When Should You Find Another Classroom for Your Child?
Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D.

Your child is having problems learning in his regular classroom. You don't want him in special ed. You've talked with his teacher and tried to suggest changes, but the teacher is resistant. What do you do? • One approach some parents have found successful is simply to find another classroom for their children in the same school, in another school, or even in another school district. • Some learning problems develop when a teacher's style of teaching doesn't mesh with a child's style of learning. Also, some teachers have personality conflicts with certain children. By simply finding a teacher who is more willing to work with your child, you can go a long way toward making sure your child succeeds in school. • Try to make changes early in the year, since midyear transitions can be difficult for both teacher and child. • Ask other parents for recommendations of good teachers at your child's grade level. Then request an after school meeting with one or more teachers to discuss your child's needs. If you find a teacher willing to work with your child, then a move to another classroom may be warranted.


Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D. is an award-winning author and speaker with twenty-eight years of teaching experience from the primary through the doctoral level, and over one million copies of his books in print on issues related to learning and human development. He is the author of nine books including Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom, In Their Own Way, Awakening Your Child’s Natural Genius, 7 Kinds of Smart, The Myth of the A.D.D. Child, ADD/ADHD Alternatives in the Classroom, and Awakening Genius in the Classroom. His books have been translated into sixteen languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Hebrew, Danish, and Russian.