Shoulld I change my daughter's school, 2nd grade. She is the only Black there, been there for 3 yrs. ?

Question

They refuse to challege her and teach her at her level in Read/Spell, but she wants to go back. It has started to stunt her academically... no one played w/ her much last yr. The new school is larger, very few Blacks, yet it has it problems also, so I have heard. HELP !!!

Answer 1

If you're saying that all 3 years of school she hasn't been challenged, then I would recommend changing schools (or listening more openly to what is being said- sometimes parents misunderstand what's really going on).
I'm thinking the people who said race isn't an issue are white. Sometimes we forget that it's different for people of other ethnicities. I once had a student who was the only black boy in the class (in the grade, come to think of it). While he was friends with everyone, I was taken aback by how excited he got when a black boy from another grade was going to stay in our class for the day. He insisted on being the student's helper. His enthusiasm was even greater when he learned that a black boy was transferring into the class. He kept talking about how great it was going to be to have someone who looked like him in the class. What sucks is that the kid lasted for about a week before transferring again. I had no idea how alienated he truly felt until he expressed his enthusiasm. If this student, who was friends with everyone, got so excited at the prospect of another black student, I can only imagine how your daughter would feel having little friends at her school.
Please don't rely solely on a few disgruntled parents about the new school you're thinking about. See for yourself. If you do decide to change schools, express your concerns with your daughter's new teacher. We love the idea of parents wanting us to challenge their students because it gives us an excuse to make it tough and make them think without being criticized for being too hard. :)
What area are you in? I'd love to know more about your area's dynamics.

Answer 2

The school corporation where I teach had only one black child for years. She just graduated. I saw no problems with her interacting with other students. Of course, she was raised in a mixed area and was used to being in the minority anyway. As for the quality of the education and challenging your daughter, you could do a lot of that at home. There are books in the public library that would challenge her. Just talk to the librarians and explain what you need. You can go on line and find worksheets for other subjects that would challenge her. If she wants to return to the school and feels comfortable there I would let her. Just get a good reading program going at home - with both of you reading at the same time. Great example for her!

Answer 3

Would you recommend that blacks move out of the suburbs because taxes are high and suburbs are mostly filled with white people?
If your daughter's race is the problem causing her to be held back, than you have serious issues that you need to have resolved at this school before it affects other children. Otherwise, I would recommend looking at how you are evaluating your daughters condition. Many young girls have a hard time adjusting to the social conditions in school; drama is everywhere. Maybe your daughter is really sharing more negative things about her social experience in order to confide, but leaving out positive things because they are things which she does not need support with? If she wants to go back than she must have some positive sentiment towards it.
ALSO, a bad teacher is one problem, but many times parents are not aware of their childs ability progress nearly as well as a teacher. Maybe your daughter actually is not focused on her education. A teacher will not push her farther than they believe she will go (in order to save her self-esteem at a very critical age) but at the same time want to push her to her potential. It might be beneficial to have a series of conversations with your daughter about her own potential; about how she can succeed, work, and be one of the "smart kids". Join her in her efforts to read and spell; become engaged in her education. A decent teacher will notice when this has happened; the teacher will discover your daughter is motivated and willing to work. (This thirst for education is a teacher's dream.) However, no matter what happens in the school, there is nothing holding you back from taking your daughter's education to the "next level". A child will be successful, even through a bad teacher, if the education is supplemented by an engaged parent. But remember, if this is something that has been a consistent problem across three teachers than it is probably something that your daughter needs to work through herself (with you, of course).
And remember, 2nd grade is still very young for a child. Reading and writing should be the main goals of education at this point, but her attitudes/motivations will change tremendously in the next few years. The right support from a parent is fundamental in education, and this support is what will influence your daughter most in the coming years.
Good luck.

Answer 4

We took our son out of a public school and put him into a private school bc the public school teacher he had was a total witch. He did much better in the private school (no it was not a religious school). It was very expensive but worth it.

Try to address your concerns with her teacher. If that doesn't work go to the Principal. If that doesn't work write a letter to the school board.

Bad teachers are few, but if you get one it's horrible. I had one horrible teacher and so did my son. It can do damage to a child's self-esteem. You don't want to baby the child, but yet you want them to develop confidence.

Also pursue your own supplemental teaching at home - there are plenty of books out there to help you out. Go do a search on home schooling.

You have to trust your instincts and do some talking with your daughter about what she likes and doesn't like about school. Socialization is very important and so is treating all students with courtesy. Make sure that your daughter knows that school is a very positive thing in her life and to smile a lot and play with others and hope the other children do likewise. :)

Answer 5

Did you say she's in 2nd grade and been in the same grade for 3 years now, or did you say she's been in that school for 3 years and had been held back only one year?

I would say she needs tutoring after school. Hire a tutor if you have to. Plus she needs your attention, find the time to teach her at home.

It has nothing to do with her color.
I'd say keep her in that school until she learns.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I would agree with the previous aswer (alfawolfette10). Pursue this with her teacher, principal and school board. All the best for your daughter

Answer 8

regardless of race, that is not acceptable that the school refuses to teach her at her level.

perhaps you should look into other surrounding schools.

Answer 9

i think u should confront the school and tell then what u think. if they still refuse to challenge her ask her if she wants to swap schools

Answer 10

what are you doing at home to help educate your daughter?