Comments on: I Support My School My Way, I’m a Parent Advocate

By: Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:40:42 +0000

Thanks for the comments everyone. As you all know, even teachers get resistance from schools, so asking for change is not anti-teacher. Asking for change is pro-children which is all that I want to be about.

By: Hallie Doyle

Hallie Doyle — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 05:22:40 +0000

I grew up with the philosophy that “the teacher is always right” until I saw my mom and dad justly advocate for my twin sister when her teacher was unjust. I waited around with the “teacher is right” mantra MUCH too long with my son, and it’s my biggest regret. One of my proudest moments (a biggy for one who doesn’t like to make waves) was when I spoke up at a VERY unsatisfying conference, “Ladies, Mama Bear has returned, and I am very upset about what is going on.” I was polite and bold. I also shared research to back up what I expected. Thank you for your thoughts!

By: Angela

Angela — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:49:11 +0000

Great post, Melissa, and great resources and support for all us parents wanting the best for our children. You bring strength and empowerment to us all for what we believe is right for our child.

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:35:49 +0000

Kudos to you, Melissa! You are your child’s biggest advocate and your voice is important. Parental involvement is paramount to the success of the child and I applaud you for standing up and speaking your mind.

By: Amy G

Amy G — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:06:02 +0000

I”m sorry to hear about this experience with your local school. From the details you provided, I honestly believe this is a rare case. I would love to have a parent like you at our school.

By: Claudette Lindquist

Claudette Lindquist — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 03:03:55 +0000

You are 100% right, and I am so sad to say I had a very similar experience with my dyslexic ADHD child 20 years ago! I can not believe schools have not gained better understanding in all this time! I was “that mom” until I took him out of the system, but when I did I had a meeting with the principal, the special ed teacher (who was not the right fit for the age group) and the district psychologist–and made sure it was on record as to how not only did they not help my child but likely hurt his positive attitude about school. I also discussed (with all to witness) the inappropriate attitude of the special ed teacher who felt adhd children should be drugged into submission! The medication is to help a child function at the same level as any child of their age–not a zombie! As an Early Childhood Educator/administrator I try to set parents on the Advocacy road early on, it is the only way we change schools. Keep it up!!

By: sarah

sarah — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 01:01:49 +0000

You go, girl!!!!

By: Tiny Reader

Tiny Reader — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:06:32 +0000

I work as a consultant, training teachers and administrators how to teach using a workshop approach. To me, my mission is to advocate for children– every child deserves access to the best, most up-to-date, state of the art curriculum. I can DEFINITELY relate to the resistance that you probably met as a parent. Some schools can be extremely difficult places to advocate for change (even when they hire my organization to come in and do just that!). But not all schools are so resistant– in fact, after eight years working in schools all over the country my experience has been that very few schools are hostile. There may just be a few very powerful negative voices, but they usually do not reflect what the majority of teachers actually think. Most genuinely want to do what’s best for kids and families, and not just whatever is easiest for the adults in the building. I have never met a teacher who was against workshop teaching once she (or he) understood it. Where there is resistance there is usually a lack of knowledge/support/training, and people feel threatened when they are asked to change to something they don’t know much about. Good luck advocating for your child – and don’t give up!