19
Aug
A Special Education Teacher Asks, “Where Are My Parents at Back-To-School Night?”
Take a look at this special education classroom at a recent back-to-school night. The teacher shared how significant amount of time was spent displaying what the students have worked on and what they will be learning and doing this academic year. And had this question for parents and educators.
What’s been your experience or why do you think more parents don’t attend this important school event?
Let’s hear from parents and educators! Please share your comments below.
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I think that for many parents it may be a challenge to have a child transition from home back to school at night to attend. Or maybe it is difficult for the parent to attend multiple students classrooms.
I personally have a 1st grader with Autism and a 3rd grader with Ectodermal Dysplasias. It can be difficult for us to go out with autistic behaviors and a student that can not sweat.
U will say that I have gone every year to both rooms and simply split our time up. I try my best to help them feel encouraged and proud of their class and projects.
Jennifer, you give us parents who don’t have multiple children in special ed. a glimpse into how much more difficult it is for your family to attend BTSN. Educators reading this should start thinking how to make it easier for families that are in your situation, not only in terms of logistics, but as well as how to help parents and kids transition to BTSN. Sounds like you’re a wonderful advocate for your children. Awesome.
You might be interested in seeing what other parents (closed FB group) are saying on this topic. http://specialneedsinmycity.org/join-facebook-parent-group
Here are some parents’ comments from our parent group on Facebook on this issue of Back-to-School Night in special education.
Comments…
• “That is sad. My husband and I are usually the only parents at back to school night. But at least we always get a lot of one on one time with the teacher. It is SO sad… We crave to have a BTSN like parents of typical children. Seeing classrooms of parents busting at the seams, teachers awkwardly giving their “spiel”… Where are all the parents of special needs students? Why don’t they come to these things?”
• “I honestly don’t know why people don’t show up. At my sons school their goal is one family from each class. We show up and no parents. Sometime I think having a disabled child is used as an excuse. It’s so important for parents to know the teacher. To be aware, to help, to get your child the best. But I challenge everyone to go, get involved , be a solution, be that advocate. Participate!”
• “I went and was happy to see 4 other moms. It is sad, special ed needs more parent involvement.”
• “Our current school is out of touch. Actively advocating for “building the bridge”. I also can’t remember last back to school night invitation. Maybe it’s because none to low attendance so they don’t feel the need to participate?”
• “Personally, we have kids in 3 different districts starting school all in the same week. It’s physically impossible to be at everything for every one, but we are very aware of what goes on in each classroom and forge relationships with each teacher. (We have 8 kids total: 3 are now adults doing life or college and 5 are in high school and younger.)”
• “We always go to BTSN. We love meeting the teacher and finding out what my child does in class. We want her to be proud of her school environment. Not showing up for these things makes it appear that one doesn’t care. It probably is not the case, but it looks that way to a teacher who worked hard to put it together in their class. Being there also shows the teacher that you support their program and you care about your child’s day at school and what happens there. Great way to get questions answered too.”
• “Applause to the teacher who sent this in and wanting to know from us parents…why this is so? Yes, it’s heartbreaking to see this image.
I believe the parents who actively advocate for their children’s educational needs and interests (are on top of their game) do attend (1-2 parents).
And remaining 90% of the parents who don’t attend BTS do care about their children but it may be that many parents find it painful to be reminded that their child is in special ed. And the combination of not knowing what to ask for, not understanding special ed. or their child’s learning challenges, having possibly a language barrier… all add up to a no show. Maybe next year, we work with our schools and parents to have #backtoschoolnightspecialed campaign.”
• “Also many parents are disabled themselves. I know a few.”
• “It is difficult going and hearing the gen ed PE teachers address gen ed parents even though my son who is in the PE class. Stating that it is up to the students to listen to announcements and very little communications come home to parents. How the kids at middle school should be more independent. I always feel like why are we not addressed within the BTSN and many school functions. Why?”
• “I’d also like to add that for me, I talk on the very regular with all of our teachers and have remained friends long after they are our teachers. My daughter brings home a daily report that her and I go over together and comment back and forth to teacher. Touch base phone calls are a regular , especially if I see a consistent issue on dbrs, and I also regularly drop by to pick up after school which shows my daughter the close relationship I have with classroom staff. I don’t know if this is just me but I have to say I have a very personable relationship with teacher and aides and always have.”
• “Some I still tex pictures to or meet up with. I guess because I know they will care to see how my son is doing. They understand too more then some of my friends d”o.
• “This does not surprise me at all, my son’s classes have always looked like this on back to school night. I show up every year because I know very few other parents will.”
• “As a teacher, I rarely get more than one or two parents at back to school night. Typically, I have the same students for three years in a row and am in constant communication with parents, usually a weekly basis, so I don’t think parents really feel the need to go because they already know me and know what to expect. I’ve never attended a btsn for my son because they are always on the same night that I have to be at mine.”
• “That’s awesome that you communicate with your parents and vice versa, but I believe that in the larger interest of how others perceive special ed. BTSN, we need more parents to attend BTSN, even from active parents. When District admins and school staff see/hear higher attendance rates from parents, it’s speaks volumes. If perception is reality, then it’s important for parents to understand that by showing up we are sending a strong message that we too have high standards and expectations for our kids and will be closely involved in our children’s educational experiences just as other parents.”
• “This pic is so upsetting to me. So so sad “