Is there such a thing as college for grown-ups?

[HouseofWool]

I think Andrew and Amanda are different cases and legitimately need a bit more hand holding than other kids. *shrug*. Caleb's neuro deficiencies do not manifest in organization so I see no reason to coddle him in this respect. I really don't remember having my parents sign a homework log when I was his age, or ever for that matter. I fully agree that this coming generation has rarely had to do for themselves and adulthood will be a real shock for them. I don't see that my place as a parent is to prevent problems for my kids, but rather to teach them how to be successful adults.

I will say that at 10 Caleb still has a hard time getting himself organized for long term projects and I have helped him with dioramas (because building a fucking teepee out of twigs and paper bags doesn't really teach a whole lot of useful skills), but mostly, it is reminding him of the deadlines and then letting him sink or swim. His choice.

[DCJenn]

Nikolai wrote on the homework journal "my mother never signs." To which I replied, "you can tell Mrs. M and Mrs. R that I've done my 4th grade homework. When I was in 4th grade." I told him that if he wants the homework journal completed, he can do it himself.

I'm not sure I understand the point of the homework journal as isn't it self-evident whether the homework is being done or not?

J.

[PrincessFiona]

I am a reformed non-signer. Then I found out that the kids got in trouble for non-signatures and that there was a lot of peer pressure around having your parents sign. Kids actually get their names on the board here if they didn't have their parents sign. Aidan (grade 4) is my super-organized kid. He brings me his planners, etc right when he gets home to make sure that I sign and also reprimands Zoe and reminds her to get it done. He would feel terrible if I didn't do this for him because it is a 'rule' at school. I have relented because I don't wan to hurt him.

Kris

[HouseofWool]

I am a reformed non-signer. Then I found out that the kids got in trouble for non-signatures and that there was a lot of peer pressure around having your parents sign. Kids actually get their names on the board here if they didn't have their parents sign. Aidan (grade 4) is my super-organized kid. He brings me his planners, etc right when he gets home to make sure that I sign and also reprimands Zoe and reminds her to get it done. He would feel terrible if I didn't do this for him because it is a 'rule' at school. I have relented because I don't wan to hurt him.

Kris

Yep - I am signing the damn log this year. Caleb came to me in tears about it because he is so worried about getting into trouble for not having it signed. I did tell him that I will not ask for it and if he wants it signed he needs to bring it to me. I am NOT seeking it out. But I put my foot down about the reading log. Holy carp - I asked my parents if they will buy him an e-reader of some kind for his birthday in November because the kid is always running out of reading material after the library is closed. I need to have access to something or he drives me crazy.

[Vanquisher]

I'm a non signer. Lexi told me that this year no one signs them. Hmmm. Whatever. As long as she's not getting in trouble for it, and I don't have to sign shit every night, all is cool. At the beginning of the year, I typically tell the teacher that I don't sign reading logs or binders. My kids know that if they need something signed, they are responsible for bringing it to me ready to go.

I would be infuriated if my kid got in trouble or got their name on the board for that. I don't understand when the "sign every piece of paper that your kid acquires" came in vogue, but it's crap.

[diggitydot]

Is there such a thing as college for grown-ups?

They're trying to make sure that kids show shit to their parents.

Every kid says, "Yup, I showed them!" Then when the times comes for mom/dad/guardian to do something from that sheet, they hear from mom/dad/guardian, "Really? I never saw that paper!"

Teachers make parents sign endless shit to minimize some of that poor communication between parents and students. What educators fail to understand is that not seeing something is no worse than people not paying as much or as close of attention because they have to sign 87,654,567,888,754,246 forms beginning on the first day of school and never. fucking. ending.

[DCJenn]

I posted my query to the 4th grade parents group on FB and responses ranged from "there's something I'm supposed to sign?" to "I wish they had more homework." So, I'm not too worried about it. I actually have no idea what the kid is reading- he reads everything. I told him to start writing it down so he can write it into the stupid reading log. I know the log is to force the kids who don't read into reading but...that's not a problem in this house. Getting him to stop reading and turn out his lights is the problem here.

J.

[Deebs]

So far, the teachers we've experienced here are all about personal responsibility. For reading logs, etc, they are to be done by the kids completely. My second grader's teacher told us at open house that if we want our kids to have more homework, she could provide it on an individual basis, but that generally, kids need to read and have math facts studied and reinforced because research shows that kids don't learn more through traditional homework. She doesn't care if studying happens via flash cards, computer program, app, etc. She isn't a big believer in homework, but said some parents just love for their kids to have it. Not me, so we'll just be studying here. I'm so happy!

[alotofyarn]

Somewhat related to this thread: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wait-b...usaolp00000009

As a professor, I wish it was as easy as "they don't show up or do the work, they fail", but sometimes it's easier to spell out ridiculous criteria and requirements for passing, because when (not if) they show up at your door or e-mail whining that they didn't pass, threatening to go to the dean, etc., it involves all kinds of added ridiculous headaches.

[spotty_dog]

Funny, I also thought of this thread when I read that article yesterday.

This thread, and that article, also remind me of this other article I reference frequently: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB117702894815776259.html

[DrBandMe]

Seems that most of this signing papers, signing in, participation scores and the like are all a way (and all to often a necessity) for the teachers and profs to CYA. What astounds me more are the number of parents that call into their adult children's jobs to check in on them, follow up on interviews, or complain about a write up. The first time I received a call from a mother confirming her son's interview time I sat at my desk with my jaw hanging open. Unbelievable.

[BonBon]

Update: a woman younger than me, but older than the average student missed class, so yesterday she brought in a *note*. (Gag!) Well, the note was not accepted because it's not the original, so she has to bring in the original along with the copy. (WTF...) Also, attendance was taken, then the attendance sheet was passed to be signed, so dual attendance taken. (WTF...)

And you need to ask if you want to leave to use the rest room.

I'm feeling like Hermione raising my hand all the fricking time in pursuit of my participation points. I need to be done. I am turning into the crustiest, crabbiest, curmudgeonly old bitch.

[L.Jane]

Update: a woman younger than me, but older than the average student missed class, so yesterday she brought in a *note*. (Gag!) Well, the note was not accepted because it's not the original, so she has to bring in the original along with the copy. (WTF...) Also, attendance was taken, then the attendance sheet was passed to be signed, so dual attendance taken. (WTF...)

And you need to ask if you want to leave to use the rest room.



I'm feeling like Hermione raising my hand all the fricking time in pursuit of my participation points. I need to be done. I am turning into the crustiest, crabbiest, curmudgeonly old bitch.

Im sorry, but that is just ridiculous. Even my third graders didnt have to ask to go to the bathroom. This professor has serious control issues and it has nothing to do with the actual teaching

[Ladybug]

Weird. I can't believe the professors care that much. Pass, fail, whatever. This isn't prep school. They get your money no matter what.

[DCJenn]

Maybe you should point out to the professor that their tenure is not going to be based on whether you had to ask permission to use the bathroom, but their NOT getting tenure might be.

J.