I agree.. As a staff we often discuss if it is beneficial or not to find out about new students.  I am still in two minds.  I appreciate that children want the opportunity to have a fresh start, but knowing a little about them helps to meet their needs.  I have also found that is the preconceived notions of the other students (and parents) that become difficult to change.

Jane Webby

I loved this post!  And I just talked about this in my other class, Human Development. As dependent human beings we process our relationships as well as the information being given to us.  The teacher-student relationship can greatly effect the behavior and performance of a child, as well the teaching style of the teacher.  As educators we have to step back and realize children for the little "humans" that they are.  Just like we react to people differently, they do too.  And if you as the teacher have already labeled them as difficult or lazy or whatever other adjective you choose to use, you will most likely not be providing that child with the best education they deserve!  Every child deserves a new beginning every year!  I even tell my kids that they have a new beginning every day...it's never too late make good choices (including us adults!) Heidi Schmidt 

Your topic is unfortunately extremely true and probably the norm in most schools.  Every year before the school year starts, my building does rotations in which we take our class lists and meet with the grade level teachers who had our students the previous year.  We discuss their strengths, as well as their "tough" spots.  It is hard not to point to a challenging student, roll our eyes, and simply say, "good luck with that one!"  However, it is really important to think about the positives each child brings and discuss those as well as the things that were difficult.  Great job reminding us that each year is a new year and a new opportunity for our students to rewrite their history!Andrew Sargent

I agree with your insight and understanding totally. I am a special education teacher at the secondary level and I routinely deal with students whom other teacher deem "problems." In many cases I am able to connect with them and even have high expectations for them, that many other staff can't see. It is sad to me that so many of these kids get judged before they walk in the door. Many have a lot to offer and are trying to fit the box they have been placed in. But, if given a chance, and a little respect, many of these students will surprise even the most jaded of teachers and you can get some great work and insight from these "problem children." I wish more teachers would choose to not judge students, until the student actually earns the judgment or not. Kim Davis

What a WONDERFUL way to begin a new class. I do think that in addition to getting a bad rap because of previous behavioral issues or supposed learning difficulties, etc., students can also get labeled with a good rap that can end up putting quite a bit of pressure on them. It's never a good feeling to let others down or not live up to expectations. A student who is known for being very successful in a certain subject but then faces difficulty is going to be particularly sensitive about seeking help. The problem is exacerbated when everyone around them expects them to do well or makes them feel like they shouldn't be having problems. Far more often, though, I believe that kids are given a negative stigma from early on that becomes tough to shake. Each kid should get to have a teacher who believes that he or she can do great things! Too often our belief in kids is tarnished by what others have told us. Kristin Syverson