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There is a lot of talk lately about school systems and grading policies, and how all of a child's problems come back to a lack of parenting. But is it really that simple? Can it be a case where the school systems are so focused on the problem few that the majority of students are ignored?
The Times knows of a number of parents who want to be more involved in their children's schooling but who have frequently been denied by the school system.
Parents who want to meet with a teacher on parent/teacher conference days have stated they are denied a meeting because the child is doing fine and all of the teacher's time must be devoted to the students with behavioral issues.
Parents frequently complain that the only times they can see their child's teacher is at PTO meetings or open houses, and then they are vying for the teacher's time with nearly 30 other students' parents.
And many parents tell The Times that they are completely unaware that their child has a learning issue, problems with grades, etc., until they receive a report card and by then it's too late to do anything.
Teachers tell The Times that they are overwhelmed by paperwork, administrative requirements, meetings, and continuing-education requirements.
Their classrooms are overcrowded, their planning time has been cut back, and the time once set aside for parent conferences has been reduced to where teachers can only meet with the parents of a handful of students.
Frustrations abound at all levels in the education system but to say it's all of the parents' fault is misleading. There are parents who may be unable or unwilling to care for their children properly. There are also parents trying to do the right thing but the school system is so overcrowded that there is no avenue for them to ensure their children are receiving the help they need.
What We Think
Parents and schools
- What We Think
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
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Events that get things done
Finding something that repeatedly attracts the public is difficult enough, but finding an event that accomplishes that feat while also promoting your organization and helping others … well, in many places, that’s a rarity.
Not so for the Valdosta area. -
Furloughs: They beat the alternative
As summer break nears, many area education boards have spent the final school days preparing faculty and staff for furloughs for the 2012-13 calendar.
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Getting a jump on hurricane season
Come June 1, the 2012 hurricane season begins and lasts through Nov. 30.
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A few thoughts for new graduates
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
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Video helps veterans
During Thursday night’s Military Officers Association of America meeting, the local chapter shared a video presentation regarding the Community Blueprint program, which is also known as Valdosta Veterans First.
For those unfamiliar with Community Blueprint, Valdosta is one of three cities across the nation selected as a pilot city for the program. -
Happy Mother's Day!
Mother. Mama. Mommy. Ma. Mom. She fed us when we were too small to feed ourselves. She nurtured us, clothed us, cleaned us, protected us.
She helped us form our first words. - More What We Think Headlines
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
