On Children behaving badly: Has it gotten worse?

Posted on May 1 at 12:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I, too, have a child at Van Buren. I was so sad to see the article in the Gazette yesterday. Van Buren is filled with quality, very experienced, and loving teachers. I don't think it is fair for anyone to throw the teachers under the bus as the administration did in the article. The issues are many and are complicated.

As everyone has stated, the majority of the issue stems from what is happening at home. No need to say more on that topic.

Nonetheless, there are children who have emotional and behavioral disorders that have nothing to do with parenting. And, yes, there are specialized classrooms better equipped to manage these children. BUT...there are only a few schools in the district that have them (a result of funding cuts). From what I can gather, it is near impossible to get children into these extremely limited-space classrooms and this is considered as an absolute last resort (legally, schools need to offer children the least restrictive environment for their needs). Incidentally, Van Buren is not one of these schools, so those children need to be sent elsewhere and that is ONLY if a parent consents (which often they don't).

Also, kindergarten is a time of transition for all children. What happens when you increase class sizes and take away almost all sources of added support? What do you do when these kids begin acting out? Expect the regular classroom teacher to spend the day policing a few misbehaved children all day and sacrifice the other children's learning? (This is what is primarily happening.) Assign an aide one-on-one all day (not realistic or even a possibility in the ever-dwindling budget.) Social workers and school psychologists are being spread out over two or more schools whereas they were previously on-site at all times to help step in and manage these types of situations.

I agree this is a parenting issue but it is also very much a political issue, contrary to what some others have stated. This will get worse as long as schools have to take on more with less resources available to them. IT JUST DOESN'T WORK.

And then who gets the blame? The teachers who are trying to do their jobs in the face of all of these factors.....ABSURD!!

We all need to become involved in whatever way we can to turn this around. Educate yourself and VOTE accordingly. Volunteer at a school. Go to school board meetings or help out with the PTA. Get involved in your child's life: find out what happens during your child's school day- talk to your child!; teach your children appropriate behaviors and expecatations at home.

Stepping off my soapbox now...with sincere gratitude to the Van Buren staff who have made school such a wonderful place for my child!!