Schooling

[CONAN]

IB is the International Baccalaureate program. I don't know much about it - it's something that originated in Europe probably 40 - 50 years ago, and is a fairly rigorous curriculum. Around here (Chicago area), I know of a few high schools that offer it as an option for their college-bound students, but I know there is a program for middle school as well. Colleges look upon it quite favorably.

That's about all I know about it.

Hillcrest has a bunch of nerd stuff like that. I've heard of that program I think but it's been awhile. I definitely like the idea of giving kids an accelerated path. Most schools do that already with AP and concurrent enrollement stuff. But the degree stuff would be cool.

 

[moevillini]

Hillcrest has a bunch of nerd stuff like that....

EXCUSE ME???? You're a teacher, and you're calling something that requires academic rigor "nerd stuff" - sheesh.

 

[CONAN]

EXCUSE ME???? You're a teacher, and you're calling something that requires academic rigor "nerd stuff" - sheesh.

That's not a slam. Nerds get too sensitive about their nerdery.

 

[Bronco70]

Parent/teacher conferences this week and it's tragic that the parents I see I don't need to see.

It is sad to see how some parents just don't give a ****.

One of the smaller factors in my son's academic struggles was a kid that bullied him incessantly. He never physically harmed him, but he harassed him pretty much non stop. We spent hours trying to get it sorted out. The kid was suspended twice for it. During this process I learned that he didn't live with his parents (they basically gave him up) and his grandparents, who were the legal guardians, didn't particularly care. So the kid did poor in school and took out his frustrations on my son. I actually felt/feel sad more than mad. It's no excuse to be a bully, but he has zero support, and it is translating into a troubled life.

 

[CONAN]

One of the smaller factors in my son's academic struggles was a kid that bullied him incessantly. He never physically harmed him, but he harassed him pretty much non stop. We spent hours trying to get it sorted out. The kid was suspended twice for it. During this process I learned that he didn't live with his parents (they basically gave him up) and his grandparents, who were the legal guardians, didn't particularly care. So the kid did poor in school and took out his frustrations on my son. I actually felt/feel sad more than mad. It's no excuse to be a bully, but he has zero support, and it is translating into a troubled life.

Ya, many of my kids are plenty capable and I refer to them as environmentally disabled versus whatever label the state gave them. Don't get me wrong, good kids can come from bad environments and vise versa. But a non-supportive homelife really stacks the deck against success in school (and life for that matter).

The homelife for some these kids is just crazy sometimes.

 

[PearlWatson]

That's not a slam. Nerds get too sensitive about their nerdery.

I have no problem with the label, but I wouldn't consider all achievement oriented students nerds. Nerd comes with a socially awkward connotation. Just saying.

 

[CONAN]

I have no problem with the label, but I wouldn't consider all achievement oriented students nerds. Nerd comes with a socially awkward connotation. Just saying.

My definition has nothing to do with the social side, but I realize that's not how most see it.

 

[jazzyB]

I really do agree with CONAN as most of the children learn the basics from their homes mean from their parents and environment at home. Like how their parents deals with them friendly rudely or give no time at all. As most of the children who are depressed at their home will always lack in confidence, attitude and behavior in social affairs, regardless of whichever the school they study.