I have 2 experiences with paras in NYC schools. One time teaching HS I
came into my classroom early and the special ed teacher was conducting
a math lesson in my classroom. The 2 paras were sitting at the end of
the tables, towards the back. One para was reading a magazine. The
other para was balancing her checkbook. Another time I was a sub, again
in a HS. When I showed up for class, the para took one look at me and
walked out. She took orders for coffee and cake for all the paras on
the floor and came back about 20 minutes later. I did complain to the
AP, but the AP defending her staff employee. I really could have used
her help with the attendance. I didn't know the students. Both of those
schools were in a good school district in Queens, it was not the South
Bronx.

On 11/06/09, SID wrote
> I can see why you are upset. But I am not sure what will be done
> about it. You can go to the principal. The Para smokes on campus
> which is grounds for dismissal in my school. She lied to you and
> did not follow the parents instructions.
> But the truth of the matter is unless the principal backs you up
> and dismisses her you will have a very long year ahead of you.
> I think your idea of calling her and finding out why she let the
> child go swimming if she knew he shouldn't is a good idea. Then
> put it behind both of you and go forward. We can't live without
> Para's but living with them isn't always easy. I know I have
> three. :-)
>
>
>
> On 11/06/09, to no big deal?? wrote:
>> On 11/06/09, no big deal wrote:
>>> No doubt she forgot the child did not have permission to
>>> swim. Talk to her but don't accuse. It could happen happen to
>>> any of us. She made a mistake. The child is fine. Try out
>>> work it out.
>>
>> WHAT!!!! "Stressed" stated that the parent explicitly stated
>> that they did not want the child to swim. The para then
>> LIED!!!! about having a signed permission slip. If she had
>> said, "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry I forgot that Joey couldn't go
>> swimming!" and taken the TEACHERS seriously then maybe it would
>> be more forgivable. This seems like a case of the assistant
>> being out of line and refusing to accept responsibility for her
>> actions. Sorry, but this is a big deal and it sounds like there
>> might be some other underlying issues. You might say, the child
>> is fine...but WHAT IF the child was injured. Who would be
>> ultimately responsible? The teacher. Who has to explain to the
>> parent why their child was in the pool? The teacher. Rather
>> than apologize and accept that she was WRONG or made an error,
>> she called in sick, AGAIN this is avoiding her responsibility
>> for her error.
>>
>>
>>
>>

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