I just found out some stuff that happened at my kids school. It perked my interest and I even went to the PIN (Parent input night) after scouts tonight. I listened to everyone and I even made a few comments. I don't really do things like this, but this time I just couldn't do or say nothing. It involved a student that has an IEP (Individual Education Plan) and the Honor Roll. This will probably never affect me directly, but I love our school. I love how much my children are learning, I love the environment, I love how involved all the parents are, and I love the uniforms. However, in August when I'm buying them, I will revoke that last phrase. :)
It's a quarter to midnight, now and my hands are still shaking because I wrote a letter to the principle and emailed it with my thoughts and feelings on the subject. I even asked her to share my email with the other members of the site council that will be voting on this. I am so nervous. I just put myself out there, but I guess it has to happen sometime and now I'm going to put it out there for you to read, too. Wow, I'm getting Bold. I must be growing up. :)
Here's what I wrote:
Dear Mrs. (Principal),
I came home from PIN meeting tonight and a million thoughts are running through my head. You are more than likely still down at the school discussing this and I hope that you get some sleep tonight, but I wrote some thoughts down that I wanted to be heard.
After thinking about this, I believe that the standard needs to be the same for all. The gifted child gets an A, A+, the average child gets an A, A+, the child with an IEP gets an A, A+, they should all be rewarded accordingly because they have each worked to get those grades. Whether it came easy or whether they had to work hard should not be the issue. Everyone is different and we Cannot grade on that. The gifted children will be the Valedictorians and the Salutatorians. Others will be on the Honor Roll and the Principals Honor Roll and they should be rewarded or honored by what grade they received because it is the one that they deserve.
If the goal of the IEP is to get that child up to the standard, then it needs to be evaluated often and changed so that it is meeting its goal. For the rare child that has met or exceeded their IEP, that child should be honored accordingly.
In terms of do the other children know? Of course, they do. They talk, they point, they recognize, they follow our example. Instead of saying, "Well honey, it's not fair, but they have special needs," Let's use this opportunity to teach our children morals. Let's teach them to be the outstanding individuals that we all want each of our children to be.
The bar has already been set high. Let us reward our children who reach it.
Sincerely,
(me)
So, I guess we shall see....
What do you think? Did I sound ok or am I in trouble?I think that it sounds good, but I am taking a huge step outside my comfort zone....
and my hands ar still shaking.....
4 comments:
I think you worded it well and made a very valid point. I get so tired of the entitlements and placating the education system does sometimes. It is truly not fair for those who do work really hard. Anyway, I may not make sense but you did! Good job!!
I think you've made some great points in your letter. It's good to speak up when you feel strongly and you've done that in a positive way. I remember having similar discussions over 20 years ago in a teacher's meeting. There are several sides to this story and in my opinion, more than one point of view is right.
You go Nan!! Love ya!
Great job, Nancy! It's important for us to voice our opinions about important matters and you did it well!
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