I HAVE to agree with the parent who complained in a letter on 26 February about the way children are referred for outside assistance by some schools.
I was practically forced to put my child on medication after the (school-referred) psychologist’s recommendation. He diagnosed ADD (on inputs from the teacher).
A year before, the school convinced me that my child needed occupational and speech therapy, to get rid of minor identified developmental issues that could hamper his studies – this I could live with.
Then a boy in my son’s class told me that his teacher had thrown my son’s book on the floor in a rage.
When I confronted him, in a “worried mother way”, he let loose on how he has been struggling with my son – news for me of course.
Suddenly the therapy alone had no results and additional medication was needed (both pretty expensive). I am all for what’s best for my child, but this was ridiculous. Dumbfounded, I discussed the use of drugs with the child’s pediatrician and he suggested that I consider remedial classes if I felt uncomfortable with medication. This did not sit well with the teacher, but I was not putting my young son on these behaviour modifying drugs he did not need (don’t get me wrong, for the right situation, these drugs work miracles and change children’s lives!
He was also sent to remedial class.
I believe that the whole experience scarred him immensely, despite family support and love. If he (the teacher) had just had some tolerance and patience.
Today my son is still unsure and self-conscious of his abilities as this is what he was led to believe by his teachers.
I think teachers should be honest with themselves, seeing they are Christians. If they feel uncomfortable teaching a child of colour, they should admit it and not ruin lives.
This was a bitter experience and I urge parents to think hard before you take the school’s advice - it can be exploitative.
As for teachers: look back one day on how many wrong decisions you made and the reasons you made them. Make a change today.
