AllExperts > Experts 
Search      

Behavior & Learning in School

Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More Questions · Question Library  · Free Encyclopedia ·
More Behavior & Learning in School Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about Behavior & Learning in School
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
About Patricia Ireland-Williams
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I am a retired K-12 Public School Principal (23 years), a teacher and counselor(8 years) and an educational consultant. I can help parents with questions about how the system works, provide ideas on how to solve school issues or assist teachers in coping with the plethera of stressors they face. I am currently an educational consultant and have served on the State of Arizona Solutions Team.

Experience
B.A. Secondary Education M.A. in Counseling M.A.+ Administration
   

You are here:  Experts > Education > Elementary Educators: Canada > Behavior & Learning in School

Questions Answered By Expert  Patricia Ireland-Williams 
In Category  Behavior & Learning in School

SubjectDate Asked

teaching10/5/2008
  Q: I am an English teacher for elementary studesnts and face a problem in my class that is controlling ...
  A: You must begin good classroom management the very first day. If you are giving them challenging ...
Information9/20/2008
  Q: Do you have any information on the subject "Reasons Why Chld (Elementary) Needs A Counselor."
  A: Janie, Unfortunately most elementary schools can no longer afford to have a Certified Counselor on ...
Combining classes9/18/2008
  Q: I am currently teaching in a small private school. We are struggling to stay open and one way we ...
  A: Combining classes is an excellent strategy in this situation. 1/2,3/4, 5/6, 7/8 are great ...
Excessive punishment.9/11/2008
  Q: My 7 y.o. son (2nd grade) got in trouble at school. I was contacted at 3:00 pm with someone telling ...
  A: I have seen this situation over and over again..........most schools have a zero tolerance level on ...
third grade stress9/2/2008
  Q: My child is 7 and in the 3rd grade. He will be 8 in late November. He is doing well academically, ...
  A: Jen, Age 7 going on 8 is very young for a 3rd grader.......most third graders are 9 years of age. ...
kindergarten8/16/2008
  Q: My son is 4.10 years old. He is currently signed up for pre-k at a nursery school (8 students, half ...
  A: Tammie, Although I believe that your son could do all right in kindergarten, I think that he could ...
Going straight to first grade8/8/2008
  Q: My child went to a private school this past school. She was in what they called a transitional ...
  A: Sharon, I would go with the teacher's recommendation after they have screened her. Discuss your ...
school counseling8/4/2008
  Q: could you please explain in academic terms how school counseling differs from clinical counseling? ...
  A: Usually counseling in the school setting is about career goals, class scheduling, college ...
Regarding programs and lessons7/18/2008
  Q: I am wondering if you knew of any resources where I can find information on Instructional levels, ...
  A: All of the topics you have mentioned should have been taught to you in detail when you became a ...
out of control child7/8/2008
  Q: If a child is acting out in a session and the parent is present. Should the counseling say, to the ...
  A: If a parent and child was with me for a counseling session and the child was out of control I would ...
2nd grade retention6/5/2008
  Q: The school is not allowing my child to move on to the next grade, the teacher refused to sign the ...
  A: Noelle, I do not know how California handles this issue. You need to go to the schools Principal ...
School Counseling Question5/29/2008
  Q: When do you as a school counselor change a student's class? What if the parent came in and requested ...
  A: I do not believe that a counselor should change a student's class unless there has been a scheduling ...
Considering holding back my 4th grader.5/15/2008
  Q: We are in a dilemma, my 4th grade step son is just limping is way through school. He is very bright ...
  A: The research on the effectiveness of retention after Kindergarten is not good. Unfortunately, most ...
My 9 year old son5/5/2008
  Q: My question is: How can I help my 9 year work more independently? Background: His teacher said ...
  A: Debbie, I think that you are a very fortunate Mom to have such great support. The fact that your ...
combined K-1 classroom5/1/2008
  Q: My five year old son will be starting Kindergarten this fall. At the open house today, we were ...
  A: I believe that ALL kindergartens should be all day in that in order to prepare children for the ...
Year Round Schools4/15/2008
  Q: I am doing a persuasive essay on the benefits of year round schools versus those of traditional ...
  A: A good resource for you to try is the National Association for Year Round Schools (www.nayre.org). ...
They wanttohold my first grader back4/10/2008
  Q: My first grader performs well above average academically.The school wants to hold him back for ...
  A: You need to request a conference with the Principal and teacher and determine more about their ...
social cues3/19/2008
  Q: I'm a social worker & I have a child that lacks social cues...can you give me examples of how to ...
  A: Since you have not shared what age this child is nor what he is lacking specifically, I would ...
Organizational Skills3/11/2008
  Q: My daughter is 12 and is in the seventh grade. She has always struggled with reading and has not ...
  A: Organization is a developmental skill that begins as a young child. You are likely to face a ...
retention 8th grade2/23/2008
  Q: My son Garrett is a c c- d student .I have had a tutor for three years,his birthday is 9/23/94. He ...
  A: I would never consider retaining a student beyond 1st grade and that would be only if the child has ...
grade sliding in schools12/22/2007
  Q: what causes grade slides among teenagers,how do you help?,why are there conflicts btn teachers and ...
  A: Most of the time grades declining are a result of the student not focusing on what is happening in ...
Unfair Treatment12/21/2007
  Q: I have a 6 year old son who is in the 1st grade. Last week he was suspended from school because he ...
  A: Since I have no other information, I must assume that this was the first time your son had a problem ...
naughty student12/18/2007
  Q: i am a primary school teacher.An 8 years old student in my class,he steals the money and pencils of ...
  A: I would suggest that you explore classroom management techniques either on line, at the library or ...
problem in teaching ICT11/25/2007
  Q: I'm computer teacher , I teach students from age 11-15 , some of my students are good and active , ...
  A: An effective strategy I have seen is simply to match the weak students with the good students as ...
My daughter is out of control11/19/2007
  Q: I have tried to talk to my daughter over and over again about her month. I will try to help her with ...
  A: I am surprised that this child's teacher gave you any information in that teachers are bound by ...
classroom management11/14/2007
  Q: I am a third year teacher and I am currently in the middle of a semester with the worst class I have ...
  A: Molly, It sounds to me like you have done a good job in utilizing viable options for these ...
Testing11/5/2007
  Q: If I want my 10 year old tested by the school what do I ask for. He was tested in 2nd grade but ...
  A: Discuss your concern with your child's teacher. If she has concerns, she can make a referral for ...
community service11/2/2007
  Q: I am doing a paper on making community service mandatory in schools. I was just wondering if you ...
  A: I am an advocate of community service........not sure about making it mandatory in that this could ...
Combo Classes9/7/2007
  Q: My son who is in 3 grade has been placed in a 3/2 grade combo class this year. The grades will be in ...
  A: This is a very common practise that has shown a great deal of success............. be assured your ...
High School Science9/6/2007
  Q: I am doing a paper on Creation and Evolution in the school system. Do you know where I could go to ...
  A: I am sure that you can easily access this information by doing an ERIC search at the library or by ...
kindergarden anxiety9/5/2007
  Q: My daughter has started crying when we get her ready for school. I visited the class and found the ...
  A: I would suggest that you speak to the teacher as well as schedule a time to observe the classroom. ...
Mean teacher9/4/2007
  Q: My son just started 4th grade last week. He is finding the teacher to be constantly picking on ...
  A: I agree with the Principal.......you always need to talk to the teacher first and then decide what ...
3rd grader self esteem,doubts,& combo classes8/27/2007
  Q: My 3rd grader has been placed in a 2nd/3rd combo class this year and she has decided that she ...
  A: Stacey, I would encourage you to stand your ground and make her go to her new class in order to see ...
Kindergartner summarily dismissed on first day8/25/2007
  Q: My 5 year old grandson entered a full day kindergarten program at our local, public elementary ...
  A: You certainly have a difficult situation on your hands...it is very unfortunate that your grandson ...
scikolagekal8/21/2007
  Q: how can i handle a harsh teacher?
  A: You have not given me enough information to really evaluate this situation but I will be happy to ...
math7/25/2007
  Q: what are the three most important INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES to use when teaching a math lesson AND ...
  A: Kelli, Math instruction is not my expertise but from what I have observed over the years, ...
Should we hold eight year old back?7/20/2007
  Q: My son is eight and turns nine in August. In Kindergarten and first grade he was the youngest in ...
  A: Research on retaining a child after Kindergarten is extensive. In a nutshell, it says that it is ...
behaviour of a child7/5/2007
  Q: My son he is 8 year old he is not concentrates in school he never likes to write notes and co home ...
  A: Every child has his/her own gifts and talents and it is about this time (age 8) that many of those ...
Combined 4th/5th classroom6/28/2007
  Q: My son will be starting 4th grade in August & at the end of the last school year, we were notified ...
  A: Denise, I am surprised that this is the first time you have encountered a combined classroom. It ...
combining classes6/19/2007
  Q: our classes are combined due to small enrollment. The class of five 3rd graders was included in the ...
  A: Tana, This is a very unfortunate situation that many schools have to face due to funding and ...
gut feelings6/13/2007
  Q: I thought with your impressive experience you might have a take on this. I'm a writer working on a ...
  A: I have found that even young children have gut feelings....about 18 years ago I was supervising ...
combined 7th and 8th grades6/7/2007
  Q: My question is.. Do you think combining a 7th grade class and 8th grade class is a a good idea? Our ...
  A: With such small numbers of students, your school has no other choice other than to combine ...
friendship issues6/6/2007
  Q: My 7 year old daughter has a so-called friend that decides when they can be "best friends". Some ...
  A: This is very common behavior of young children. Relationships are hard to explain and only through ...
Rules5/25/2007
  Q: What kind of rules do you have on secondary schools, and what happends if a student break the rules?
  A: Each school entity shares a common set of rules that are approved by the School Board as well as ...
About school5/25/2007
  Q: We are two students from Sweden that are forced to write to you. Don't blame us, blame our teacher. ...
  A: Our students usually get 25-30 minutes to get their lunch and eat it. The average school day for ...
Combined Classrooms5/16/2007
  Q: I have 2 elementary school children... one in Kindergarten and one in 3rd grade. The school system ...
  A: Elizabeth, I understand your frustration and what you have described is very possible. That is not ...
Combined Classrooms5/15/2007
  Q: I have 2 elementary school children... one in Kindergarten and one in 3rd grade. The school system ...
  A: I believe that capable children thrive in combined classrooms and that children with difficulties ...
Sex Education5/2/2007
  Q: I'm a journalism student writing an article about the growing trend of schools including ...
  A: I believe that tolerance for all people should be taught in schools from pre-school on. My opinion ...
Kindergarten, to start or not to start?4/24/2007
  Q: My son, Joe, is approaching his 5th birthday on September 2nd. The cut-off date for Kindergarten ...
  A: Lindsay, I believe that children should enter school at an age appropriate time rather than when ...
academic3/20/2007
  Q: i would like to thank you first for taking time to read my question.i would like to know where i ...
  A: You definately should talk to the teacher about your concern and inquire as to whether testing is ...
academic3/20/2007
  Q: i would like to thank you first for taking time to read my question.i would like to know where i ...
  A: Any qualified psychologist can do this. Most school districts have school psychologists who can do ...
school grades help3/17/2007
  Q: What is the gpa you have to have in order to pass on to the next grade? My son is in 7th grade and ...
  A: The requirements for passing from one grade to another often are regulated by the school, school ...
Cognitive Assessment3/17/2007
  Q: I have a wonderful 6 year old son, who attends Kindergarten. His teacher, who is very rigid, ...
  A: In my humble opinion, it is unprofessional for a teacher to label a child ADD in that only a Medical ...
BF Skinner1/29/2007
  Q: I got into a discussion with one of my colleagues about BF Skinner's Theory of Behaviorism and we ...
  A: It has been years since I considered Skinner but I truly believe that we as humans are "programmed" ...
1st grade stepson11/29/2006
  Q: We are having behavioral issues with our son in first grade. He seems to want attention from his ...
  A: It is good that you have had your son evaluated...........I understand your concern about meds but ...
Testing10/30/2006
  Q: There was no one individual listed that addresses my question, but I think you come closest. My 13 ...
  A: I would not be overly concerned about this in that the Terra Nova and the MCAS may not be testing ...
School10/26/2006
  Q: My friend is looking to drop out of high school. How old do you have to be and do you need a parent ...
  A: Kristyn, Good for you for trying to get your friend to stay in school! Dropping out will be the ...
1st grade daughter9/27/2006
  Q: I was wondering if you knew if this was okay. My 6-year-old daughter just started 1st grade and as ...
  A: Heather...... I am so sorry that this has occurred. It is not uncommon for young students to want ...
Homework9/21/2006
  Q: My son is in the 5th grade and he is an A/B student. He is doing HOMEWORK for approx. 2 to 3 hours ...
  A: Generally, the amount of homework given depends on the subject and what the assignment is. An 1-1 & ...
combined classes8/29/2006
  Q: My child is a very good student.She is going in to the third grade and will be 9 in October. This ...
  A: Melinda, I am a proponent of combined classes..........they work very well and usually are created ...
Lesson lenght8/7/2006
  Q: I am a secondary school teacher (yr7 to 12) and at the moment in my school there are discussions ...
  A: This has little to do with attention span but rather how kids learn.......students need 3-5 changes ...
my child has reading difficulty8/4/2006
  Q: I'm Mrs. Cecille Papa. I have a 6 year old daughter who has difficulty in reading. She is left ...
  A: ....... You should be proud of your daughter's successful beginning academically. Many 6 years old ...
Case Study7/22/2006
  Q: You have 5 angry parnents in your office citing that they feel that your school is daily instilling ...
  A: 1. I would provide the parent who is concerned about this book with the district procedure for ...
Case studies in principalship7/19/2006
  Q: First of all, I would like to thank you for your response to my previous question. I feel that you ...
  A: 1. I would tell the ABC tour bus that Mrs. Patrick contracted this without financial approval and ...
case studies in principalship7/19/2006
  Q: You hear rumors that alleged sex acts have taken place between a student and a teacher. Mrs. Grace ...
  A: This is an easy scenerio which is driven by the laws around child protection. I would immediately ...
about students7/10/2006
  Q: Would you tell me please about the best ways of dealing with students in case they are weak in ...
  A: The best way to improve a students language development is to immerse them in vocabulary, frequently ...
Naughty student7/3/2006
  Q: We are a group of teacher following a professional developpement course. We would be very happy if ...
  A: I handle misbehaving students in High School just like I do those who are in Elementary or College: ...
Validity5/18/2006
  Q: I assume you received your masters in a psychology program, and not a education one? I was curious ...
  A: My degrees are in counseling, education and administration, not psychology. I do know that there is ...
teacher firing4/5/2006
  Q: ------------------------- Patricia...If this person quits the job now, before the contract is up on ...
  A: Angie....... I would highly recommend that your friend avoid breaking the contract......not only ...
teacher firing4/4/2006
  Q: .I don't know if you know the answer to this or not....But if a credentialled teacher first time ...
  A: Angie........ It is not uncommon for first year teachers to face non-renewal............in the ...
lost diploma2/13/2006
  Q: I attended a private acredited High School, and graduated in 1991. I have lost my diploma, and the ...
  A: Contact the State Department of Education from your state and they should be able to tell you who ...
Hall Moniters1/31/2006
  Q: Do hall moniters go to class? I've seen so many shows on hall moniters and they are all students. ...
  A: I have never been in an environment where hall monitors are used. I did ask a friend about ...
Religion in schools (Sr. Project paper)1/16/2006
  Q: I'm a senior in my school and I'm writting a paper on "What belief system should be allowed/taught ...
  A: There is simply not time to teach these subjects in great detail given all of the State and National ...
Response to teacher arm twisting and yelling.8/2/2005
  Q: Our 9 yr. old son recently completed 3rd grade in the Duxbury Public Schools. He's been getting ...
  A: I would suggest that you talk to your son one more time and record his words in writing. I then ...
student-expulsion5/20/2005
  Q: this tue my son faces potential expulsion. He is 16 and was caught at school selling pot to two ...
  A: I am sorry to hear about your difficulty with your son. Most school districts have a zero tolerance ...
cheating in school4/14/2005
  Q: I am a college student at San Jose State University and am researching why college students choose ...
  A: Esperanza, I probably have a different "take" on this than most. I believe that we live in an ...
Progressive vs. Traditional Education3/28/2005
  Q: What are the benefits and downfalls of a progressive education and a traditional education?
  A: There has always been a big debate about the benefits and downfalls of progressive education vs. ...
Math problems2/17/2005
  Q: My son is 10(December 16) years old and he is in 5th grade. He have 2 A'S, 2B'S and then D in Math. ...
  A: The reality of this situation is that some kids are great in Math and some are not (I am one who was ...
K-boy2/13/2005
  Q: My son is in kindergarten. I am a kindergarten teacher. He is does not have a problem academically ...
  A: I suggest that you continue doing all you are doing to support your child's teacher as well as ...
Learning-centered paradigm10/21/2004
  Q: I am a parent and a teacher-educator for years and have been exposed to mainly two paradigms. The ...
  A: I am sorry that I can not help you with this question in that I am not a researcher and not a ...
School Uniforms and how they affect academic achievement10/12/2004
  Q: I am in need of three (3) published resourses to use for writing a term paper, on the subject of: ...
  A: Would not think that the Association of School Psychologists would have much.......explore the ...
I.Q. Tests and their importance8/6/2004
  Q: Should my son (12, 7th grade) take an IQ test. Is there any advantage in doing so for his future? ...
  A: IQ tests are usually administered by a psychologist and are given only for the purposes of ...
Help me to help myself and many others8/5/2004
  Q: I have a 17 year old son that was dianosed with add/adhd when he was in 1st grade. Regular school ...
  A: Beverly, First of all, let me apologize for the delay in response. I just got home from a ...
discussing issues with elementary school principal5/20/2004
  Q: My daughter is in the third grade, in a 2/3 combination class. She has the same teacher that she had ...
  A: This is a very complex situation with many layers to it. It is not uncommon for school districts ...
Repeating a grade4/21/2004
  Q: We are anticipating a move from California to New Jersey this summer. Our son is currently in 8th ...
  A: Research shows that retention "works" when it is done in kindergarten or first grade. It is rarely ...
During my teaching/admin career...3/10/2004
  Q: During my teaching/admin career in schools in Australia, I found that ...
  A: I am not sure what you are asking but I believe that out of school suspension should be used as a ...
bullying12/19/2003
  Q: My 14-year-old daughter is being harrassed at school and school events by 2 cheerleaders (she is ...
  A: Intimidation is unfortunately a problem with this group of girls. I would encourage your daughter ...
LD List12/18/2003
  Q: Greetings! I am desperately looking for a list of learning disabilities according to the DSMIV, and ...
  A: I do not have access to a current list but the American Psychological Association or the U.S. ...
Elementary School Counselors3/16/2003
  Q: Is it illegal for an elementary school to not have a counselor? If it is illegal, what year did it ...
  A: This varies from state to state. I have never heard of a law that makes it "illegal" to have a ...
Interview question2/28/2003
  Q: Tell me, what do administrators want to hear when they ask you, in an interview, "Do you have any ...
  A: When we ask whether you have any further questions, that is what we want to know.........most people ...
Addtional info2/26/2003
  Q: You answered a question of mine recently, and I would like to ask a few more.... You said that ...
  A: Good interpretation of what I said. In terms of raising test scores, it involves following state ...
interdisciplinary or team teaching6/23/2002
  Q: I am currently studying Education at the Master's Level and I have some questions for you. 1. Did ...
  A: From the first day I entered the classroom in 1968, I utilized a team approach.......we taught ...
Head Girl4/26/2002
  Q: I am applying for the position of Head Girl within my school and am looking for ideas to prepare my ...
  A: I do not know what the "head girl" position but I assume it is like a student leader. Student ...
Exam pressures2/11/2002
  Q: I'm an high school student at Glenbard North High school and we are currently doing a research ...
  A: There are far too many redundant questions to answer. Exams/tests are a fact of life and students ...

All Questions in This Category

     
About Us | Advertise on This Site | User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2008 About, Inc. About and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. The About logo is a trademark of About, Inc. All rights reserved.