Tonight! Back to School Night! Yep, yep! This is my 14th. In preparation, I asked for parents to share what they would like for me to address:
I organized the questions by type. Seven of the seventeen (41%) submission directly ask that I address grades or testing; two submissions directly request I share what we will learn; three want me to address expectations, objectives, or standards; two want information on how to support student success; and two submissions require direct answers and one submissions needs context.
I am concerned, almost sad. I blame myself. Afterall, I did ask what I should "address". That does seem cold and transactional. Makes sense that cold, impersonal, and transactional subjects are what parents requested I 'address'. I know better. So here I am, getting ready for Back to School Night, sad.
Maybe the subjects would have been more engaging if I asked parents to share "what do you want me to talk about" or "what would you like for me to go over" or something a little less formal and transactional than address. Or, and I have to accept it, the only thing my audience really cares about are grades.
This brings me to what I really wish would take place at Back to School Night: say what we want to say, freely and honestly, and candidly share what causes us stress. Then, we could reach an understanding and be able to practice forgiveness. I could share the goals I have for my students and how I hope to achieve these goals. I could share the stressors and struggles I expect to encounter. I could listen to the impact parents hope I will have on their son or daughter. Parents could share what stressors and struggles they expect their children will encounter.
But, what I am going to do tonight? Share the grading scale for the class, the categories points are entered, and review the course objectives and standards. Keep it transactional. That doesn't require much thought.
That's safe.