My 7th grader informed me today that his teacher went through and organized his binder. (It's one of those new all-in-one binders that looks like a little suitcase and replaces the backpack. He carries it with him to all his classes and rarely uses his locker.) He was upset and told me that she took it off his desk as he was taking notes. He was upset about it, and when I asked him if he wanted me to talk to the teacher, he said he would handle it himself. I told him that I wanted to talk to his teacher anyway, and I emailed her. I'm hoping to hear back from her tomorrow.

Now, I know my DS needs help with his organizational skills and this teacher and I have talked about it before (this is the second year he's had her), but I don't think it's appropiate for her to go through his binder, no matter what her intentions. I've decided to give her the benefit of the doubt and not get too upset as I really want to hear her version of what happened. I realize my DS may have misinterpreted the situation and it is nothing, but he really feels that his space was invaded and I can't ignore that. I know the school reserves the right to search lockers, but binders? I guess I'll know more tomorrow.

By Kay on Tuesday, October 12, 2004 - 09:00 pm:

The invasion of space bothers me, too. But what bothers me even more is that someone who is supposed to *teach* did not do so. When she could have taught a valuable lesson by offering organizational suggestions and worked *with* him, she took it upon herself to do it *for* him? At least, that is the way I would have handled it, as a former teacher. One person's organizational process is not the same as another's - you have to organize according to the person's strengths and needs.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Tuesday, October 12, 2004 - 09:50 pm:

Is this folder for all subjects???? The reason why I ask is because both my kids (7th and 10th) have pop inspections of their specific class folders. They have required things to keep and an specific order to keep them in. The teachers keep track of whose folders they have reviewed and they go through them and leave notes as to what needs to be fixed. Generally during note taking or if they have left a few minutes at the end of class for group work or homework. Anyway, My point is they we were made aware of this policy at the beginning of the year. And it makes it easier on the teacher, he/she isn't collecting 20 to 25 note books at once to review and the child has to stay organized because they never know when their folder will be looked over. It is a lesson in personal responsibility and organization.

If this is not the case with your DS I think she needs to explain her intent. Especially if he was singled out. That should have been a before school, after school, during lunch one on one type of thing.

By Mrsheidi on Thursday, October 14, 2004 - 07:48 pm:

As a former teacher and parent I see both sides. I would be frustrated at most of the boys and their organizational skills, yet I understand the privacy of a young man. I guarantee she did it under 10 minutes and wouldn't pry into his private life though. It does get frustrating to see a kid's folder unorganized...especially after repetitive reminders. However, I personally never organized them myself. I usually gave 10 minutes per week for them to do it themselves. We all know it doesn't teach a kid anything if we do everything for them. You can thank her for taking the time to organize it, but politely ask her to communicate with you in the future so you can see to it that he does it himself.

By Hdelfuego on Thursday, October 14, 2004 - 09:48 pm:

I taught 10th and 11th grade, so maybe I'm a little different. If a students binder or notebook was not organized that was their own deal. Sometimes what looked like mess to me was completely in order to them. I guess since I taught algebra 1 and 2 at a private school and the school's rule was that grades only could come from test, it wouldn't have made that much since, to me anyway, to go through somebody's stuff. I did walk around constantly though to help them and answer questions so I knew who took notes and did their work. I don't think that any teacher should single a student out in the middle of class for having a messy binder. If it really bothers your ds for you to talk to her, maybe mention that so she doesn't say anything about you contacting her.
And always remember to not over complicate things. Good luck and God Bless.
Holly