How to help student when teachers are not teaching
While this is not true for all, but our experience has been that teachers are just not teaching anymore. They use Google classroom, upload assignments, assign work, and tell the kids to get it done, without ever actually teaching the topics to the students. It seems to be a bigger issue now with a child in middle school and she has multiple teachers. I know all the districts are out of money, I know there are teacher shortages everywhere you look. But how do I help my child, when none of her current teachers are doing their part? We got lucky a few times with a few good teachers in previous years, but that is no longer the case. The idea of having to get a tutor is costly, we don't have the luxury of much additional spending money, and it seems frustrating as I feel as though the basics should be getting taught in class. And again, no, this is not pointed at all teachers, but it is becoming a larger problem as I talk to other parents. Yes, we have gone to the teachers, their argument is the same and its that the information can be found in Google classroom. But they actively do not go over the information with the students anymore, nor do they offer support when kids ask questions, they will literally tell my daughter the information can be found when she asks for help, and they expect the kids to teach themselves. How do I help a frustrated student, while being understanding that teachers and districts are up against so much, but yet not having to become the teacher myself?
Parent Replies
I will assume this is not satire and that your concerns are genuine. It sounds to me like the school is not being managed properly. Do other parents agree with you? Can you organize a group to go see the school administration? Can you, as a group, attend school board meetings? I'd make alternate arrangements for your child immediately, but not before making your concerns known to your local politicians, and your US Congressman and Senators. Again, having a group of parents willing to go public will help your case, but it's on you to take action. Good luck.
I don't have a suggestion but wanted to validate your concerns and frustrations. I also don't blame teachers. The situation is even worse if your child is neurodivergent, even with an IEP. I did all the things the first person responding suggested - PTA leadership, wrote letters, and spoke at school board meetings. Organizing parents was harder because parents are overwhelmed, in denial, or things work well enough for their family. It was like a part-time job, and got us absolutely nowhere.