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Unsatisfactory – a word that breaks my heart!
- 2 May, 2016
- Posted by: Katrina Casey
- Category: Teaching
“Unsatisfactory,” says the teacher. “Your child’s reading ability is unsatisfactory. Your child’s writing is unsatisfactory.”
I really, really, really, dislike this descriptor. I know that it is necessary for teachers (and I am one too), to be transparent in their reporting of children’s progress and abilities, but could we please not use the term ‘unsatisfactory’?
By definition, unsatisfactory means ‘not good enough’.
“Your child’s not good enough.”
What a terrible message to send to parents: “Your child is not good enough.”
Of course, that is not the message teachers want to send. What they are communicating is, at this point in time:
- your child is needing extra help in the area of literacy;
- other children are reading at a more competent level; and
- other children are writing at a more competent level.
Unfortunately, what happens when parents hear, “your child’s reading ability is unsatisfactory,” all they hear is “Your child is not good enough.”
They cannot hear, what the teacher then adds:
- we are putting a plan in progress to help your child continue to improve;
- your child has made progress in the area of literacy; and most importantly,
- every child develops to the beat of their own drum – and THIS IS OKAY IN THE EARLY YEARS!!! They will learn to read and write, because it is our job to ensure that this happens, and, we will do everything to ensure that this happens.
So what I am asking if you are a teacher, please do not start a parent/teacher interview by telling a parent their child’s progress is unsatisfactory. Begin by showing what their child can do, and where you want to see their child’s literacy standards to be, by the end of the year. Assure them, that although they may not be reading or writing at the same level as everyone else, you are aware of their abilities, and the steps they are making in the right direction. Assure them, that you will also continue to monitor and communicate with them, about their child’s progress.
If you are a parent, and you hear the words: “Your child’s reading ability is unsatisfactory”, please don’t hear, “Your child is not good enough”. Hang in there, and listen to what else your teacher has to tell you. They are just as concerned about your child’s welfare as you are. Together, you can put in place a strategy, designed to help your child.
Unfortunately, sometimes, the words just get in the way! (Which, by the way, is most unsatisfactory!)