Teacher

As an educator, I wish I could say that all teachers, as a group, are organized with small class sizes. But I can't. He's doing his best. And it sounds like you are too.

When there are tasks to be done like that, which takes time and per the quantity of children in a classroom, it OFTEN cannot be done in 1 single day, or in one single class period.
Therefore, some kids will get to do it, and some won't... then the kids that did not get to do it, will need to do it the next day, or on the next day that specific class period, meets.

Per the description you gave, they were to do a reading test, math test, oral test, and oral presentation, as well as church and making treats.
To me, this denotes, that each test, was a certain subject. ie: a different class period. It is not to be taken as an entire day. Each class subject period, has a certain time that that class begins and ends. Therefore if not all kids are able to do their presentations during the class time, then they will have to do it on another day. Also, it depends on how long, timing wise, each child is given to do their presentations. Some kids, take FOREVER to do their presentations. Unless, the Teacher specifies that each presentation take say, 5 minutes or 10 minutes. Then that way the Teacher can ascertain, how long it will take for ALL the students to do their presentations, within... the timing of the class period.
Thus, perhaps... your son was not able to do his presentation. There was not enough time for everyone to do it in 1 period.
In my daughter's class for example, there are 26 kids. Whenever they have presentations, there is NO time, within that given period, for ALL the kids to do their presentations all in one class period. Therefore, the others will do theirs on another day, in which that period meets. Common sense. The way that which kid goes first or last to give their presentations, are often by alphabetical order, or per which kids volunteer... to go first or second or third of fourth, and so forth.

Then the math test was not given, because the kids told the Teacher they did not know... there was to be a test and they were not ready.
That is the kids fault. It is the kids fault... that they were not ready for the Math test and did not prepare for it. And the Teacher to me, was being accommodating to let it slide. He was trying to be flexible.

I know that you cannot write everything that bothers you about this teacher in this thread. I am sure that you feel that you and other parents have plenty of reasons for feeling this way. I doubt that any of you are teachers.

I will say that my son has had many things due on such-and-such a day, including oral presentations, tests, and just recently, a research paper. Two weeks ago, oral presentations were due on a Monday - MY child ended up doing his on Wednesday. It took that long to get around to him because kids took longer than was expected. Sometimes teachers find out that other teachers are giving tests or big packets of homework, and they give them a day break to give extra time to study. For my son's research paper, the two-sided, single-space typed instruction clearly said that the kids' rubric AND rough draft were supposed to be attached to the final draft. HALF the kids didn't have them attached to their papers. The teacher gave them one more day to get their acts together.

This doesn't bother me. I believe that there is a reason and a benefit for changing the schedule. Sometimes kids in a class have certain issues (and I don't necessarily mean that in a negative way) and it makes it necessary to be flexible.

I do think you should change schools. If you have not been at a different school before, it would be good for you to see how another school does things.

Dawn

Probably not what you want to hear, but from the specific incidents described, I don't think you have any grounds to be upset. I'm sure there is more to the story or maybe it's just a personality conflict.

I agree with the idea behind his philosphy, that for a typical child he can be a facilitator/ guide and the parents can be the main educators. If you child is special needs and requires a tutor, then maybe this doesn't apply to you. I've heard that catholic schools are very intolerant of special needs children and don't offer nearly the support that public schools do, Again just what i have heard I don't have first hand knowledge of this.

As for him over scheduling, everything except the oral presentations seem like they can be accomplished in one day. I'm not sure what you mean by making treats, maybe that is more involved, but my children routinely have a spelling test, math test and reading assesment on the same day. The spelling they study for all week, the math concepts are presented and practiced ahead of time and the reading is On going.

If i were the teacher, I woudl be pissed that the kids and parents weren't responsible for knowing the test date and preparing. but again this is stuff they should be practicing all along and not needing to cram for at the last minute. That might be a red flag to me, that the kids think they can control when he gives the tests, due to their irresponsiblity. but as someone else said, i think he showed flexibility in giving them more time.

So your kid is the last to go, he's been given permission to go on Monday so he can do this fun thing on friday,but the teachers' tone was rude?

I don't know, it sounds like there are more problems than just this. I always try to look at the whole and know that even if you don't love everyone they all have strenghs and weaknesses. Try the public school you migh be able to get services for your child that might help him success more easily.

Some very good teachers are not very organized.
Just like some very good mothers.
Even organized teachers can't always plan out a schedule due to parents pulling kids our for all kinds of appointments, family emergencies, etc.
If you REALLY have a problem with this teacher, set up a conference with him and voice your concerns.
If you STILL have a problem, speak with his supervisor.
But of course your biggest question and concern should ultimately be, is my child learning, thriving and growing at this school?
Before you pull out make sure you THOROUGHLY research your other options. In the world of private schools burned bridges are not easily repaired, and you may end up somewhere even worse :(

i guess it depends on the overall philosophy of the school. if you are a very traditional person, this won't suit you. i actually like and agree with the way he thinks.
my personal situation is different because i'm teaching kids with a very flexible schedule and i set the syllabus and standards. but i make it clear at the beginning of each semester that my syllabus is only a suggestion and i reserve the right to tweak and adjust it as i see fit. my kids actually have a say in how the the flow and focus of the class goes.
that being said, i can certainly see how you and your son are upset if your other plans are being interfered with because the class schedule is so behind. have you discussed it with the teacher? if you do it calmly, when you're not fizzling with (understandable) frustration, you might find it works wonders!
khairete
S.

I am not sure what to say but I don't think that teacher should be teaching, it’s obvious that he doesn’t want to do it. Has anyone said anything to the administration? My daughter also goes to a religious private school and so far her teacher is great. But she is only in kindergarten.

I would let your kid do the out of the ordinary opportunity and stop feeling guilty because this teacher cannot plan properly.

I think it depends on the philosophy of the school. My daughter attends a private school emphasizing emergent education and this would be typical and expected. If the school were a more traditional philosophy, I would expect the schedule would be kept to. I think when paying for the education you can expect a response and if the matter isn't addressed, time to go to the head of school.