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AIBU?

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AIBU about this teacher? Possibly longest post ever on MN.

69 replies

VikingVagine · 17/11/2013 12:10

Disclaimer: we live in France and this is very long.

11yo DS is severely dyslexic and has always struggled at school. Last year, after being diagnosed by a neurologist who specialises in everything dys, we decided to put DS in a private school (several reasons, old school not catering for dyslexic pupils, new school right next to our place of work, and a couple of other less relevant things).

After putting together a file with information from the neurologist, a speech therapist and a psychologist, we talked with his (then new teacher) about how best to accommodate his dyslexia without putting anyone else out. The year went really well, teacher did photocopies for DS who just had to fill in the blanks as she taught (rather than have to write pages of lessons), she had him sitting at the front so she could make sure he stayed focused, and when it came to tests he was allowed ten minutes extra at the end (all things which are recommended for dyslexic children).

DS evolved over the year, going from not enjoying school to looking forward to the end of the holidays. His psychologist and speech therapist both said that he had made excellent progress.

This year, new class, new teacher (same school, last year of primary).

Parents evening at the beginning of term, alarm bells start ringing. Amongst other things she says she doesn't really know what she's going to be doing with the children over the year, she'll see how things go. Also, if the kids stop paying attention after an hour or so, it doesn't matter, they can turn to their neighbour for a chat; after all, children can't be expected to stay concentrated for long. It's her first year as a teacher, she loves kids, got four of her own so she's sure it'll be fine.

Obviously everyone has to start somewhere, all teachers are new teachers at first.

Since the meeting, a couple of incidents.

After about a month, we got a note in DS's correspondence book (a kind of notebook that all French pupils have as a way of communicating between parents and the school) saying that DS hadn't been doing all his homework. This is the first we've heard of it, so we go through all of DS's books and low and behold, little comments from the teacher saying about things not being done. We are in part responsible as we know DS well enough to know better. However we had been scrupulously looking at his homework diary every day and doing what was written, plus some extra for good measure and we'd been checking his correspondence book to check for other info, but there hadn't been anything in it. So we made an appointment to see the teacher, turns out DS frequently didn't have time to write down the homework, and having a mind like a sieve he'd forget it the second he was out of the school gate. We agreed that either the teacher would write up his homework, or make sure he had time to write it down. Since then homework has been mostly ok, other than the fact that DS has a tendency to not bring the right books home, in which case DH or I give him similar work to do (the syllabus is easily accessible online). On average DS does between an hour and a half to two hours each night during the week and about an extra hour or two on weekends.

On top of school work, DS also has standing appointments at the speech therapists twice a week outside of school hours, and one with the psychologist an hour before the end of the school day on Fridays.

We (teacher and head) agreed that he should stay in the playground after break time so I could come and get him then (you have to ring a bell, present yourself to a camera and say what you want before being allowed access to the playground).

First week, no sign of DS in the playground, so I went up to the classroom and had to wait 10 minutes while he got all his stuff together, we were 15 minutes late. I asked the teacher (while DS was getting his stuff) that next week he be ready and take his bag down to break, she said it was neither the time nor place to discuss it.

Following week, similar situation, get to school, no DS in playground, I'm just hoping he's at least got his bag ready this time. Go up to classroom, it's empty. Run down to office, they don't know where the class is either. Then the buzzer goes, it's the class returning from an excursion to the local fields. By this time we're over 15 minutes late, I'm fucking furious mildly annoyed so I point out to the teacher (in front of the kids) that we're now late, her reply was that she decided they were going out and that's all there is to it. Her class, her timetable, her choice. I the had to wait for DS to go up to the classroom, get his stuff and come back down again, during which time I reminded the teacher that it had already been agreed that DS needed to be ready to go at 3:20 on Fridays, in the playground. She didn't even bother to answer.

Following week, 3:20, no DS in the playground, so I go up to the classroom, and it's a different teacher, original teacher is off on training for a couple of weeks and has been replaced. Sub isn't aware of the situation and doesn't want me to take DS. Several kids in the class confirm that every week DS has to go to his appointment so she reluctantly lets me take him. Big improvement, we're only 10 mins late this time Hmm

Following week, I get there a little earlier than usual (not usually possible) and all the kids are still in the playground, DS has his bag with him and everything, I find the teachers on duty, let them know I'm taking DS, all fine, (have also spoken to the secretary via camera) we arrive at the appointment ON TIME! 40 minutes later, phone call from panicked teacher, they seem to have lost DS Hmm

The following week we are called in for a meeting with the Head. I knew it was going to be in part about me being somewhat curt with the teacher. Head says according to DS's teacher(s), he's not getting the support he needs at home, he's not doing his homework etc. (subtext we're being accused of not providing for him correctly). Also he thinks we need to talk (apologise) to the teacher for speaking out of turn and undermining her authority in front of her class.

By this time I'm bristling but luckily DH is doing the talking, reminding the Head about DS's dyslexia and the fact that we had a few homework issues at the beginning but that it had been sorted.

I did voice my annoyance about the 3:20 and he said that he'd speak to her (and to be fair it's been fine since then).

I said when I'd calmed down a bit, I'd ask for a meeting after half term.

Half term came and went, DS had an awful lot of homework, but we did it, one thing was to read the first chapter of a book which we had to buy. As the book was available on Kindle, we didn't get the paper version and on the first day back I went to let the teacher know he'd got an e-reader in his bag as amongst other things he could change the font making easier for him to read. She didn't know what an e-reader was, and when I explained she wasn't happy but accepted it as we hadn't bought the paper version.

Last week he was told to revise for two tests (dates were indicated in his homework diary), so we spent a lot of time helping him revise for the tests. I picked him up from school and asked how they went, apparently teacher didn't have time, so they'd have to do them the following day. Not great, but it happens. We went over everything again that evening. Following day, only time for one test, they'd have to do the other next week. I know nanny kids get stressed about tests, and I thought this was petty unfair.

This weekend he bought home his report, it's disastrous, even the subjects he's usually good at are bad, although it's a shame after last year, we accept that, however the last sentence is "DS doesn't do any work at home" which fucks me right off as it's inaccurate, DS frequently forgets to bring home the right books, but he does work, and we make sure he catches up if he forgot something.

AIBU in thinking this teacher is irritating or am I being overly precious about DS's education? Should I ask to speak to the head about it?

If you've read this far you deserve a medal. IABVU for posting such a long post and fully expect zero replies.

OP posts:
PlanetEarthIsBlue · 17/11/2013 15:13

It might also be worthwhile building in some sort of homework policy. Two hours a night plus weekend homework can be hard going for dyslexic children, who often have to focus so much harder than others during lesson time. The school day can be exhausting!

helenthemadex · 17/11/2013 15:14

also I would try to sort it out now while it is still early in the year in case they try and make your son redouble they are very keen on that here a friends son sounds very similar to your son similar age as well and he has had to redouble.

She has managed to get a private tutor who is fluent french/english and that has helped hugely

VikingVagine · 17/11/2013 15:16

French schools, or more to the point, the French curriculum is pretty horrendous all round. As you say, extremely academic; very little place for anything remotely creative and pretty much a nightmare for many many children, dyslexic or not.

The new teacher has been told orally by us, and the HT has said the file has been passed into her from last year.

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VikingVagine · 17/11/2013 15:17

DS has already redoubled a year (at our request, before the dyslexia had been diagnosed) so he can't redouble again.

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helenthemadex · 17/11/2013 15:27

what about etude or soutien (sp)? do they have that at the school and would it help?

The system does absolutely focus on academic ability and little else, which is rubbish for children who are not academic. Generally though it does seem to be quite good, that said the school my girls go to has lovely teachers and a great director who are all very child focused.

I would make up a copy of the file again if possible and give it to the teacher, things do not get passed on.

I thought they could redouble, I know they cant twice for the same class but if needed they can redouble in CM1 then redouble at CM2? I could be wrong

helenthemadex · 17/11/2013 15:29

I hope you manage to get something sorted out for your ds, this must be really demoralising for him and you

hackmum · 17/11/2013 15:41

Sounds grim. Am astonished a teacher didn't know what an e-reader was. IME, crap teachers don't suddenly start getting better so maybe you just have to stick it out till the end of the year. Is it a one form entry or two?

hackmum · 17/11/2013 15:42

Also if it's her first year as a teacher, someone should be monitoring her and giving her useful feedback. That's what would happen, I think, in the UK state system - private sector in France may well be different.

PlanetEarthIsBlue · 17/11/2013 15:58

The teacher herself is obviously very inexperienced but it's really important that your DS doesn't just 'stick it out till the end if the year' - it would be so demoralising for him, and he might really struggle to catch up in future.

If the headteacher really cannot move him to the other class, would it be possible for him to have some sort of in-class support, or withdrawal at certain times for one-to-one tuition?

VikingVagine · 17/11/2013 16:02

E-readers haven't been out here for as long as in the UK so it's. It impossible for her to have not yet come across one yet!

In general kids only redouble once at most as, amongst other things, it costs the state a lot of money (around €7000 per child per redoublement). Also they don't like children to be too far apart in age from the other children in their class.

He goes to soutien once a week, and always has done, one year he went twice a week but they haven't suggested it this year. He spends so much time dong academically related things it's sad, I just wish there wasn't so much pressure on kids these days.

OP posts:
VikingVagine · 17/11/2013 16:02

Sorry, it's not impossible even!

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VikingVagine · 17/11/2013 16:04

She has help and is inspected three times over the year, however he experienced teacher helping out "doesn't believe in dyslexia" Hmm

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helenthemadex · 17/11/2013 16:12

it does seem a lot of homework, my DD1 is CM1 and gets about an hour a night as does DD2 CE2 and I think that is a lot, they do it in etude so when they get home they are free to do what they want.

Maybe ask about more soutien, it is so sad that he is spending so much time studying at such a young age, I dont know what else to suggest but I can maybe put you in touch with friend who has had the same issues or the tutor she used, feel free to pm if you think it may help

VikingVagine · 17/11/2013 16:43

Thank you, he gets more homework than the others as he has to finish things he hasn't had time to finish during the day. Homework isn't allowed in Primary school in theory .

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helenthemadex · 17/11/2013 17:04

Homework isn't allowed in Primary school in theory has anyone told the schools this?

does he still have Wednesday off?

PlanetEarthIsBlue · 17/11/2013 17:15

He will not have time to finish things during the school day because it takes him longer to decode text and of course handwriting and spelling will be difficult. (That's what can be exhausting for children with dyslexia, until they've developed coping strategies.) If he is unable to finish the tasks in school, (assuming that he's not just chatting to friends) then the work should be modified so that he can achieve the success of completing his work, just like other children.

As an aside, has he been assessed for coloured overlays? They can really help!

VikingVagine · 17/11/2013 18:10

He doesn't chat, but does have trouble staying focused. I've been told about special glasses but none of the opticians round here seem to have heard about them , that's another thing we'll be asking the neurologist.

Re the no homework in primary thing, children are expected to learn their lessons every evening (this doesn't count as homework) but shouldn't be given any exercises or written work. Most people know this, and many schools chose to ignore it simply because the syllabus is so overloaded there is no way it can be covered in school hours.

Maybe I should get into politics and try to reform the whole of the French educative system. Grin

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VikingVagine · 17/11/2013 18:13

Oh and yes, he still has Wednesdays off for now, the rest of the town' schools will implement the 4.5 day system next year, DC's school haven't decided yet (as private, they can chose to opt out), we'll find out in February. I don't know which way it will go.

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MyFabulousBoys · 17/11/2013 20:42

I know nothing about the French education system but it certainly seems stacked against you/him. Your poor son Hmm.

The teacher sounds like a fucking idiot! An inexperienced teacher who decides at the last moment what she is going to teach? That is ludicrous. I'm with the voices who say don't just stick it out until the end of the year. It could crush his self esteem.

You mentioned trying to get him diagnosed as having SN. Are you sure the dyslexia is the only thing he has? If I remember correctly it is often a co-morbidity. Is there any chance he could be ADD too? The inability to stay focused and disorganisation could be due to that.

Will be back in a minute with a suggestion. Need to google something!

MyFabulousBoys · 17/11/2013 20:48

Right, can he take a laptop into school? What about using speech to text software? That way he could have accurate copies of the notes, he wouldn't fall so far behind, she can't complain about doing extra work for him and hopefully his homework would be accurate too.

As an aside, I think the amount of homework he is having to do it terrible. He will be so tired, he must be a real trooper to not be melting down all the time from the stress.

You are fighting an awful and losing battle though if the issue is that they just don't believe in dyslexia.

Wish I had more to suggest. BrewThanksWine

VikingVagine · 17/11/2013 20:59

Thank you, we are going to try and get a PPS (personalised educational something or other) sorted out so he will be able to use a laptop and legally be entitled to help. In the meantime he's going to have to struggle through as best he can. Sad

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CustardOmlet · 17/11/2013 21:05

YANBU I feel your sons frustration, I wasn't formally diagnosed until I got to uni, even though primary/secondary school had acknowledged I probably was dyslexic. I remember my DM's daily frustration trying to organise me and teach me. I'm sorry I can't offer any advice, but so glad that some many other people have offered.

VikingVagine · 18/11/2013 16:45

Angry Angry Angry Angry Angry Angry Angry Angry

I am SEETHING.

At the beginning of the year, all the children were lent a grammar book with lessons and exercises in it. They we told to add a plastic cover, a sticker and write their name on it. DS bought home a book with a plastic cover and a sticker with a girl's name on it, Jade. He said there was a girl in his class called Jade, so I told him to give it to the teacher to see of there had been some kind of mix up. DS being DS didn't do it straight away and carried on using the book with Jade on it. When DH and I realised last week after school, ee told him to go back in and give it to the teacher, explaining that we thought Jade had DS's book, not a big deal, as they're the same books. DS nipped in, explained in his own way (probably not very well) and came out again with no book (Jade had obviously gone home by then). On Friday I reminded him to ask the teacher for his book! which he did, and she said she didn't have it. So today I told him to explain the mix up and ask for the book with Jade on it back, as it probably just belonged to another pupil last year also called Jade (well done if you're still following the thread here). It was especially important for him to get it back today as he has a test tomorrow and needs it to revise. Her answer? Tough! - DS should have covered and put him name on it straight away, he's not getting another one, end of story. He tried to explain that he thought he'd accidentally picked up someone else's at the beggining of term , hence not changing the name, but she wouldn't listen.
She's also put a note in his correspondence book saying he hasn't done any of his homework over the past week. I'm quite glad DS didn't tell me any of this before we got in the car to go home as I would have been tempted to storm back into the school and rip her head off return and voice my discontent.

Angry Angry Angry Angry Angry Angry Angry Angry

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VikingVagine · 18/11/2013 16:59

Once again excuse the random punctuation and typos!

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unobtanium · 18/11/2013 17:10

Nightmare.

Is there an Association de Parents d'Eleves at your school?

I am afraid you will get nowhere with your (quite justified) seething. Forget petitioning the school -- from the secretary to the Head they will make things very difficult for you and, sadly, for your DS. Your DS will find that any staff who may have been pleasant to him in the past will start to get distinctly frosty and unpleasant towards him if this continues. He will feel that keenly.

Your poor DS will have a terrible year the way things are going, and your stress levels are already going through the roof.

Whereabouts is this school?? Sounds a bit like one I took my two DC out of three years ago...

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