Parents tend to get a little nervous at this time of year.
At least I do.
On the last day of school, I find out what classes my kids have been assigned to for next year. It’s an anxious time and rumours whirl. We’ve heard there will be a big shake up, with different teachers being assigned to grades they haven’t taught before. Will my boys be assigned to a teacher they like? Will they be in a split class or end up with any of their friends?
Apparently I’m lucky to find out on the last day. In other schools, parents don’t find out until the end of the summer. Others find out on the first day of school in September.
It feels suspiciously like a ploy to prevent parents from having the opportunity complain to the principal about their child’s class for next year.
Teachers and principals insist it’s not that at all. Things tend to be in flux over the summer. Teachers can leave. New students can enrol. It’s a numbers game and sometimes careful juggling is required. If a school announces the class lists too soon and things change, it could anger parents more than not announcing the classes at all.
I’m sure it’s true—that holding off on giving class assignments until the last possible moment—is actually better for everyone, but it still doesn’t feel that way to me. As the last day of school gets nearer by the day, I can’t help but wonder if I’ll be pleasantly surprised, or angry with no recourse until September.
When do you find out your child’s class assignment? Do you like your school’s policy? Are you a teacher who wants to weigh in?
