In Wes Fryer’s latest post, he debates what to do about his child’s teacher’s decision to show ten full-length feature films over the course of a semester. Wes raises questions of copyright and fair use, and I highly recommend you head over his way and leave your thoughts on the matter.
The post in question raises another matter in my mind, though, one that I don’t think was part of Wes’s agenda (well, there is the issue of showing ten full-length films in a semester, but I’d need more information to determine if that’s rant-worthy or not). What guidelines does one follow with regard to blogging about one’s child’s school? I’ve blogged about the schools at which I’ve worked and I’ve commented on issues of national relevance, but my kids haven’t yet hit the K-12 stretch of their educations. It hasn’t been an issue in the two and a half years I’ve been blogging, but Dylan starts kindergarten this coming September.
Should that change things?
Much like Wes, I don’t want to be seen as a troublemaking parent, but at the same time, I’d like to think I reserve some right to use this space to comment on what my kids experience, both good and bad. So what’s fair game (if anything) when it comes to blogging about your kids’ educational experiences, and what’s off-limits? What have you decided was just too touchy or hit too close to home to blog about with regards to your child’s school experiences?
It would seem to me that Wes handled it well, questioning the aspect of his child’s education without specifically calling out the teacher or school by name. Obviously, somebody COULD probably connect the dots to figure out that information, but most would be unlikely to.
.-= Dan Callahan´s last blog ..The worst things in the world =-.
Oh, I agree; Wes was very tactful in his handling of this particular situation. I’m just wondering out loud about the residual impact that blogging – even tactfully questioning, gently prodding blogging – might have on my kids in terms of how they’re viewed (or worse, treated) by school officials.
I should also say that I have no reason to believe folks in our school district would carry themselves in any way other than completely professionally; like I said, just thinking out loud.
This is a very good question. I’ve wanted to blog about other issues during the past term, but since my son was in class with teachers and getting grades I held off… As you noticed I did cover up the teacher’s name in the scanned document, and I was not trying to “call them out…” I think blogging and citizen journalism like this has great potential to catalyze change, shine lights on topics that may need some sunshine, etc. Relationships are key, however, so face-to-face conversations with those involved are important to go hand in hand with blogging, I think.