last week to get her into the elective course she wanted but was in danger of not getting for various reasons. Now, that's not quite the same level of request, but the idea was the same - I was requesting something that I felt was very important for my child. The principal welcomed the input, and was glad to know DD had a parent behind her who was actually engaged in their child's education!

But on a sidenote - some of the teachers I thought were the absolute best for DD were downright hated by other parents (to the point of complaining to the principal). It's been interesting at times to compare notes and see who thought what about the teacher. So be sure you have input on the not-so-good teachers actual teaching abilities and that you aren't getting input from parents who are really upset with the teachers for other reasons.

Yes, I agree whole heartedly-- my goal was not to focus on the weaker teachers at all, but to quickly relay why I thought my child was better suited to the other group. I wrote a brief few sentence email to the assist. principla last night and DH read it and thought it sounded to the point and respectful.

We, too, have often preferred the more difficult and stricter teachers over some of our parent friends, but some of those people are just looking for their kid to be happy and have a fun year without the extra project here and there than what woul dfurther the kid academically.

Those are the same parents that complain that their kid has to read one novel over the summer and write a book report--really? ONE book is too much over a 3 month period?

 

[torinsmom]

It can't hurt to ask, but don't be too quick to write off new teachers. They tend to be very passionate and go the extra mile when they first get out of school. Some of the best teachers my son has had have been brand new teachers. He has also had great experiences with teachers I couldn't get along with personally and ones other parents said nasty things about. I'm a teacher and after my first year hand picking his teacher and it being an utter disaster for him, I left it up to his teachers to choose the next year's placement, and things went much more smoothly.

If you don't get the switch, don't be afraid to meet with the teachers if they don't seem to be challenging your child. The squeaky wheel gets the oil. You can also email, which will create a paper trail to use with the principal if you need to go and ask again in a month or two.

 

[MinnieForMe]

Email is great but I would type a letter and deliver it to the office. I experienced something similar this year and explained why the teacher I was requesting was a good fit for my son. I cc'ed the principal, guidance counselor and teacher that I was requesting.

What I've learned from three children in the public school system is that the parent who feels strongly and is willing to advocate for their child in a respectful way usually receives what they want. Good luck!

 

[Sandy61]

I would not. DS22 sometimes had this happen to him and as a former teacher I told him he had to adapt to the teacher he was given. He was a bright student and was probably put in the bad teacher's class because he didn't need the good teacher. The struggling students need the good teacher. He is a senior in college, gets straight A's, is in band, has a part-time job, is in student senate, etc. He has a triple major and hopes to be a special ed teacher. It hurt him not one bit and it actually was good for him to learn how to handle it. If he had a bad teacher in high school and it affected those important grades, I might have wanted to speak up.

If you also have a bright student, teach him to get along with the teacher, be a life-long curious student, develop good study habits on his own and he will learn just as well.

 

[disneybound31]

I would not. DS22 sometimes had this happen to him and as a former teacher I told him he had to adapt to the teacher he was given. He was a bright student and was probably put in the bad teacher's class because he didn't need the good teacher. The struggling students need the good teacher. He is a senior in college, gets straight A's, is in band, has a part-time job, is in student senate, etc. He has a triple major and hopes to be a special ed teacher. It hurt him not one bit and it actually was good for him to learn how to handle it. If he had a bad teacher in high school and it affected those important grades, I might have wanted to speak up.

If you also have a bright student, teach him to get along with the teacher, be a life-long curious student, develop good study habits on his own and he will learn just as well.

I see your points- but I feel we have already done this--in 4th and in 6th and 7th grade we chose to teach the lesson that sometimes things do not work out the way we think is perfect or even fair instead of swapping as many parents did...that is simply life and adapting is crucial and important. And we have never asked for any changes up to this point.

This year, however, I feel strongly that he needs to more experienced math teacher to help supplement his math experience from last year.

My sister is a 2nd year teacher so I very much appreciate the passion and new technique that comes with a new teacher and I know all teachers start somewhere...DS will still have two very new teachers in the new pod (if he were to get switched- we still have not heard yet) and that is not our issue anyway...new is fine.

Peer type facebooking between teacher/student and an English teacher who puts a daily countdown towards summer break (on the first day) is not the 8th grade experience I prefer for him...I know these things because I have been substituting in the schools for 6 years and have witnessed it. 95% of our public school teachers in this area are wonderful and thought VERY highly of...by us and the community as a whole.

 

[MinnieForMe]

I see your points- but I feel we have already done this--in 4th and in 6th and 7th grade we chose to teach the lesson that sometimes things do not work out the way we think is perfect or even fair instead of swapping as many parents did...that is simply life and adapting is crucial and important. And we have never asked for any changes up to this point.

This year, however, I feel strongly that he needs to more experienced math teacher to help supplement his math experience from last year.

My sister is a 2nd year teacher so I very much appreciate the passion and new technique that comes with a new teacher and I know all teachers start somewhere...DS will still have two very new teachers in the new pod (if he were to get switched- we still have not heard yet) and that is not our issue anyway...new is fine.

Peer type facebooking between teacher/student and an English teacher who puts a daily countdown towards summer break (on the first day) is not the 8th grade experience I prefer for him...I know these things because I have been substituting in the schools for 6 years and have witnessed it. 95% of our public school teachers in this area are wonderful and thought VERY highly of...by us and the community as a whole.

Facebooking with a student IMHO is wrong and looking for trouble. You don't need anyone's opinion, you need to do what's right for your child! There are so many other ways to learn to be flexible and adapt to a situation besides having to spend a year with a lousy teacher.

It also wouldn't hurt for you to bring the facebooking to the attention of someone in administration. It could be completely innocent but why take any chances?

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

Facebooking with a student IMHO is wrong and looking for trouble. You don't need anyone's opinion, you need to do what's right for your child! There are so many other ways to learn to be flexible and adapt to a situation besides having to spend a year with a lousy teacher.

It also wouldn't hurt for you to bring the facebooking to the attention of someone in administration. It could be completely innocent but why take any chances?

This is my opinion as well. I don't agree with having to "adapt" to a teacher that may a lousy teacher.

I drive a school bus and none of my students are on my facebook. I don't agree with what the teacher is doing.

 

[MSSANDRA]

I would make an appointment TODAY to meet with the vice principal face to face and discuss all your concerns. I say right away because as others have mentioned, there is only so much accommodating that can be made, and you will want to get him started in the other pod ASAP if it can be done. I think parents that take to the time to meet with the staff, not only are taken more seriously, but can work together with the person in charge to find what is the best choice for your child.
Approach the subject in a way that makes the staff member feel you are looking for what is best and you value his or he opinion. Stay firm in what you need, but listen and ask questions and be open minded!

 

[ceecee]

When DD went into 7th grade she got in a "team" that typically had a lot of underachievers in it and we even thought of putting her in a private school. I went in to talk to the Guidance counceler and he showed me the rooster and they also had a lot of the top students (he said that way a teacher doesn't have all students that can't get it). She was able to work ahead and in 8th grade took a lot of HS classes and AP once in HS so it all worked out. I did talk to the guidance about that "team" being perceived as slow and he made a comment at the Welcome night that all teams were equal. The only time I requested a teacher (3rd grade) it was a BIG mistake. Normally they don't like you to request teachers but I worked at the school (volunteer) and the prinicipal moved her. Never again did I do that!

 

[Marionnette]

I would not. DS22 sometimes had this happen to him and as a former teacher I told him he had to adapt to the teacher he was given. He was a bright student and was probably put in the bad teacher's class because he didn't need the good teacher. The struggling students need the good teacher. He is a senior in college, gets straight A's, is in band, has a part-time job, is in student senate, etc. He has a triple major and hopes to be a special ed teacher. It hurt him not one bit and it actually was good for him to learn how to handle it. If he had a bad teacher in high school and it affected those important grades, I might have wanted to speak up.

If you also have a bright student, teach him to get along with the teacher, be a life-long curious student, develop good study habits on his own and he will learn just as well.

I used to feel that eventually it all evens out and sometimes the kids would get great teachers and other times, they would just have to learn to deal with the not-so-great ones. You know what happened? They consistently got the the not-so-great or even crappy teachers because the squeaky wheels were advocating for their children while I kept my mouth shut.

By the time they reached high school, I had become "that parent" who was on the phone with guidance every time the kids' schedules came out and there was a problem. I really don't care about the reputation it earned for me. I did not feel that my children should have to settle for the crappy teachers just because there were others who "need the good teacher". Guess what? The bright and driven students need good teachers as well!

OP, 15 years ago I would have told you to suck it up and just deal with it for the year. But over time, I learned that no one will look out for your kid's interests better than you will. I'm glad that you emailed the assistant principal about your son's assignment. But I hope that you follow up with your concerns about the teachers Facebooking with their students. There should be some sort of school district policy in place that keeps the teachers at arms length from their students on social media websites.

 

[TheRatPack]

I would make the request too if you feel that strongly about it. I know when my son started elementary (before we switched to home school) the school decided to do something similar to your 'pod' system. They called them something different and the premise was that some children would be placed in the 'mechanical' path, some in the 'technical' path and I think there were 3 or 4 different 'paths'. It really irked me because the paths or 'pods' had names that were almost like they were placing your children in a career path from 1st grade. With absolutely no real idea of your children's strengths or interest.....just place them in a path that they would be stuck in from 1st through 5th.

I think their path systems lasted a year before they moved on to something else....I was glad to see them go. I am sure yours are more like 'teams' really with no level or curriculum differences but I still just don't like the group separation idea in schools. Still if you feel he's not getting the strongest teachers where he will excel and be well equipped for high school I'd definitely request he be moved. Who cares if you get a few snarky parents or teacher comments....it's about what is best for your son and his education. And as you said in your post, it's not like you're a compulsive class switcher LOL

 

[ZellyB]

If you know the school accomodates these types of requests, then I would ask. Our school district doesn't allow for these types of requests, so it wouldn't do any good here to do it.

 

[drcmk]

He got the pod with 2 brand new, unknown teachers and 2 known-to-not-be-so-great teachers

is it okay if I email the Assistant Principal who handles pod assignments and ask to have our son switched?

I might consider this for a younger child or if there were really problems with the teacher other than that they are "new" and "not so great." By 8th grade, I do think a student has to be able to manage different teachers and understand that not every authority figure is going to be perfect. I'd ask for a change if I had evidence of a problem with the teachers, but not based on reputation or anxiety.

 

[dawnball]

He was a bright student and was probably put in the bad teacher's class because he didn't need the good teacher. The struggling students need the good teacher.

I disagree with the theory behind this. Bright students need good teachers every bit as much as struggling students do. And they deserve them every bit as much too.

However, the personality traits that makes you a good teacher for someone who's struggling don't necessarily make you a good teacher for someone who is excelling at the course material.

For the OP, I think that "I'd really like my child to have a teacher that understands/loves math and will let my child stretch" is a perfectly reasonable request (independent of last year's teacher), but the best time to make that request is usually at the end of the prior year. Shuffling after class lists are announced is much harder.