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Last week at my local high school, a Holocaust survivor, who traveled to schools across the US, spoke at an assembly.  At this small, well funded school, he stopped his discussion and told the kids this was the rudest school he’d ever been to.  The kids talked and texted during his speech, asked rude questions and even laughed.

As a prior brick and mortar high school teacher, this sort of thing happens often.  Most of these kids don’t get caught or face any discipline action- many will actually be supported by their peers.  Most of the parents won't even hear about it.  Too often, my role as a high school teacher wasn’t instructional.

Teachers are charged with 30-40 kids per classroom, per trimester with 4-6 classes per day-- that's a potential max of 360-720 kids per year.  Schools need parent's support, academically and disciplinary, and parents want to help.  However, there’s really no support system and teachers simply don’t have time for calls home… except the extreme discipline case.

What about students that need more 1-1 time or that deserve more individual attention in their 6 hour day?  Parents volunteer all the time but rather than getting a chance to support their student and give them individual attention, they’re sent to the copy room or to make posters in the hallway. 

I currently teach online and one great part about my job is supporting parents.  I have tremendous respect for the role that our parents play in their children’s daily lives and education.  Parents have almost instant contact M-F with their student’s teacher by phone and email and access to updated grade-books, daily planner/ homework assignment list and attendance.

Working with an online school is a big responsibility for parents but should remain an option for parents willing to accept it.  I’m an online educator and I’m here to educate children in math and support my families.  Please support the parent’s right to choose.

posted 3 years, 2 months ago
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Porcella and Maggiet

I would imagine that the teacher's priorities are the kids- not their grammar.  I would guess over 75% of all public school teachers work 50-60 hour weeks.  However, it's always good to have an ideal commentary writer driving them to work harder and point out their mistakes.  Checks and balances.

It's also good that your kids have you for roll models though... right?

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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Grigorpdx-

ORCA serves students accroos Oregon.  There is no district in Oregon where 50% of (or even close to) ORCA's families reside in.  ORCA is unable to even move to a district that has 50% of their students.  This would force ORCA to close.

Take a look at ORCA's student body before claiming that it "skims" students.  I also don't think it's fair to refer to students that work hard and take pride in their work as "easy-to-serve."

-kj

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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Regarding the first, Oregon Connections Academy actually has a very high percentage of students with special needs and students that have been expelled from their school.  The majority of their student body is not the high flyers.

Regarding the third, online learning is for self-motivated students and parents.  Oregon Connections Academy requires a high level of parental involvement.

I'm not sure about the second but I think sometimes it takes cooperation- in this case, of a private business and government program, to successful provide education.  There is a lot of private partnership going on in the public schools.

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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