Dear Editor,
“Will our children meet the minimum California Department of
Education Standards?” Probably not.
Dear Editor,
“Will our children meet the minimum California Department of Education Standards?” Probably not.
After attending Back to School Night last week, at Paradise Valley, I left with that one huge question.
Principal James Hamilton introduced and spoke highly about his teaching staff, emphasized Paradise Valley being a distinguished school, meeting the education standards mandated by the state of California, etc. After I visited my children’s classrooms, I left with a concern regarding the actual teaching policy and curriculum standard at Paradise Valley Elementary School.
To begin, the teacher/student ratio is too high, forcing the children to work more in groups – learning from one another versus one-on-one time with their teachers.
When asked, “how much time is spent with each student in regards to grammar?” the parents were advised due to class size, they were only able to spend approximately 10 minutes per student. As a result, of the classroom schedule, each student would meet one-on-one with the teacher, for one 10-minute session, once every week and a half (only one 10 minute session during a 10-day span). Based on this limited teacher/student interaction, “Will our children meet the minimum California Department of Education Standards?” Probably not …
As I attended my fourth grade child’s classroom, I was advised by their teacher, “Paradise Valley does not require a child, at any grade level, to be able to write cursive, there is no need to expand on this learning.” We were all reassured this was a schoolwide belief. What? If a child does not learn cursive, how will they be able to complete a job application? How will they send a personal thank you card for the job interview? How will they read handwritten letters? I thought to myself, “Will our children meet the minimum California Department of Education Standards?” Probably not …
The parents of this classroom were advised that all of our children did not meet the basic mathematics standards, to begin fourth grade math. As a result, the next few weeks will be focusing on the basic elements required (which were the requirements upon the completion of third grade) before they will be able to begin fourth grade math. Again, in disbelief, since my child’s third grade report card stated they exceeded the math requirements for third grade. Since fourth grade math will be off to a late start, “Will our children meet the minimum California Department of Education Standards?” Probably not …
Reading … When asked about grade-appropriate reading material, the general response was “We do not want to force our children to read literature that may be hard for them to understand. It is okay if they read fun stuff that is below their grade level. Just as long as they read.” Okay, I understand just as long as what they are reading is important, but shouldn’t a child be challenged to learn during this reading process? Maybe I am reading too much into this but “Will our children meet the minimum California Department of Education Standards?” Probably not …
Later in the evening, I accessed (through Paradise Valley’s website) the actual Academic Content Standards (also found at: http://www.cde.ca.gov/standards/). After reviewing the Academic Standards, and as a result of the information shared during Paradise Valley’s Back to School Night, it is of concern, “Our children will not meet California’s Department of Education Standards.”
I do not blame the teachers I met with. Since each one was very sincere with their response, stating they were following the directions of Mr. Hamilton. With that, arises another question. Mr. Hamilton, what do you have to say about your teaching policy and curriculum standard at Paradise Valley? Or would our Superintendent Carolyn McKennan like to address the question?
Concerned parents of Paradise Valley students
Editor’s note: The parents asked that their names not be published to protect the identify of their children.
