Article Author name(s): Lisa Ann Williamson
Title of article: Plan to Grade Parents Flunks Out
Title of journal: Teaching Tolerance
Date of publication: January 28, 2011
Volume of the journal: Spring 2011
Issue number of the journal: Thirty nine
Summary: Florida representative Kellie Stargel suggest plan that allows teachers to grade parents on how well children are rested, fed and on time to class with completed assignments. Grading scale is: “satisfactory -> unsatisfactory” -> needs improvement”.
Topic: Argues that just as teachers are graded by parents, administration and the outcomes of NCLB/ standardized testing, parents should be graded as well for the amount of effort they put in to securing their children’s education. Many educators disagree with this position saying that while the idea is highly entertaining, it will lead to nothing but great battles between parent and teachers, at the sacrifice if the student. Read the posted comments for more argument.
Introduction: Author argues that in the educational system, we have student, teacher and administration accountability and best practices/ standards, yet this is a system where parents have zero accountability for the success of their own children. Proposes additional grading system for parents.
Intended audience: Educators
Key Points: While parents have greatest effect on children’s success, it is not practical to grade parenting skills as it would result in extreme tension between educators and parents, at the expense of the students.
Relevance: At the very least this article proves the point as to how preposterous it is, then, to grade teachers on student’s success. If parents are not held responsible for their own children’s learning (or at least be encouraging of the process and goals), and they are the ones who are most influential upon students, than under what reasoning are educators expected to carry the full burden of their success?
http://www.tolerance.org/blog/plan-grade-parents-flunks-out
After reading this article, at first I agree with the idea that teachers should also grade parents. Parents are more important than teachers in students' education. But even if a parent is graded "needs improvement", can teachers really change them to be a good parent? Or, can teachers stop helping students with that kind of parents? It is good for teachers learn more about each student's family situation, because teachers can adjust their teaching methods to different students. While, I think it is not necessary to grade parents. Maybe some parents don't pay attention to their children's academic performance so much, but they are, in some other way, good parents in caring children's other aspects.
ReplyDeleteThis article made me laugh out loud! While I agree that at first the plan to grade parents sounds like it should hold merit... in the end, as teachers, it is not our job. The article points out that teachers must build bridges with parents and families to increase involvement and address issues. While I think it is important to hold parents accountable for the well being of their children, at some point, a line must be drawn. The article states that parents should be evaluated "based on whether their children arrive at school well-rested, well-fed and on time with homework completed." There is already an established route to take if a teacher notices that children are not well fed or appear to be abused. Beyond that, issues with rest, homework, etc. need to be addressed directly with the caregiver via phone call or a face to face meeting. To me, grading parents, while amusing, seems just like a catastrophe waiting to happen.
ReplyDeleteI think that YinYin has a good point that even in the event of a not well rested or high performing student, there is no way to determine if the parents can be identified as "needing improvement". Those parents could be very actively engaged with the kids and teaching themmany other valuable lessons.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Jessica that the idea seems legit, but it opens a new can of worms and would never end well! Isn't this why DHS exists??
Thinking alike - I was going to add that last piece that Tristin pointed out about DHS. A call to DHS is essentially telling a parent they "need improvement". Teachers can build positive rapport with parents and once that is established talk about things they are noticing. For example after that initial building of trust you might say, "I, notice you child comes to class sleepy every day." Just a thought.
ReplyDelete