I teach in a high school and this first week back had a few issues with a group of lads starting to act out over a number of lessons. Yesterday, after reminders, warnings, sanctions and no change, I rang home for four of them, to try to nip it in the bud.
It became apparent during three out of four conversations, that the kids themselves could hear what was being said and I'm wondering if this is now normal and how parents expect to deal with schools?
Obviously, I'm calling their house, where they live and will have just got in from school, so it's not as though the contact itself should be confidential, and they can probably hear the other side of the conversation. And clearly when it's parents' evening, they'll be invited to the appointment as it's about them and their learning.
I just didn't expect to have been put on loudspeaker for them to listen in while I thought I was explaining my concerns to an adult (including worrying changes in behaviour and questions about issues we might need to know about, as well as impact on others in the class).
Two turned out to have listened in, with one made to explain himself and apologise before the call ended, while the other had apparently heard and would take what I'd said on board. The other was a different scenario altogether where he interrupted and was allowed to argue in much the same way he has been disrespectful at school all week.
I suppose it at least makes a change from the ones where the parents say thanks for the info and they'll ask for their kid's 'side' of the story later on, or the ones who say they just don't know what to do.