|
|
Book Review: An Educator’s Guide to the Role of the Principal, by E. Roher and S. Wormwell Published by Canada Law Book Inc. The book begins with an amusing “joke.” Mother: (calling upstairs in the morning): “It’s time to get up for school.” Chris: “I’m not going to school.” Mother: “Why not?” Chris: “Because everybody at the school hates me – the teachers, the kids, the janitor – they all hate me!” Mother: “You have to go. You’re the Principal.” The role of the principal of a school is indeed difficult. This book, which is written essentially for principals, is a very valuable read for parents who are advocating for their exceptional children. The principal is one of the key people parents have to deal with in getting the education they want for their child. The more you know about the principal’s job and responsibilities the better able you are to have an overview about how to present your case to him or her. There are ten chapters including duties and responsibilities, negligence and liability, student records and confidentiality, documenting teacher performance and school attendance. In addition, there are an important chapters on managing medications in schools, suspensions and expulsions and safe schools. The material on teachers and their roles is valuable for parents as is the one on the rights of non-custodial parents but, perhaps the most critical chapter of all is titled dealing with the problem parent. If you have issues with the school regarding your special needs youngster you do not want to be considered as a “problem parent” because that makes your job all the more difficult. There are case examples of how mothers and fathers have gotten themselves into difficulties by allowing their emotions and impulsive behaviors to work against their best interests. You must learn to advocate in ways which are effective and learn the associated skills. These are presented in detail in my book Exceptional Children—Ordinary Schools: Getting the Education You Want for Your Special Needs Child and are reviewed in my Workshops. Reading about the legal case examples in the book, the general information, and the various situations principals have to deal with will enhance your ability to successfully represent your child’s situation in school. Working as a parent advocate requires commitment on your part and that includes a special education for you. Learning as much as you can about how schools work and the administrators and staff as well is vitally important to any of your dealings with schools. Knowledge about the role of the principal will be quite useful to you. Reviewed by Dr. Norm Forman
Copyright(c) 2003 Parent's Advocacy
in the School. All rights reserved. |
