Samson
Póg Mo Thóin
In the 13 years I've been teaching, I've had less than 20 parents show up for conferences which are offered three times a year. There have been years with zero. I teach handicapped kids who have annual IEP meetings, and there are years that not one parent has shown. When students get suspended, they are often sent to the time out room because the parents refuse to get them. When they are given a Saturday detention, most do not show because there are no busses.
Then Why Have Saturday Detention?
Why have IEP meetings?
Why have three conference days/nights a year?
I've taught too chanel, AND I'm a Semi-concerned parent when I can tear myself away from Octopron, AND I don't wanna see my kids teachers anymore than they wanna see me.
If there's a problem, just freakin' pick up the phone.
IEP is required by Federal law and applies to students in special education.
Yes, I know, I've taught 6 years and been a Summer School Administrator.
My point is, if the parent isn't available for the IEP, then have it in absentia. This makes everyone happy: Only takes about 10 minutes (to wait for the no-show), then roll the IEP over, send it certified mail to the parent.
Furthermore, my point is do not GIVE Saturday Detention. No one shows, and you end up going to the next step on the discipline ladder anyway.
Finally, do not offer conference days. They're a fuckin' waste of everyone's time. If a parent wants a conference, then let them make a goddamn appointment like every other person on the face of the earth.