QUESTION

Yes, I have maintained contact with my son's teachers and guidance counselors throughout his academic career. Try this: arrange to meet with all of your son's teachers simultaneously. Meeting with them in a group is enlightening, for the parent and the teachers. And the shock the teachers show is a real hoot! But for the most part, teachers have expressed appreciation. They are used to non-involved parents. So many parents let schools dictate everything. It doesn't have to be that way.

Yes we do speak with the teachers, principal and others on a regular basis. Do we set in on an english test or any other for that matter? No,haven't felt the need for that yet.

What's the difference? The math test just doesn't get my competitive juices going quite like the kid throwing a seed to second or a triple to the opposite field.

teacher are usually not wrong because they fear the repurcussions of making a mistake. The classroom in many cases has become a place to hangout. the teacher is to involved in keeping the ones who do not want to be there occupied and those who want to learn sit stagnent. Yes there are the ap kids that are challenged, but the ones that are hurt are the b/c type students. With so many resources available, its a shame they are not always utilized.

My daughters english teacher is different he sends an email daily on what happened in class. They freak out when I ask if they are up to page X in the current book, nice concept, but most teachers feel it is beyond what is expected of them.

If I sat in on some classes I don't know how I would react, and our district is one of the higest ranked on standardized test in the country. The coach works under different rules as far as being scrutinized.

TRhit--Good points about being involved with the academic side of ones' sons/daughters and my answer is yes, my wife and I have attended classes, PTA meetings, open houses, conferences with guidance counselors, and whatever else may come along that would be in the best interests of our children.

However, I think you've missed the whole idea about parents attending practices. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't remember any poster saying he /she goes so they can put the coach under a "microscope"--I believe most will tell you they just enjoy being around the atmosphere of baseball and just watching their sons perform. Believe me when I say that if I enjoyed watching a teacher conjugate verbs on the blackboard, or write calculous equations I would go back to school myself. I think you may be a little sensitive to things that have happened to you in the past--I truly believe the majority of parents-especially on this site-just get a kick out of being around baseball. JMHO.

Moc1

Tried it, teacher kicked me out she did not like the mess of seed shells on her floor!!!!!!!!

AZpop--Funny!

Moc1

I think attending a class would be equal to sitting in the dugout or being on the field during a game. That would be a little bit out of line!!
I think monitoring homework and your child's progress and the occasional, as needed contact with a teacher is comparabile to quietly and unobtrusively(sp.) attending PRACTICE and watching from the sidelines!!!!!
I do stay in contact with the teachers two of them send out weekly email reports etc. And they all including the baseball coach have my ph.numbers.
Also, If I tried to help my son with his Algebra, well he probably would not be in the honors program any longer. But I can help him with the baseball issues!!
One question for you TR... Do you consider a parent coming to practice and watching his son practice and work hard to achieve his goals as putting the coach "under the microscope"?? If so, How?
I truly believe that 80% or so of the dads/moms that regularly attend practice are there just to watch their kids and not the coach!!

MOC1

I have not missed the point at all Are you a shrink???--


I do not think you know anything about my coaching or baseball background so how can you arrive at that conclusion--what happened to me in my past regarding baseball--please tell me--maybe you know more than I do about what happened to me

Ask those that know me and perhaps you will have a better picture

I too get a great kick from being around baseball-- I can go to the stores for the wife and be back 5 hours later because the car pulled into the parking lot at a LL or BR game.

Funny thing ---she knows where to find me

TRhit

If an umpire on the field is overly concerned with the off-field comments on calls, that umpire is said to have rabbit ears and isn't regarded as being professional. Umpires' focus and concentration are to be on the game only.

What would we call a coach who is overly concerned with parents watching practice?

---------------------------------
From 'Nice Guys Finish Last' by Leo Durocher:

Baseball lives at the center of a never-flagging whirl of irreconcilable opinions.

Insecure

quote:

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What would we call a coach who is overly concerned with parents watching practice?

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Paranoid.

We always stayed involved in our boys school work and that included going to the school and sitting in on classes (prearranged of course) and meeting with the counselor. Every year the school would have "Bring Your Parents to School Day". One year, my wife and I were two of maybe a half dozen parents that took the time to show up. It was very enlightening!

TR--LOL "Are you a shrink"- No, But I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Sorry, I DID say "you MAY be a little sensitive". Was just going by your previous posts and wondering how you went from parents attending practices to putting the coach under a microscope. Never questioned your coaching abilities. I don't
doubt that you are a fine one. You coached against my son's
team in Jupiter.

Moc1

TRHit,
Very good question.
To answer you, yes we do!
We attend open house, email the teachers, and phone the councilors. We do whatever it takes to insure our kids are doing the best they possible can.
In fact, we also believe in “Cause and Effect”, by that I mean we punish our kids if they are not meeting or exceeding the standards we set for them.
In today’s society of political correctness it has become a SIN to be a Parent.
Being a parent was not meant to be easy! Being a parent doesn’t mean that we’re little Johnny’s best friends.
I know this is a little off the topic but I believe it all ties in together.
My wife is an educator, and every day I have to listen to stories about how Parents no longer take an active role in their Childs education.
Today our public schools have become day cares, warehouses to store our children.
So, it’s up to us to insure our children are getting an education.
You know, I can’t help but get worked up about this topic.
If the public actually knew and understood what the government has done to the public educational system, they would run them out on a rail.
For example: the “No child left behind program”. Basically this program states that no child will fail.
The government doesn’t give guidelines on how to accomplish this; they leave it up to the states. And here in Texas the state has mandated educators to tech
To the lowest common denominator without creating groups. (I.e. smart groups medium groups and slow learners)
So basically, the teachers are teaching to the lest smartest kid in the class. Some of you say what’s wrong with that?
Well what about the kids that excel, what are they suppose to do while little Johnny is learning how to read. Oh by the way little Johnny is in the fifth grade.
Then you have the mandated testing (TEKS, basic educational skills, reading, writing and arithmetic).
So now you have a mandated method of teaching, and a mandated test to Asses how those kids are being taught.
But here lies the catch 22, the teachers have to teach to the lowest common denominator, but yet every student has to pass a standardized test.
Buy the way, teachers performance reviews are directly related to how well her class does on the standardized testing.
Political correctness in our schools has basically tied the hands of the educator.
So to get back to your topic, yes we take an active role in every part of our kid’s lives, including sports.
I attend every practice, every meeting, every game, anything and everything my child needs.
Like I said before, I’m a parent and in my definition of the word it means to take an active role in everything my children do, until they reach an age where they can do for themselves, and even then I will be standing right behind them, ready if they need me.
Randall

TR,

As you could probably imagine, yes, we were involved very much in the academic side. While we never attended class, we were in touch with the teachers and went to open house, etc. One teacher actually was very much surprised when my wife went to talk to her about Josh. She stated that we were probably the last people she would see considering how well Josh was doing.

As far as critiquing the coach, as others have stated, that was never my intent. Like you stopping to watch a LL game, that's what I did, stopped, stayed in the car, and watched scrimmages, nothing more, nothing less. I just love the game.

Frank

PASSION - "There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart...pursue those."

Randall...Very good points--It's too bad that people with the same values as you and your wife
remain silent in hopes that they will not offend anyone.

Moc1

Great Question - First, if you are not in contact with your kid's teachers and counselor(s) on at least an occasional basis, in my opinion you are doing yourself and your son a disservice. Being an informed parent will only help you and your child. I do want to know what's going on in the classroom, and I've learned not to wait for "report card time" to find out if there are any academic or other issues. My son happens to have a learning disability - dyslexia - and I make sure each and every one of his teachers knows that I am going to be staying on top of what's happening in the classroom. My son will be watched closely, and so will the teacher. I let them know that right up front, and it does not always win friends, although most of the time teachers appreciate the interest. He may not be the typical student, but it was no different with my other two kids who didn't have that problem. They also played h.s. sports.
I make it a habit to stay away from tryouts and practices. I don't feel compelled to watch my son or his coach that closely. Interested, a most definate YES. Obsessed, NO. Secure in my son's ability, yes. He has proven himself time and again in baseball forums that may actually be more important in the long run. My presence will not influence his or the coach's abilities or actions. And I'm not interested in "scouting" the studs or listening to petty backbiting during tryouts or practices. I just want to sit back and enjoy the game when it is time.
That brings us to to the question -Why is the baseball coach put under the microscope? Maybe because of our passion for the game, maybe because we have varying opinions as to 'good coach/bad coach', maybe because we don't think OUR SON is being treated fairly. Maybe because they are not winning. Maybe because we all think we can coach better. Maybe because we really know that baseball is an OPTION - for our son, the school and the coach. Somehow I can't help but feel that "public" scrutiny is seemingly o.k. under these circumstances. If we collectively think the coach is doing a great job, he's worth the money. If we don't, we at least feel some latitude in complaining - if only to each other. The coach is, in most situations, teaching academics as well as coaching. The rules in most states hold him to a higher standard by default. In Texas the UIL is pretty serious about coach conduct. We, the community, are the watchdogs.
That's just my opinion, as far-reaching as it may seem to some of you. I love the game, I love my kid and regardless of what I think about the coach, he's the coach. I don't have to even like him. The important thing is my son's happiness and ability to play the game, and my enjoying that for what it is.

AzPop:
Very good!

RANDALL - It amazes me you are so far off base on the issue of "no child left behind". Maybe in the P-Ville schools, that is what you percieve. That's not the case right here down the road in Leander. Nor is it what the federal and state laws are intended to accomplish. Get informed.

i usually have parents come and watch practice. doesn't bother me until a few try to help coach. most just like being there. some of the PARENTS are paranoid about the world being out to get their kid. it really doesn't bother me.. tell ya what though, i think i am going to "pop in" on all of my parents at their work this year to crtique them.

mittman... I know your statement is toungue-in-cheek but do you have some parents that are your childrens' boss?

Just pulling your leg!

Moc1

good one moc, lol

randall, how old are your kids??? if they are in high school are you going to let them grow up and learn to do things for themself? if they are younger, i agree you should be there as much as possible.

had a kid that played for me last year, whose dad was at every practice tried to help coach, had to put a stop to that, the kid (senior)was embarased that his dad was there so much. heard him say a few times " i am a senior, why is he here??

Actually, I do drop in occasionally on both my HS kids classrooms.

Espicially the Seniors Political Science class, which is taught by a left wing wacko.

I, of course, stop by the Principal's office before just showing up in class. But, he encourages parents to do just that, show up, unannounced, to sit in on a class.

What do they have to hide? We are entrusting them with our kids education. And in the case of the wacko liberal, she and I have had some heated conversations after class on the drivel she is teaching the kids. Teaching is one thing, indoctrination is completely different.

It's not "concern" that causes me to show up at practice. It' simply a lack of baseball that does it! I go into morning after the World Serious, and I need it!

I do make myself known to his teachers, but I didn't like going to class when I had to.... And Math class doesn't practice outside!

"You should enter a ballpark the way you enter a church." Bill -Spaceman- Lee

Kudos to K-dad. Randall, I believe we have reached many similar conclusions about the state of our public school systems. With the exception of our baseball playing oldest child (3 months to graduation/liberation from public school system - woo hoo!) we solved these issues by becoming a home schooling family. Prior to HS our ballplayer was a home school student. It is a major commitment to a different way of life, but it has many advantages and paybacks.

TR - I ask the HS teachers much more challengine questions than I do the baseball coach.

mhsdad,
i will not comment on your comment about public school vs homeschool. i will just say that we totally disagree on that subject.

I agree with you mittman, we must let our kids grown up and be independent. Dropping by a practice occasionaly is no big deal: but if you are there every single day; it is my opinion that there is either a overprotective or insecurity issue.

mittman - disclosure please? Are you a public school teacher/coach?

We can agree to disagree. Please note that neither Randall or I have disparaged the teachers. My son has been fortunate to learn under some excellent teachers; while others may have been only average to above-average teachers.

I believe that over the years the school system has lost or abdicated local control to state and federal authorities. While trying to create an education system that is all things to all people, the system is delivering less quality than in the past. State and federal statutes that dictate test performance minimums on student populations have forced school administrations to alter class curriculum to teach subjects (math, reading, whatever...) towards the goals of passing the standard tests. As a result, less learning occurs, but everyone passes the test. Schools get high marks from State & more money from Feds.

I have witnessed this in TX. I have heard some professional educators (my child's teachers) in the public school system express these opinions and observations.

Home schooling is not a panacea for what ails our nations schools. But it is an attractive and effective educational option for many families.

KellerDad---



Is this heaven?...

All I should have been a little more clear,
My son at 16 pretty much takes care of himself, I only help when he needs it, but for the rest still stands true.

Jwonbb,
I put my on opinions out there for all to scrutinize, and clearly you disagree.
That’s fine with me. We are all different. But don’t come on here telling me I need to get informed unless you are willing to be the informant.
If my opinions are wrong, then all I ask is for you to explain your opinion.
One last thing, you state: “That's not the case right here down the road in Leander. Nor is it what the federal and state laws are intended to accomplish”
My opinions are based on what I see. If you are an educator, or administrator then you should have an insight beyond mine, so I welcome your input.
Please explain the intent of the Federal and state law of “No Child left behind”, and how it is different in Leander.
And explain to me how the Leander school district is accomplishing not leaving a child behind without adversely affecting the other children.
And explain to me how they (LSD) are doing this without creating learning groups of different abilities.
Jwonbb, please respond. Like I said, I welcome your insight.
Randall

TR-

While I have never set in on one of my children’s classes my wife and I are very diligent in questioning their teachers. This is done through e-mail, notes, phone calls, attending open house and face-to-face conferences when necessary. On the other hand I have attended many practices but have never questioned a coach. The reason for attending a practice is that I enjoy watching my son and his teammates learn and exhibit their baseball skills. What I am trying to say is that I think you are comparing apples and oranges with your analogy.

Just saw an interesting question posed in our local paper:

"why are parents who involve themselves in their children's academics viewed as attentive and parents that involve themselves in their children's sports viewed as meddlesome?"

RANDALL - I will be glad to inform you about "no child left behind" and what affect it does or does not have in the classroom. I will be glad to do this in the pulic forum - here - but it will have to wait until tomorrow morning. I will be working for the next nine hours or so.
Please note I never said your opinion was wrong, just that you need to be informed. If you wish to take this off-line, let me know.

i'll agree with you on most things. the education system does need an overhaul. i agree with the problems that eoc test, etc. may present. i still think even with the problems, that for MOST people, public schools are still the way to go.

I have read all of this with interest. My son is a 17 year old sr. who drives himself to and from school and practice. How ever sometime My husband will drop by practice on his way home from work. Not because he is checking up on the coach, just because he enjoys watching the boys practice. They're several parents who go to every practice and stay and watch the whole time. I don't think it bothers the coach at all. One Dad however is taking things alittle to far. His son is in the 10th grade and this Dad not only brings the boy to practice but also goes with him into the dressing room and stay while he and the others are changing for practice. When practice is over he again joins his son in the dressing room while the kid gets his things together to go home. Not sure how the coach feels about this but I know my son and alot of the other players don't like it. My son told me some of them had said things to this boy, about his Dad being in their space.

Tom

I can honestly say that I have been to about as many practices as meetings with teachers, guidence folks and administrators in the last 4 years. A few of each, but not a bunch. Things have gone very smoothly academicaly.

If the coach feels under the microscope or uncomfortable with parents watching practice silently in the stands, I find that odd.

I have a hard time telling whos who at practice anyway.

http://www.ragincajuns.com/Baseball/baseball.htm

Went to a couple of practices early on and saw the coach take BP for a couple of buckets. not sure why, cuz he never got up to bat all year. Didn't go back. I figured I didn't need to see that anyway. He would have had a tough time making the JV team based on what I saw.

http://www.ragincajuns.com/Baseball/baseball.htm

the relationship of parents and their kids involvement in sports has been discussed in many forums. As with all things there is a line. As with all things in society there is change. Some of that change is good and some not so good. As a coach would I want a load of parents at practice everyday not really but if they came I would not run them off but if they started to be a distraction I would intervene.

I don't mind parents coming to practice at all. As a matter of fact I encourage them to come out occassionally. As long as they're not a distraction, I think it is fine.

mhsdad,

I am an public educator, so I discourage home schooling. I do understand there are cases where it can be helpful, but in general I would discourage it.

Dad04,

I take batting practice with my players several times each year. I enjoy it. The players get a kick out of it too. They'll give me a hard time when I collapse on my backside or transfer my weight too soon, but it's all in fun. Don't get me wrong, I only do it a three or four times a season. I think I've put enough time in at the ballpark that I'm allowed to take a few swings every now and then. Remember, coaches like to have some of the fun too. And I'm not getting any younger, so I might as well take some cuts while I can.