Five Things Your Child's Middle-School Teachers Want from You

Your child is about to enter middle school, and you are probably as anxious as she is. As a parent, you're used to the procedures and routines that your child has been following in elementary school. They're second nature. Middle school, however, poses an entirely different scenario. For one thing, there are generally six or seven different teachers. You want to be an involved parent -- but not too involved -- after all, your son or daughter must sprout those wings of independence sooner or later.

As a long time middle-school teacher, I can clue you in on some of the things teachers are hoping to get from the parents of their middle-school students.

Background Information

If your son or daughter has a medical condition or another issue, it's vitally important to let each individual teacher know about it. Sure, you may have provided the information to office personnel or the school nurse, but it doesn't always reach teachers in a timely fashion. A teacher doesn't want to find out that Johnny has seizures as he's having one -- she'd much rather be on guard and prepared.

Communication

If you feel there is a problem with a particular teacher, communicate directly with him -- don't automatically run to the principal. Most teachers welcome open lines of communication with parents and look forward to resolving issues. Years ago, a parent of one of my students called the principal and also wrote me a scathing email. She wanted to know why her son was still failing math when she had dropped him off for help every morning before school for two months. Two problems: 1. I didn't know about her plan; 2. The boy had never stepped a foot in my classroom in the morning. Lack of communication can quickly escalate.

Monitoring

At the onset of the year, make sure your child is using her daily planner correctly and is filing all papers into the correct spots in her binder. Model the procedures for her. These may seem like simple tasks, but if they're not mastered, they cause major problems all year long. Once a routine is in place, you can back off. Also spot check your son or daughter's homework assignments throughout the school year.

Progress Checks

Most school districts utilize computerized grading systems that include online progress reports for students and parents to view. Teachers typically update the progress reports once or twice per week. It's important to stay on top of that. If you don't have a computer, use one at the school or public library. Middle-school teachers typically deal with 150 to 200 students each day -- they can't feasibly notify you every time Johnny fails to do an assignment. It's best for you and your child to examine the reports together on a weekly basis.

Letting the Chips Fall Where They May

If your child doesn't hold up his end of the bargain in school, there will be consequences such as poor or even failing grades. I've been in many conferences where parents come in during the last week of the quarter and are desperate for the teacher to "do something" to help the child pass. They want extra credit or something similar. The truth is -- it's just too late. Allow your son or daughter to learn a lesson from his mistakes, put it behind you both, and then move on toward helping him make improvements in the future.

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