There is a saying, “you don’t know, what you don’t know.”  As a society, we are taught to question things, yet I meet parents every day who aren’t comfortable questioning their child’s teacher or school.  Many parents have concerns or question what is being told to them but for a variety of reasons, aren’t confident in seeking more understanding.  Is this you?  

How do we as parents know what questions to ask?  As I have worked with parents as a teacher, administrator, and now consultant, here are some things that hold back parents:

• Understanding test scores (i.e. iReady, Fountas & Pinnell) 

• Understanding reading levels or Lexile 

• Understanding what decoding or comprehension skills are

• Understanding expressive or receptive language

• Articulation concerns

• Inability to focus or sustain attention for long periods of time

• Unable to stay seating and rolling around on the floor

• Refusing or avoiding any writing assignments

Remember, you need to be your child’s biggest advocate and just because you question your child’s teacher doesn’t mean you are judging or unhappy.  It’s ok to seek a greater understanding.  Asking questions help you be more present in your child’s education with successes and areas of growth.  

Have you sat in a parent-teacher conference and became lost as to what was being shared with you?   It’s ok if you do not understand.  School is not the same as it was when we attended.  You may want to know more about your child’s continued struggles with reading or math, or your child’s inability to focus after lunch.  Ultimately, if you are uncomfortable, not sure what questions to ask, or are generally overwhelmed, this is where an education consultant can support you.  We want to assist in the uncertainty and help build some clarity, empowering parents and guardians.  It is difficult to be both a parent and an advocate. 

#standreadytosupport