[FourPeas]

Pity the parent who is told "assessments are indicating" Bobby has not "obtained mastery" in multiplication, but perhaps some "manipulatives" would help him be "proficient" on the "MEAP."

Huh?

HUH? Granted, some parents aren't too bright, but the above shouldn't be beyond most normally intelligent people. "Proficient" is jargon? "Assessments are indicating" and "obtained mastery" are too hard to understand? Apparently the dumbing-down processing is working quite well.

[netmilsmom]

Wow, Peas! This is a direct lesson from the Charters to the districts!
When we were in Conner Creek Academy in Warren, the conferences were timed with a big cook out for the parents. The Principle and VP smoozed with the parents and told them how great they were to put in an effort to the kids education. At conference time, the parents were greeted by a teaching assistant who showed us to the "Big Table" just for grown-ups. Our teacher told us that we scheduled 15 minutes but if we had any concerns to feel free to drop a note and she will be there for us.

Wonder why charter parents love our schools??

[Naspino]

...jar---gone? Someone lost the jar of pickles?

[ladylib]

Some of the ed jargon is a little ridiculous as this article states:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Nov-02-Sun-2003/opinion/22472840.html

[Seeking the truth]

They'll all walk out with brochures, and every classroom will have a sign stating the district's goal of having all students reading and writing appropriate to their grade level by 2007.

2007 !!!!!!!!!

Real sense of urgency - jeesh!

[Slainte]

These days, educators say they are working to make such scenes less common -- especially when families have other school choices if they're not happy.

especially when families have other school choices if they're not happy.

Parents might even be treated to cookies and coffee, as educators aim to put them at ease.

Sigh. An educational revolution twarted by cookies... Mmmmm.... cookies...

[Pan_Yans Wife]

At my first grader's recent parent teacher conference, we talked about my son's writing skills, and what he is learning. The teacher told me that he knows what a declarative sentence is, because she points it out to the students! I was really impressed by this, even though it took me a second to recall the terminology.

I suspect I will remember a great deal about the lessons I learned as a child, as my son continues his education.

[Abynormal]

First of all, the article is assuming that the TEACHER herself understands the 'jargon'...... in my experience that is really stretching the benefit of doubt.

[Styria]

Most of the sentence is fine, but manipulatives and MEAP are a little hazy. As for "hands on work," does that mean he needs to just practice with some straight math problems, or that he should figure it out with physical objects? That's vague too.

[biblewonk]

But teen-speak is way cool. If everyone's happy that's all good. WhatEver.