After semester report cards came out I got more phone calls from parents than ever before. Most of them just used me as a liaison between them and their child’s teachers and I made connections for them. One of them, after seeing straight F’s on the report card that their child earned, wanted to know what to do to help his son.
What would you suggest? Because, really, this new math they’re doing is stupid. I can’t even do it. You guys are teaching new stuff to the kids all the time and I don’t even KNOW this stuff.
New stuff? I asked. Like what?
Like algebra! Jesus Christ! I can’t do that shit!
Algebra? You didn’t have algebra in school? You didn’t take that particular math class? What’s wrong, do you think maybe it’s too abstract a concept?
Listen to you! Talking abstract and algebra! What the hell are you teaching kids today???
That was one of the better phone calls.
*Edited* Hats off to Joe who caught the spelling error. It was a test. It has now been fixed because it’s bothered me all day.
January 29, 2008 @ 6:46 am | Filed under Education, Entertainment | Permalink |
Elizabeth Said,
January 29, 2008 @ 7:03 am
It seems stunning to me that someone would speak to another person (who they didn’t know) like that over the phone.
*sigh*
Apart from that, it IS a positive thing that this father called in wanting to help his son. That’s definitely a step in the right direction, yes?
Oh, and the word of the day is… fortitude. *hugs*
anonymous Said,
January 29, 2008 @ 7:25 am
You are sounding kind of white, girl. Okay that is offensive, but times have changed. Here in Florida it is only recently that algebra has been required for graduation. Many parents have never had it. Heck, we used to (in the 90’s) graduate all kinds of people who couldn’t read. The (for us down here) relatively new standards are a shock for many parents.
Heather B. Said,
January 29, 2008 @ 9:24 am
Using the phrase “abstract a concept” is considered ‘white’?
Holy shit, I must be the whitest person in the world with all the possibly superfluous words I throw around.
On that note, Kelly, dear, I love that you’re writing about these things because - and purely on a selfish level - it’s good for me to see what things are like on the other side. So thank you for that.
tanilan Said,
January 29, 2008 @ 10:06 am
Praying for you! Sounds like it is really bad.
Amy Said,
January 29, 2008 @ 10:17 am
Sorry your having such a hard time.
I live in Arizona I think our schools rank what 49th out of all 50 states.
In high school I only took one semester of Algerbra, the teachers suggested to my parents that I take consumer math.
Melanie Said,
January 29, 2008 @ 11:32 am
I had pre-algebra in 8th grade, pre-algebra in 9th grade, and had a refresher course in college.. guess what.. still do not understand it… it’s like I am dyslexic numerally (I don’t think thats even a word..)) yet I can do business related math..no problems…Its a good thing hubby can help our children with trig and geometry and algebra ..or they would be hurting…anyway…I am sending loves and hugs to you..
ali Said,
January 29, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
well at least there are parents who want to be involved, and are paying attention, to some extent or another.
Joe Said,
January 29, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
Looks like the new spelling is difficult too…
“this new math their doing is stupid”
But you’re (or your) still adorable!
Daisy Said,
January 29, 2008 @ 3:23 pm
Hugs to you. If you wrote a book, no one would believe half of what’s in it. It would have to be shelved in the fiction dept.
A few years ago a colleague was venting and gave me a phrase I’ve wanted to use on report cards for years: “George is an a****le, much like his father!” No, I’ve never written it. Only in my dreams…
Ask Wifey Said,
January 29, 2008 @ 3:36 pm
Whoa. That’s a little scary. My post today was about my parent/teacher conference, but it was CLEARLY from another world. Hats off to you and all you do.
Big Mike In Oz Said,
January 29, 2008 @ 4:08 pm
Thanks. That’s really a confidence builder for someone who’s 9 months from graduating as a highschool teacher. Where did I put those darn razor blades?
Trishk Said,
January 29, 2008 @ 4:27 pm
In Washington State when I granduated in the late 70’s (1979) algebra was not required. You could take it or pass a standardized math test. That is what I chose because my career choice would not require algebra.
Once my kids were in school taking it, I was in a fix. Thank goodness Not a Grampy took algebra and could help them.
Thank you for being there for the children!!
Tom Said,
January 29, 2008 @ 5:00 pm
When I was a kid Miss Beadle only only taught us our ABC’s and 123’s!
Siobhan Said,
January 29, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
That was C-L-A-S-S-I-C.
With and emphasis on the “ASS”!
Kristin Said,
January 30, 2008 @ 10:46 am
“new math” still doesn’t explain the rest of the “fs” on that kid’s report card!
Missy Said,
January 30, 2008 @ 7:10 pm
It’s report card day here too and I am freaking over the 3 B’s my child got. HOW do you get a B in computer’s I ask. HAHAHA All A’s and a B is the standard around here to live up to. She’s without her electronics right now as a result. Anybody thinks that’s TOO harsh??
Also love love the pic up there of you in the blue ruffley shirt. Had 1 just like it in purple. COOLEST shirt EVER.
Also had to have a conference when DD took Algebra last year. I had to explain that I’d love to help DD but she was smarter than me. They laughed.
And it’s ok to to “curse” in your mind while on the phone with those parents.