have you ever heard of a child being transfered to a different teacher during the school year?

Question

my child is failing first grade reading even with tutoring and daily help from me. her current teacher is pushing me to put her on medication for add, but i don't fell this necessary because she is passing all other subjects. the teacher is known to be impatient with her students and is sending nasty notes home to me

Answer 1

Yes, a child can certainly be transferred to a different teacher during the school year for a variety of reasons. It would basically be because they are not a good fit for the class due to the child being too advanced or too far behind or perhaps some behavioral issue. There are several things to consider here.
1. You should research ADD. You will find that what the teacher is saying doesn't make sense. ADD does not suddenly display in one class and none of the others. You would notice tell tale symptoms in other areas of the child's life although the ADD could be more pronounced either at home or at school.
2. Whenever your child has issues at school -- whatever the reason, you should schedule a conference whether by phone or in person with the teacher. If you don't feel you are getting satisfaction there, or if the teacher seems to be the problem (as in this case) schedule a meeting with the principle asap. Perhaps they've had other complaints about this teacher. You should bring the notes with you.
3. There are too many educators and others who deal with children that want to categorize kids they can't or won't deal with. This is outside of the teacher's area of expertise. Have your child properly evaluated and try to objectively list the symptoms (which you'll only know after research) There is a lot of room for overlap and confusion with these symptoms (for example, some of the symptoms are the same as those from depression).
4. Medication alone is not the only treatment for ADD. It often calls for behavioral modification therapy as well.

An excellent book on this subject is Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with ADD from childhood through adulthood by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey.

Remember knowledge is power!
Good luck.

Answer 2

In first grade do they have different teachers for different subjects? I did not think they did. If she is doing well with the other subjects and it is the same teacher for all or most of them. Then it is not the teacher. That said, if you are going to switch her, now is a good time. It is early enough in the year that she can still make friends in her new class. ADD medication should be a last resort. When everything else has been tried and all testa have shown she has the disease. Sometimes ADD can be recktofied by simply changing the child's diet. Get rid of refined sugars and dyes and processed foods. Replace Koolaid with fruit juice and lots of water. Add lots of greens. Good for you for standing up for your child. I think you should take those nasty notes into the Principal. That is terrible. There is no reason for nastiness when it comes to dealing with children. Good luck!

Answer 3

Since your child is not doing well in this class anyways, what is the problem? Maybe, someone else will be a better teacher for her. If ADD is a possibility, consult your pediatrician. Also, see what happens in the new class setting.

Students learn in different ways (auditory, visual, kinesthetic). Maybe, this teacher has not been teaching to your child's learning type, or maybe, she is bored and not being challenged. Try the new teacher. What harm can it do??

Answer 4

I would have a meeting with the school's principal, the teacher, and guidance counselor. Then have your child tested for ADD, I wouldnt just automatically put my child on medication. You can also seek action against the teacher for saying that your child needs medication, I am a current teacher and I know that teachers who have said that, were reprimanded.

Answer 5

It can be very hard to transfer classes after the first week of school or so. The principal would probably need an extremely good reason (in his or her opinion) to move your child. Start discussing your concerns with the principal as soon as possible because the sooner you take action, the better. The longer your daughter stays in that classroom, the more likely it is to be permanent.

Answer 6

No matter what I would transfer your child out of that class. Apparently that teacher has problem no matter what the outcome of your child's learning problem. Drugs are not always the answer, and I would ask that teacher where she got her medical degree to even suggest drugs.

Answer 7

The only person who should suggest medication for your daughter is her pediatrician. Save all the letters and make copies. Give the copies to the principal and let her know your frustrations with this teacher. You also might want to have your daughters eyes checked and her hearing. It is your right to move your daughter to another class.

Answer 8

go get ur child tested for ADD and if the teacher was right then u can fix the problem and if the teacher was wrong u can rub it in her face!