I do the other thing, and it doesn't really relate well to the comment, rebuttal, or above reply. But it's my experience, so it's the only data that really matters.
Seriously now: I don't have to, and I must not and will not, talk to anyone claiming to be a student's parent, whether on a phone or otherwise. In order to discuss a student's performance in my class with anyone other than the student or a faculty member in my department, I'll need to have a filled-out FERPA release form, signed by the student and specifically authorizing me to discuss the student's performance with that specific person. I will also need the physical presence of this person and a picture ID documenting that this really is the authorized person. Otherwise, how do I know you really are the parent?
FERPA, for sure! Many of my incomings last year signed FERPA release forms with no problem. But even so, I express the futility of talking with a parent when the parent isn't the one performing. And yes, one-on-one in person always helps.
What!!?? They thought everything would just be hunky-dory if they just get the kids into college?? Are we supposed to just be rubber-stamp credential mills?
At least the dude recognizes that kids need a different set of academic skills than they are currently bringing.
Comment.
ReplyDeleteRebuttal.
ReplyDeleteI do exactly this/do exactly the opposite and I have perfect results.
DeleteI do the other thing, and it doesn't really relate well to the comment, rebuttal, or above reply. But it's my experience, so it's the only data that really matters.
DeleteWait, they're surprised that parents interfere and want to negotiate students' grades? How 'in touch' are these people?
ReplyDeleteThe whole clip (over an hour) is something I'd like to force K-12 teachers to watch.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a link to the entire clip? I'd like to see more.
DeleteIt's here:
Deletehttp://fora.tv/2012/07/01/NBC_News_Education_Nation_Can_Character_Be_Taught
I won't talk on anyone's cell phone aside from mine, because I don't want their dog germs. Eeewww...
ReplyDeleteSeriously now: I don't have to, and I must not and will not, talk to anyone claiming to be a student's parent, whether on a phone or otherwise. In order to discuss a student's performance in my class with anyone other than the student or a faculty member in my department, I'll need to have a filled-out FERPA release form, signed by the student and specifically authorizing me to discuss the student's performance with that specific person. I will also need the physical presence of this person and a picture ID documenting that this really is the authorized person. Otherwise, how do I know you really are the parent?
DeleteFERPA, for sure! Many of my incomings last year signed FERPA release forms with no problem. But even so, I express the futility of talking with a parent when the parent isn't the one performing. And yes, one-on-one in person always helps.
DeleteYES: Character can be taught. My parents did it, whenever I acted like a "character," by smacking me in the head. SMACK! SMACK!!! SMACKSMACKSMACK!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, and shame. Shame worked well for me, too.
DeleteWhat!!?? They thought everything would just be hunky-dory if they just get the kids into college?? Are we supposed to just be rubber-stamp credential mills?
ReplyDeleteAt least the dude recognizes that kids need a different set of academic skills than they are currently bringing.
I like the exchange about moral character vs. performance character, with David Brooks, beginning about 55 minutes into the full video.
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