Schools closed until March/April? (part 4) **Mod warning in OP 22/01**

wirelessdude01

jrosen wrote: »

I do think overall there is a big improvement on last time. It’s unfortunate to see some students getting the bare minimum. It’s not really ok, but I doubt anything will be done. The inconsistency in some schools really is mind boggling. I would have thought a school principal would have wanted all students to have the same supports and on line interactions. A collaborative approach in a school should not be that difficult to arrange.

We started of really well. Work load has reduced. Primary child less than an hour a day all this week. Secondary is predominantly revision work. Very little new material covered this week. At this stage I’ve mentally written of this school year. My kids are bright and won’t suffer academically but I believe many children will.

What year is the secondary child in?

jrosen

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

What year is the secondary child in?

3rd

Str8outtaWuhan

The neighbours' eldest is doing the LC and he says their teachers are ploughing ahead with the course, have been told by principal that what is done now won't be repeated . My crew are getting way too much , the primary school totally going to opposite extreme compared to how bad they were last April May June. We have told the kids teachers we will focus on reading, writing, maths and science that is it, no feckin joe wicks or Gaelige.

We have one lad with AN and I can see the lack of school routine is affecting him badly. We can sort his academics, but its everything else that a school offers that we can't replicate.

Interestingly talking to a few teacher friends they say that the auld Irish is taking a big hit in terms of parents priorities.

teachinggal123

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

Well to me it would appear that something has either happened in the teachers home, family or life to cause such a row back. They obviously started with great intentions but it would appear that their circumstances have changed. Maybe cut them some slack and see if it improves over the coming week

And what would you advise if the situation doesn't improve?

Contacting the school/principal/teacher/BOM doesn't seem to be very effective?

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

As regards differing standards from teachers, this is the issue when the department doesn't do their job and create a centralised framework so that there is a somewhat uniform approach.

Like when the department had a centralised framework for going back to school after Christmas? And when they said the schools were safe?

But then the teachers unions disagreed?

How did that centralised framework work out?

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

What you have described above isn't ideal but I would be inclined if possible to think beyond what is occurring and ask why it has changed?

"Isn't ideal' but put the teacher foremost in your thoughts. Right.

And the teachers here complain about teacher bashing! Sheesh!

Locotastic

Str8outtaWuhan wrote: »

Interestingly talking to a few teacher friends they say that the auld Irish is taking a big hit in terms of parents priorities.

It shouldn't even be part of the curriculum any more never mind an exam subject so I can see why that happening. And that coming from someone who is familiar with it and would have no trouble helping with it.

Time is much better spent doing foreign languages if the student is taking one.

Imagine all the poor gaelscoil parents!

wirelessdude01

Str8outtaWuhan wrote: »

The neighbours' eldest is doing the LC and he says their teachers are ploughing ahead with the course, have been told by principal that what is done now won't be repeated . My crew are getting way too much , the primary school totally going to opposite extreme compared to how bad they were last April May June. We have told the kids teachers we will focus on reading, writing, maths and science that is it, no feckin joe wicks or Gaelige.

We have one lad with AN and I can see the lack of school routine is affecting him badly. We can sort his academics, but its everything else that a school offers that we can't replicate.

Interestingly talking to a few teacher friends they say that the auld Irish is taking a big hit in terms of parents priorities.

Yet when Gaeilge isn't up to scratch for secondary guess where the finger will be pointed?

My Mrs has had parents complaint that they can't help their kids with Irish. When she was telling me I was like "Will the same parents say they know nothing when it is Spanish/French/German" at secondary level? Will they hell.

Locotastic

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

Yet when Gaeilge isn't up to scratch for secondary guess where the finger will be pointed?

It's not up to the parents to teach a dying language just because it's on a school curriculum.

That is a teachers job, to teach the curriculum. That is literally what teachers are employed to do, teach the curriculum laid out by the department.

Deeec

helpful wrote: »

I would say that there could be other things going on for that particular teacher. Sounds like they had no problem at the start and it’s only the last week where things have collapsed. I would be interested to see if things improve again if this heads into March. I would cut everyone a bit of slack especially if they were engaged originally. Maybe they or a loved one has become ill with covid or something? Maybe doing videos just was not working for them in regards to childcare or internet connection? Not making excuses but jumping to sanctions with only half the story doesn’t seem like the responsible thing to do.
In this scenario I would say we’re lucky to have 2 of each grade so if something was to happen to me the other teacher could take over and do both classes for a few days? I’m not sure what the procedure is with subs at the moment? I imagine it’s hard to find a sub willing and capable of taking a class online.
If this didn’t improve however and there are serious concerns I would say contact the BOM but hopefully the teacher is able to resume their duties the way they were the first two weeks.

We could also chop off their head which I’m sure would make you much happier

I wouldn't mind if it was just for a week or 2 but it was said she is not doing videos for the duration of school closure Shes older and doesn't have small children so that's not an issue. I think lack of IT knowledge is the issue. The videos were not live -they were prerecorded and roughly 5 minutes in duration. I would have hoped the principal would have either forced her to do it or come up with an alternative ( maybe another teacher do the videos). Nothing has been offered though. It's just added more pressure to us parents.

teachinggal123

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

We all know your attitude towards Irish. You've displayed it on here for long enough. Maybe rather than disparaging the language, you'd be better served to keep your fringe out of your eyes.

Maybe instead of deflecting you’d be better served answering the main point he was making about teachers being responsible for teaching the curriculum?

wirelessdude01

Deeec wrote: »

I wouldn't mind if it was just for a week or 2 but it was said she is not doing videos for the duration of school closure Shes older and doesn't have small children so that's not an issue. I think lack of IT knowledge is the issue. The videos were not live -they were prerecorded and roughly 5 minutes in duration. I would have hoped the principal would have either forced her to do it or come up with an alternative ( maybe another teacher do the videos). Nothing has been offered though. It's just added more pressure to us parents.

What platform had the teacher been using?

Locotastic

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

We all know your attitude towards Irish. You've displayed it on here for long enough. Maybe rather than disparaging the language, you'd be better served to keep your fringe out of your eyes.

Well I've never posted my thoughts on Irish before so how do "We" know what my attitude is that I've apparently displayed before?

I can see why it's not a priority for parents as its seen as a waste of time and unimportant compared to other subjects that have real world value.

wirelessdude01

Locotastic wrote: »

I can see why it's not a priority for parents as its seen as a waste of time and unimportant compared to other subjects that have real world value.

As I said, compulsory for the vast majority so isn't it best to just get on with it and put the best foot forward.

helpful

Deeec wrote: »

I wouldn't mind if it was just for a week or 2 but it was said she is not doing videos for the duration of school closure Shes older and doesn't have small children so that's not an issue. I think lack of IT knowledge is the issue. The videos were not live -they were prerecorded and roughly 5 minutes in duration. I would have hoped the principal would have either forced her to do it or come up with an alternative ( maybe another teacher do the videos). Nothing has been offered though. It's just added more pressure to us parents.

Gosh that sounds pretty bad alright if it will be for the duration. Circumstances have obviously changed in this teachers home life. That’s obviously not an excuse to not teach or correct and as you have said the other teacher could maybe send videos. I know of a few schools who have done a joint grade approach to lessen the planning something that could be done in this situation.
I feel sorry for all involved really but children will catch up in no time and hopefully they’ll be back in schools soon

Ten of Swords

Thread has gone off topic and I'm reviewing recent posts.

Back on topic please and stop discussing other posters or I'll close the thread while I review it

Locotastic

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

As I said, compulsory for the vast majority so isn't it best to just get on with it and put the best foot forward.

Not up to the parents to teach Irish to your students.

That's your job.

helpful

teachinggal123 wrote: »

Maybe instead of deflecting you’d be better served answering the main point he was making about teachers being responsible for teaching the curriculum?

I think the original point about Irish was that it was being taught by the teacher but the parents weren’t willing to do it at home. Hardly the fault of the class teacher and you can’t exactly say that they weren’t teaching the curriculum.
I know many parents who aren’t engaging in the Irish work at home which is their choice completely, it’s their view that Irish isn’t important. That’s nothing to do with the teacher

helpful

teachinggal123 wrote: »

Not at all. Life happens to all of us.

But there are teachers I personally I know who are doing as little as possible. They are doing this because they can get away with it and they know the unions will tacitly support them.

I know guards and nurses and financial advisors and accountants that are doing the least amount of work possible with years and I’m sure they’ll continue to get away with it too.

Deeec

khalessi wrote: »

Can I ask what class they are.

It is obvious that you have all spoke to the principal who would also look a the planning prep and correction carried out by this teacher. Some people are not cut out for teaching on Zoom, it is not a stop gap for school. I do think you should continue to upload the work regardless of whether answers are provided as he/she needs to see it.

I have to do videos next week and I am also dealing with a death in the family and a funeral and trying to catch up on my kids work and the days are long enough as it is.

Teachers are not robots and a little bit of empathy on this thread and irl would not go amiss.

Has anyone suggested the teacher attach videos to teach the methodologies? There are plenty available from CJ Fallon, YouTube, Khan Academy to name a few.

No one know what stress the teacher is under.

The kids are in snr infants and 4th class. She wasn't doing classes on zoom just short prerecorded videos. That's a good idea re the videos from other sources. I don't feel parents should have to suggest solutions though - that's the schools job!

I would empathise if we knew there was an issue and she needed a break. We haven't been made aware of anything. It just feels like the kids are missing out.

wirelessdude01

Locotastic wrote: »

Not up to the parents to teach Irish to your students.

That's your job.

Where did I say it wasn't?

Deeec

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

What platform had the teacher been using?

She was using dojo.

wirelessdude01

Deeec wrote: »

She was using dojo.

Don't use.it.myself but perhaps it has a 5min limit on audio/video clips. I believe Seesaw has a similar limitation unless you pay to upgrade.

helpful

Deeec wrote: »

The kids are in snr infants and 4th class. She wasn't doing classes on zoom just short prerecorded videos. That's a good idea re the videos from other sources. I don't feel parents should have to suggest solutions though - that's the schools job!

I would empathise if we knew there was an issue and she needed a break. We haven't been made aware of anything. It just feels like the kids are missing out.

I agree with your point but schools are hardly going to tell parents the teachers private business. It wouldn’t be right.

teachinggal123

helpful wrote: »

I know guards and nurses and financial advisors and accountants that are doing the least amount of work possible with years and I’m sure they’ll continue to get away with it too.

You should definitely post that on a thread about accountants ... maybe the business and accountancy forum? As opposed to a thread about schools and teachers.

helpful

teachinggal123 wrote: »

You should definitely post that on a thread about accountants. As opposed to a thread about schools and teachers.

Funnily enough there’s not many threads about the work accountants do and their performance working from home. I will of course note your suggestion though
GRMA

deiseindublin

teachinggal123 wrote: »

You should definitely post that on a thread about accountants. As opposed to a thread about schools and teachers.

I thought this was a thread about school reopening.

teachinggal123

helpful wrote: »

Funnily enough there’s not many threads about the work accountants do and their performance working from home.

Maybe you could start one as you seem to have an interest? Again, I recommend the business and accounting forums.

Deeec

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

Don't use.it.myself but perhaps it has a 5min limit on audio/video clips. I believe Seesaw has a similar limitation unless you pay to upgrade.

The videos she was doing was only about 5 mins. The other teacher is doing slightly longer videos so there doesn't seem to be limited duration. I think she was possibly finding the whole IT side of things hard. Anyway I it looks like us parents are just going to have to deal with the situation as best we can.

Deeec

helpful wrote: »

I agree with your point but schools are hardly going to tell parents the teachers private business. It wouldn’t be right.

I know that but if she has personal issues surely she should take leave and another teacher should step in. The kids shouldn't suffer.

wirelessdude01

Deeec wrote: »

The videos she was doing was only about 5 mins. The other teacher is doing slightly longer videos so there doesn't seem to be limited duration. I think she was possibly finding the whole IT side of things hard. Anyway I it looks like us parents are just going to have to deal with the situation as best we can.

Not a great situation but hopefully we are back in the physical school building sooner rather than later.

helpful

teachinggal123 wrote: »

Maybe you could start one as you seem to have an interest? Again, I recommend the business and accounting forums.

I don’t think it would gain traction the way that threads about teachers do.
People, myself included don’t feel that we understand what accountants do and in turn that makes it hard to bash the profession.
Teachers on the other hand sure everyone that has stepped into a primary school thinks they could be a teacher. I’m sure you found it more challenging than you initially thought it would be.
I’m happy to say I don’t know any teacher not trying their best and hoping to be back in school ASAP