Call Us Navigating the End of the School Year
Navigating the End of the School Year
Since the end of the school year is coming here are some thoughts to navigate the school year-end. Regardless of the age of the child, it is a time to reflect on all the work the child has completed. Also, celebrate the achievements he/she accomplished. Reflect on your child’s growth for the school year and document what you observed. Many schools have an end-of-the-year parent/teacher conference. This is the time to discuss what you have noticed with your child and the teachers.
Many times, teachers believe that they are the experts on academic growth. Remember, parents you have an opinion, and it is so important to state what you believe. Parents if you disagree with the teacher’s assessment you need to state it. Many schools’ systems grade based only on evaluation performance. The child gets grades for various activities. The teacher averages the grades and gives a final grade on the outcomes of evaluations. But many times, the grade does not reflect the mastery of content for the child’s understanding. This is where you, parents can make comments and question the mastery of the content your child has done. This is important when the child is beginning to understand reading and math.
Remember because a child received 12/12 or 100% on a test or quiz it does not show the child has mastered the content. Reading and math are complex abilities that cannot show mastery from a test. Reading and math are skills that have many layers and build on each other. The best way for you, parents, to understand how your child is reading is for your child to read to you. After they read to you, ask questions about what he/she just read. That will give you some understanding. Please don’t do it once try to do it daily or at least three times a week. Write down what your child is struggling with and is successful not with your child. This will give you ideas and information to ask the teacher. Remember it is okay to disagree with your child’s teacher. State I don’t agree with you and state what you think because you have been reading with your child. It is important to state what you believe, especially if the teacher has any concerns.
Remember the school year is about 180 days. The teacher can give you his/her perspective, but you have been with your child 184 days without school. Teachers are experts in educational knowledge and pedagogy. Remember, you are the expert and advocate for your child. So, use the end of the year to help you make decisions about your child’s educational growth. Also, remember to commemorate the growth of your child together. All children have grown in some way celebrate with them.
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