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07.22.08, 19:41 PM General Topics
22 replies
Would you say anything to the administration if your dc's English teacher (middle school, NYC private) fairly often gave incorrect word definitions for students in her class to learn (for tests later). Some of the defs are moderately off, but for some she gives an almost opposite definition. Imagine, for example if your 7th or 8th grader came home with a def of "calm" (written out by the teacher) as a supposed def of "brusque." Seems like maybe 4% of her words have wrong defs and she assigns lots of vocab for the kids to learn, then gives exams which are multiple choice, match the word to (teacher's) definition. Kids need to answer wrong to get the credit, and those who know it is wrong are afraid to say anything. This is a 3rd/4th tier (according to UB) but they have plans to improve, are building the school in various ways. [ Reply | Watch | Flag ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 07:41 PM Flag
 

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Yes, I would say something [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 07:43 PM Flag
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absolutely - teacher competency is something you should expect at any private school! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 07:44 PM Flag
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ANY school, public or private [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 07:46 PM Flag
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point taken! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 07:53 PM Flag
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I would definitely say something, first to the teacher and if that doesn't work, talk to her supervisor. Is she a good teacher otherwise or are there other issues as well? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 07:45 PM Flag
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I think it is an issue that the kids are not comfortable telling her the definition seems wrong. There are other issues too. She prides herself on being strict and "no nonsense" but she is really more rigid than anything else. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 07:55 PM Flag
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why wouldn't you? no brainer. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 07:45 PM Flag
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Curious why you wouldn't say anything? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 07:46 PM Flag
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I am wondering how to approach it. The situation is delicate and she seems to be influential in the school, and quite the "politician." To be honest the school seems to operate that way, with relationships among staff taking precedence over issues of quality and competence. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 07:50 PM Flag
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Is this a well known school?? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 07:53 PM Flag
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you know the name [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 07:56 PM Flag
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if you are in nyc that is [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 07:56 PM Flag
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bizarro. Definitely bring examples to the head of the school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 07:59 PM Flag
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Do you have written examples of her giving the wrong definitions? If so, I would collect them and pass them on to administration with a note, perhaps saying something nice about the teacher as well but saying you are disturbed by the incorrect definitions and wonder what you should do [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 07:54 PM Flag
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it is on the final, two such words [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 07:55 PM Flag
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Assuming since the school year is over and your child is no longer her student, could you email her? Okay, maybe a tad passive, but at least you could help out next year's class. Nothing you can do about her discipline policy, but teaching incorrect info is worth mentioning. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 08:01 PM Flag
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I did email her, pointed out one of the words. She said she would tell the students the correct def and then did not. I have heard reports of this from others, that the head of the division was told. Nothing has been done. The head of the division thinks people are "picking on" this teacher bc there have been an above avg number of complaints. Have heard the division head has some personal stuff going on in her life, and looks like the two hang out, and the relationship has crossed a boundary where the div head is no longer supervising this teacher. Of course this is all hearsay but I know from direct exp about the word defs, and I heard about it from another parent last yr. I am thinking of going to the head of the school. I think he likes this teacher as well though bc she comes from a prestigious school and looks good "on paper" which seems to be a high priority at the school these days. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 08:06 PM Flag
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he likes this English teacher too. She has impressive credentials. reply got cut off sorry. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 08:07 PM Flag
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funny how the credentials seem more important than the everyday teaching within her class [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 08:08 PM Flag
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Well, it seems like you are doing what you can. Just make sure your kid knows the correct defs. You know, kids learn from having bad teachers, just like adults learn how to handle bad bosses. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 08:10 PM Flag
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OP here, ITTTA [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.22.08, 08:16 PM Flag
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E-mail is not the best way to accomplish things--it's too informal to be effective. At least write a letter--it's better to see administration in person at this point, I think. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.23.08, 05:30 AM Flag
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