When registering new students in some California school districts the application asks "How was your child delivered, C-section or vaginal birth?" Currently, there is no scientific evidence for the behavioral performance or academic achievement of one birth method over the other.
Please speculate on why a public school system might ask such a question.
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Staci H. 28
ReplyDeleteOther than just a curious poll, I can't think of any reason why a school would ned to know this information. I can understand wanting to know if the child was premature or if there were some kind of emergency situation at birth that could possibly affect the learning ability of the child.
Sarah C.28
ReplyDeleteI see no real reason why the school would want to know that information other than wanting to know how each child is born. It cannot be due to learning performance as it states that there is no scientific evidence that either birth method causes behavioral problems or academic achievement.
Cierra S.28
ReplyDeleteMy guess on why they would start taking this particular poll is because, maybe they are trying to come up with other solutions on why children are effected with different learning behaviors. Yes, I know there is no scientific evidence yet but i think in a couple of years there will be some results from this data collected by public schools.
Sarah C.28 in response to Staci H.28
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment, I can see if they want to know if the child would be premature and if that had affected their learning ability. Other than that I can see no real reason why they need that information.
Cierra S.28 In response to Staci H.28
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your comment. I couldn't think of any particular reason they would take this poll also, other than just being curious. Premature or emergency situations makes a lot more sense than the birth method of the baby.
A C-section might suggest a premature birth and that would be worth noting as far as the child's physical and mental development is concerned. That might be a reason for the school to pose such a question.
ReplyDeleteConnie S. 29
ReplyDeleteI can't even begin to speculate "why" such a question is on a public school application...
Even if there were scientific evidence for the performance/achievement differential, what difference does it make five or six years later? Are we now going to segregate children on the basis of how they were delivered?
I see this as just another way that the government is becoming intrusive in our everyday lives....
Greetings. Great beginning. Please remember to include your name with your post.
ReplyDeleteTom
Staci H. 28 in response to The C-section reply:
ReplyDeleteTrue, c-section's are often performed for premature babies, or just other complications. I would think the school would ask if there were any issues with delivery that could affect learning, rather than asking which way the delivery was!
Adam Smith
ReplyDeleteWow, now why would the school system need to know this information? I could understand if this was needed as emergency medical info on a newborn but with all the HIPPA laws out there now, I would think most people would not answer this question.
Secondly, I agree with Staci in that I have not seen any type of literature that even hints at the possiblity that delivering via C-section instead of vaginal birth could cause a possible behavioral or learning disorder.
Sheiletta J. 36
ReplyDeleteI am totally taken back by this article. I truly believe this is another research method to separate society. This is a common discussion among Women, because it helps you to understand how your body may or may not have been affected by childbirth, but this topic has no place on a school application.
Sheiletta J. 36 in response to Sarah C.
ReplyDeleteI agree that if there is no scientific evidence of any connection to the delivery of the child. The school district is simply being noisy and again trying to develop another category for separation methods.
Krystal H. 28
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like someone was just curious to know instead of trying to find out details that might benefit the children in their learning abilities. The only reason I can guess they asked that question might have something to do with whether the baby carried to full term or not. In "most" (not all) c-section cases, the baby is early which might have some effect on the learning ability. Either way, since there's no medical evidence to back this up, I think the question should be left blank by parents. Maybe the school should have worded the question differently.
In reply to Adam S.
Surprisingly, the HIPAA Law does not prevent the school from asking questions such as this. It is still the parent's discretion as to whether they answer or not, just like with any standard medical form you fill out at the doctor's office. Once the forms are signed, there's no wrongdoing on the school's part. It's like signing your life away, haha. HIPAA Law is mostly to cover what medical information can be released by a medical practice, such as medical records, billing info, xrays, etc.
Diamond D. 29
ReplyDeleteI honestly cannot think of any reason why any school would ask that question. i have never heard of any psychological differences between children born vaginal and others born through c-section.
Diamond D. 29 in response to Krystal H. 28
ReplyDeletetrying to determine whether the baby was full term does make sense but asking how they were delivered would definitely be the wrong way to find that out because c-section babies can also be carried full term. but i totally agree that parents should just leave it blank.
Connie S. (29) in response to Krystal H.....
ReplyDeleteThere actually is a medical difference in learning skills betwen a vaginally delivered child and a c-section. The reason is because nature intended for a baby to be delivered vaginally. The wombs' contractions stimulate the blood flow to the baby's head....however, the difference usually disappears within a few months.I have my own research on this...my 2-year-old granson, delivered naturally, is way ahead of his age group, his 8 month old brother, delivered c-section, is a bit slower activity wise (we in the south call it "pokey"), but is catching up and is becoming a very typical 2nd child!
Vaness D. 98
ReplyDeleteThere could be a number of reasons why a school district would be asking this. On a large scale (i.e. all of the new students across a district), trends become evident which may not be evident on a smaller or individual scale. The districts obviously believe or suspect birth method impacts or reveals something. The question of what it reveals is certainly the speculation here. Perhaps the school districts are compiling statistics to find out what or to examine it further. Perhaps there is a grant for schools with populations exceeding a certain number of vaginal or C-section deliveries. Perhaps the district believes that delivery method is correlated to learning disabilities, handicaps, behaviour, etc, although it may not have been previously established. Perhaps they are looking for correlations (a possible use for compiling statistics, above). Perhaps they are looking for a correlation between birth method and socioeconomic status. Or, perhaps researchers have compelled the districts to agree to compile the information on their behalf. It would be interesting to know the actual rationale behind the question!
Vaness D. 98, in response to Adam S...
ReplyDeleteHIPPA!!! Good point! As intensely private, meticulous and regulated as medical records are these days, it is absolutely stunning that a school district would even go anywhere near something medically related and as apparently frivolous as the question of birth method. Furthermore, that in combination with as litigious as society is today..... Well, can you say LAW SUIT??
Ashley C. 29
ReplyDeleteI don't think this question should be asked on a school application. How a child is delivered has nothing to do with a child's education, maybe more on health reasons.I think the parent has a right to leave the question blank.
Ashley C 29. In Response To Diamond D. 29
ReplyDeleteI also never psychological differences between the two and i think that this should not even be a question on the application
I can't think of any reason for a school to ask this question however if it is a basic count of how often cesearian birhts occured during a paticular year and so on then maybe I could see why. A count would see if these are just being done too much or wether there is even a need.
ReplyDeleteMichelle B. 28
ReplyDeleteI think public schools may ask this because with intelligence but no matter what kind of birth a child has it has no effect of that. I think schools just ask about age, gender, etc. With C-sections there are problems with the births but the child may not have problems growing up.
Michelle B. 28 in response to Ashley C. 29
ReplyDeleteKids education have no effect on how they were born. The physical may be different but as they get older they gain and lose weight it has nothing to do with intelligence.
Adam Smith
ReplyDeleteIn Response to Krystal H
I agree that HIPPA does not stop the school system from asking this information since it basically means that doctors/hospitals/etc... cant divulge this information. What I meant by referring to HIPPA is that in today's litigious society, I find it remarkable that a school system would tread so heavily on something as private as how a child is birthed.
If the school system is trying to do a study on learning behaviors and birth, it would have been more prudent on their part to ask if a child had gone full term or was premature.
I still believe that the school system has wayyyyy overstepped its boundaries with this type of questioning.
Robin T. 29 in Response to Ashley C
ReplyDeleteI agree I don't think there is a need for the question. Just another way to violate our right to privacy.
Posted by Chris Henderson
ReplyDeleteIt is possible that as some of the other posters have commented that this may simply be a form of information gathering for another research agency.
Think about all of the questions people ask when you fill out forms many of them acctually make no sense if you think about them. One instance is when your filling out an application and it asks about your relatives. Does it really matter they arn't applying for the job.
Another example is our new police reporting system at work acctually asks for the marital status of individuals we make contact with, this includes even regular tickets. Just because the question is there doesnt mean we ever bother filling it in.
I am unclear as to the real reason that the school is asking this particular question but do not see an issue with it there is nothing that says the question must be answered.
In response to -
Adam Smith
Wow, now why would the school system need to know this information? I could understand if this was needed as emergency medical info on a newborn but with all the HIPPA laws out there now, I would think most people would not answer this question.
- Hippa does not prevent someone from asking you a question it only prevents medical personnel from releasing that information to other people.
Aspyn Presley
ReplyDeleteI have no idea why a school system would ask such a question other than the school system researching if this effects how the student learns or for emergency reasons. I dont believe that this question should be asked because it is very personal and if i was a mother i would feel very uncomfortable having to ask this question. If there is no scientific evidence of the way a child performs becuase of their birth method then i believe this question should not be asked simply out of respect. A question i do have is why do they only ask this question in some California school districts but not all?
Aspyn P.37 in response to Ashley C.29
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. I believe parents should have the choice of whether to answer this question or not because it is their personal business.
I not sure why Californa schools would be taking this poll. The only reason why I can guess is maybe the State is trying to do a studying on whether the stress of vaginal delivery effects the child learning abilites versus c section deliveres. I doesn't make any since for this poll it's a useless in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Aspyn P.37
ReplyDeleteI agree with you this is a private question and it intrusive. I think Californa schools should find something better to do with tax payers money than polling parents about that child method of entering the world.
In response to Krystal H. 28
ReplyDeleteI think that parents should leave this blank also. The question doesn't make any since and it is crazy the Californa would even think of asking these question. It makes me ask the question and we hired you because?
Jamie R. 62
ReplyDeleteIf there is no scientific evidence for the behavioral performance or academic achievement of the student based of the way they were delivered then I think this question is entirely inappropriate to have on an enrollment application. It seems like it would be more appropriate to have on a survey or a poll to ask that question with your child’s SAT test results or something. That way you had the option to participate or not and you had a clear reason as to why they were asking a question like that. I wonder what people with adopted children or people who can’t conceive put down...
I don't know the why public school would like to use a child form of birth as a pre requisite for registration since there is no scientific proof that it's affect learning or cause any other problem.This is a privacy issue.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Staci not all csection are premature some Csection may be performed for pregnancy going beyond 40-42weeks
Melissa H. 28
ReplyDeleteI can't think of one reason why this information would be of any use to anyone. I am thinking this sounds like another case of someone creating a study to make themselves look busy at the workplace.
Kevin M. 29
ReplyDeleteHonestly I have no idea why a school would have to get this personal into a childs life unless there was some recent study saying that based on how a child was birthed affects the learning disability or some how affects their behavioral preformance.
In resonce to Staci H. 28 Not a c-sections are a result of premature it can also be used in pregnacys steming longer that the amount of time or because the expected mother has a condition which only allows her to give birth this way.
Melissa H. 28 in Response to Ashley C. 29
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with you. This is private information that should be optional. We give up too much of our privacy for no reason at all.
Anneliese R.29
ReplyDeleteThe birth of your child is a private matter, which should not be asked by your child's school. The only authorized person to ask this question is your OBGYN or family doctor. I can see medical questions because of staffing issues but to ask this question with no reason is not acceptable.
Anneliese R 29 . In response to Venessa D 98
ReplyDeleteI am taking back by this article as well. If my child’s school added this question I would leave it blank and write in the space ( I will not answer due to HIPPA regulations). The school district has crossed the line with this question. What are they going to ask next- What type of shampoo does your child use?
Sarah Bean (29)
ReplyDeleteI think that is a very personal question to be asking on a school application. There is not scientific evidence that a Vaginal Birth VS A C-section Birth can make the childs performance any different. My child was born via C-section and it wasnt because of a medical condition I had, it was simply because he was stuck. My son is ahead in all of his learning steps. I would leave that question blank.
In repsonse to Anneliese R. (29)
I completely agree with you. I think that is a private matter and should only be discussed with an OBGYN or an Pediatrician. I do not see how this situation could effect the childs performance at all!
Kazzi L. 29
ReplyDeleteAlthough there is no scientific evidence linked to behavior or academics they could be trying to discover a link between them. They might take this poll and then study the children to see if they can make any connections. However the school system may not actually need to know this information they may just be asking as a general survey type question for research or something because this would be an easy way to obtain that kind of information. It could go toward the study of just the changes in birth patterns over the years. If they stated the reason they were asking then people may or may not find it offensive or as an invasion of privacy. I am sure everyone has the right to chose not to answer that question if they wish; personally I do not see any harm in it.
Kazzi L 29 in response to Sarah Bean 29
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the way a child is born does not have anything to do with learning but I think they may be bias to thinking that a C-section is usually because of delivery complications. Some people schedule C-sections and just want to deliver that way even if the baby and mother are both perfectly healthy.
My name is Omowumi Mary Akintimehin.
ReplyDeleteIf there are no scietific proof or reason for this question, or speecific research that will be useful in the future for the student, then i see no reason why parents should be asked how there child is being delivered.It is not suppose to be a criteria for registering new student.
Aruna V 29
ReplyDeleteA c-section might suggest a premature birth and that would be worth noting as far as the child's physical and mental development is concerned. That might be a reason for the school to pose such a question.
In reply to Kazzi L 29
ReplyDeleteAruna V 28 (not 29)
You are right. There are many who just opt for c-section. This is biased if schools think that all c-section have some medical reason behind it.
Gregori L.29
ReplyDeleteThe only logical responce in my opinion is that the state must be conducting if whether or not doing a c-section has any long term effects on a child. There must be someone, somewhere who says giving birth via c-section either improves something or decreases something. If I had a personal response I would assume that they are charting to see if the behavior changes in a child whether or not the birth was given via c-section.
The only other explinatation I could see why they are asking is to see whether or not c-sections are being done enough to continue training and using the option. Again, if it was my opinion I would say there doesn't need to be any study done to know whether or not c-sections should be an option, they should.
Gregori L.29 in response to Diamond D. 29
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree on what you say. I can see how someone, somewhere might have some reasoning as to why they need this but in the economy we're in if any money is being funded to this sort of thing I'm sure California could be using the money elsewhere. I too do not see any real reasoning into why they would ask the question.
Jorge W 01
ReplyDeleteIt's obvious the information is being collected and researched for learning and behavioral patterns whether negatively or positevly. Some may believe that pinpointing the development and birth of children born naturally is the most healthy and statistically proven option to choose for the learning development of children, not to mention the adminstering of drugs to an infant.If research found the use of such drugs is harmful to the development of the child a massive lawsuit could be underway. I also consider many children can't be born vaginally due to disease. Its disheartening to hear of this personally. I believe money is definetly involved for more research,and a seperation of classes to show whats superior and what has the tendency to become mediocre or fail in society, but more importantly I want to know who is asking, who authorized such a question, and to what extent and specific purposes are being made? Who are the stattistics gong to and what is the backgroung and nature of the company. What interests do they have for the children and are they reliable and, why hide behind an application. One must know the purpose of volunteering personal information. Do you volunteer your ss# without knowing the purpose of one asking. Tell me why answer a question before I let anyone discourage statistically the intelligence of a child to defy all odds unless their best interest is at heart.
Jorge W 01 in response to Danielle G 31
ReplyDeleteI agree there may be some connection a private company is looking for to understand the stress level of infants born. Very well put.
Maryann Hein
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with the majority of the comments posted previously. There seems to be no logical reason why a school sytem would ask such a question unless they are providing the information to a thrid party. HIPPA doesn't regulate the information that parents acan supply only what healthcare professionals can release. It seems an irrelevant question, so it is up to the parents to decide if they want to answer it or not
Autumn H. 28 in response to Stacy H.29
ReplyDeleteThe application does ask to specify the reasons and circumstances for a cesarean delivery. It does not however specify why it is asking. I think that parents would be much more tolerable and understanding of this line of questioning if they had been given reasons why this question is being asked. From what I have seen so far, it does not appear that the district has commented yet on the subject.
Autumn H. 28
ReplyDeleteI would think that this question is tied into a research study. Although experts state that there is no evidence showing that the delivery method has any impact on behavior or cognitive development, the pre-natal, labor and/or delivery complications could. THe district is not only asking what type of birthing method was used but why. Although I can see where most people would find this information irrelevant and intrusive, I can see no better arena for testing this hypothesis and no easier way to collect data or a test popluation.
Autumn H. 28 in responce to Ashley C. 29
ReplyDeleteIn one of the articles I read on the subject, a parent said that they answered "purple" to the question and no one followed up or asked her to answer the question. This would make me assume further that research is the driving force for this question.
I also thisnk that thers is merit to this study. I personally know of 4 children close to me that have either behavioral issues or cognitive delays and whose mothers experienced complications with her laboor and delivery. While none of them delivered via c-section, I feel that there is a correlation between the complications at birth and their academic and behaviorial issues.
April B. 28
ReplyDeleteI am not certain why a school would ask or even need to know the answer to this question. Even if there was research that linked delivery method to academic achievment, it isn't the place of the school to collect and analyze that data. This question belongs on a survey or questionaire of a research study that has a purpose for obtaining the information and from people who have agreed to share such personal details of their life.
April B. 28 In response to Autumn H. 28
ReplyDeleteIt is great that they are also asking why when inquiring about the delivery method, however I still don't believe that justifies them asking. It is an ideal time and location for obtaining the information but not appropriate. If they wish to collect data from the parents registering their children, send a letter home with ample information after they register. This will allow the school to explain their reasons for collecting the data and what they intend to use it for after it is obtained.
Racquel C.28 In response to Sarah C.28
ReplyDeleteI really do not see why a public school system should ask this question. I think the school system needs to put more focus on academics or different programs to enhance learning for students on every level. Not requesting such personal information on how a child was delivered. Because it clearly states that there is no scientific evidence for the behavioral performace or academic achievement of one birth method over another.
Carrie H. 28
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, has anyone asked the school board why they have included this particular question. As a parent, that is the first thing I would have done. The second thing I would do is ignore the question. If they plug in one seemingly harmless question here and there then they can collect more and more personal data to use when they decide that they know better what to do with a particular child than the child's own parents. If they are concerned with the way children learn then why don't they ask what kind of diet did the mother have while pregnant, did she smoke or worse? What about bed times and how much sleep a child gets each night, information that is actually related to learning. I think it is just a question to see how far they can push us into handing over all of our personal information and rights as parents.
Carrie H. 28 in response to Autumn H. 28
ReplyDeleteI do not think it is appropriate to ask parents a question that may or may not be leading into some kind of research study on the effects of learning from the ways a child is born. It is unethical to have people be part of research without notifying them. Also, these questions could be asked if a problem of some sort arises with a child to see what the source of the issue may be so it can be resolved more efficiently, not just as a blanket question to every child. The schools do have access to a large database of children for researchers but a letter and permission and reasoning should be sent out so everyone is answering questions with informed consent.
Autumn H. 28 in responce to Carrie H. 28 and April B. 28
ReplyDeleteI agree that the school district, or any entity for that matter, should not ask such an invasive question without providing and explanation for why this information is being requested. I also think that enough time has passed after this was noted as being a problem and the disrtict has still not commented on their reasoning behind these questions.
I can also see why some families may be offened and alarmed. However, families have the option to answer the question or not. In my opinion this is no more of a problem for me than being asked my age or race. I usually opt to not answer these questions becuase I do not feel they are relevant.If they choose to answer the question without knowing why it is being asked, then obviously they are not bothered or alarmed by the question.
Personally I am more alarmed by the lack of reponse of the district to the publics concerns than by the question itself.
Dionne F.28
ReplyDeleteThis question seems very personal, and may offend parents especially those who may have adopted their child or children due to medical reasons.It has been studied for many years already and research has not found any significant difference in the forms of child birth.I think the school system may be trying to collect data for further research purposes(at least I hope). Hope they have a great explanation for this question.
Dionne F.28 In response to Autumn H.28
ReplyDeleteI can see where you're going with your response, but I just don't agree with the way they handle that sensitive matter. I would prefer if they had informed the parents of the questions before hand and maybe give some kind logical reason of why and leave it up to the parents to respond.
If there is no scientific evidence that there is a direct relationship between the method of delivery affecting a childs intellect,then I honestly don't understand the need for that particualr question.
ReplyDeleteCharlaya Anderson
Response to Dianne F.
ReplyDeleteI agree that maybe they are trying to conduct further or some other kind of research related to the delivery method.
Response to Dianne F. by Charlaya A.!
ReplyDeleteBrandon W. 28
ReplyDeleteI think the state of California is absolutely ridiculous! In all seriousness...I do not understand the relevance in this survey. Regardless of the "scientific data" they are hoping to compile, there is no need to provide this information. In the event that there were some proven correlation between method of child birth and behavioral traits, the school system should not need to know. If this data were used in the school system it would only create some type of stereotype and discrimination. The government is extending their hands into areas of life that verge on a very indecent invasion of privacy. I will do nothing to further the limits of power that the US government has slowly started overstepping.
Kathryn C. 28 in response to Jorge W 01
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that it is important to know why you are suppling information. It is also important to know who is collecting the info. It would be awful to give personal information out about a child that is later held against them or makes them feel different.
Kathryn C 28
ReplyDeleteIt is very typical for the government to do data mining to gather statistical information. The information is usually used to determine the effects of medical procedures, geographical effects, and many others. I am assuming this information is being collected to determine if students who were born naturally or by a C-section have differences in health, behavior or intelligence.
Endé C. 29
ReplyDeleteI think that a public school system may ask how a child was delivered for statistical purposes. Although there has been no direct correlation between birth method and academic achievement or behavior, there have been direct correlations established between health related issues and birth method. I do not think that the question has any special significance or pertinence to school registration specifically. However, if there is an unusually large percentage of mothers in a given school or school system that had to undergo C-sections it may reflect community wide health issues. It seems like perhaps the government is using school registration as an opportunity to survey a specific population. School registration is a prime time to ask random people of a shared demographic questions. Although some eyebrows may be raised, parents are already sharing the children's health and immunization records required for school, and most moms do not have a problem sharing how they delivered their babies. I think most would be more concerned with how the information would be used and confidentiality of the information used.
Endé C. 29 in response to Vaness D. 98
ReplyDeleteI agree with your first comment. Mainly the general consensus here has been uncertainty as to why they would ask the question, indignation to the question, legal or ethics related problems with the question, or maybe that the study was done to correlate birth methods to learning disabilities. I concur with you that there are many reasons to ask the question. Whether the question is a appropriate or what the answers would reveal is up for debate, and certainly parents should and would use their discretion to answer (or not answer) the question. I really think that the main reason has to do with population studies though, and I'm glad that you brought that additional perspective to the floor.
Dawn W 01 The only reason I think public schools would ask such a question is to collect data for future research.
ReplyDeleteDawn W. 01. In response to Krystal H. 28. I agree sounds like the school board should have eithier worded the question different or given an explanation of why the question was being asked anyway.
ReplyDeleteEdgar H. 29
ReplyDeleteOne possible explanation that this question could have been asked may be for a study on the statistical numbers of c-sections compared to natural child birth, and may not even be related to the child's ability to learn. They may have found this method (using new student registration) as a qualifier for participants who have kids, since they are registering one. Though not all registering parent(s)/ guardian(s) may have given birth to the child, they may assume a vast majority fit their criterea.
Silke A. 28
ReplyDeleteI believe that there is an interest in the scientific community to find out if the birth method, i.e. vaginal versus c-section delivery, might influence later intellectual outcomes for a child. No link has been found yet, but new tests and ways to examine intellectual capabilities and behaviors constantly become available. Just because a link has not been discovered does not necessarily mean that there isn't one. A c-section is not a natural childbirth method. It is not what nature intended. A c-section is invasive and many, although not all, are performed because the mother or baby have developed complications. Any invasive procedure might cause harm. A baby delivered naturally is eased into the world. Mucus is squeezed out of the baby's air passages during its passage through the birth canal. Nature intended for a delivery to proceed this way. It is very feasible that problems could arise due to a c-section delivery. These might be small problems that occur later in life. I think a lot of information could be gained by having those questions on the application forms. Public schools give researchers a reliable sample population. Maybe a subtle link between birth method and intellectual capability and behavior could be found.If not, it is a worry that expectant mothers undergoing a c-section can put to rest. If a link is found early interventions can improve outcomes for the children.
Andrea M. 28
ReplyDeleteThe public school system may be asking for the information in an attempt to collect scientific data. The fact that there is no direct correlation on the birth method and behavioral performance and/or academic achievement may suggest a need for research. As long as the information is gathered for scientific study I do not see a problem with it.
Silke A. 28. In response to Staci H. 28.
ReplyDeleteStaci H. 28, I do not believe that questions would be added to an application just out of curiosity.I believe there is a reason, a suspicion within the scientific community that there might be a link between birth method and intellectual outcomes and behavior. It has not been proven yet, but that does not keep scientists from looking. The collected data can have value for future research.
Edgar H. 29
ReplyDeleteResponse to many of the previous posts related to illegal, unethical questioning on the registration...
Many scientific studies that the public may or may not know is being conducted has had benificial outcomes from their survey's. To me, this seems like a legitimate way of conducting large scale data collecting without having the costs of labour for indivisuals being hired to attain this data, the cost of time a person would have to dedicate in order to gather this information otherwise, the diversity of the data that may be gained using this method to collect this information, and maybe a hundred more reasons that this method may have been used. An indivisual has the right not to participate just by not answering the question, but by using this method, it may have enabled the entity that placed the question in the registration form to use whatever resources they had more efficiently in another part of the study they were conducting (educational programs, ensuring hospitals has faculties to deal with situations when dealing with either situation by the frequency of occurance...)
This is assuming that this was a study group and not just a conspiracy for "big brother" to delve into our private lives, monitoring our every existence in hopes to one day conquering the world.
Isaiah P. 28
ReplyDeleteI think it is just another way to track a childs progress and what might or might not be beneficial to the child as they make their way through the school system.
Amanda Y.
ReplyDeleteI do not see why this would even be a question. As long as the child was born healthy and without any medical conditions that would effect the child mental or physical capabilities this is irrelevant to the school.
In response to Isaiah:
ReplyDeleteYou might be right but I do not feel that they should keep finding ways for kids to be "different".
I dont see a real reason why they would ask for that information because its not like there asking for their ethnic background.
ReplyDeleteOmowumi A.28.In response to Kathryn C.28
ReplyDeleteI agree with with Kathryn when she said that it is typical for the government to do data mining in order for them to be able to gather statistical informations. He assume that this this informations will help the government to determine if students that are born naturally or by C-section have differences in health,behaviour,or intelligence. My point is even if government want to get this informations the parents should be informed before filling the application.
Omowumi A.28.In response to Staci H.28
ReplyDeleteI totally disagree with staci when she siad that C-section are used premature babies.Some premature babies are born through the virginal, so not all premature babies are born through C-section. I still see no reason why the school should be concern about hoe a student is being delivered.
Connie S. (29) in response to Autumn H.,Carrie H.,et al...
ReplyDeleteHow interesting to read the different postings! Most of us agree that there would be no reason to ask the question on a school application...but differ on why. Our book, along with the psychology class I took previously, state that the scientific community considers it unethical to conduct research without informing the subject...so the theory about conducting research doesn't hold "water".I think conducting research in this manner is not very scientific anyway. My concern is how the information will be used and who is using that information. Because it is a public school, we all tend the think that the government (or "big brother"...some of ya'll have been reading to much Orwell!)is once again ursurping it's authority; however, it might just be a school board that is overstepping it's boundaries. I'd like to know who proposed to put the question on the application and why...
Heather B. 29
ReplyDeleteI do not know of any valid reason as to why the school would ask the question. Maybe including the question was an error that was overlooked. But then again if it was an error you would think the school would come out at and state that instead of ignoring all of the parents questions. The question seems a bit intrusive for a school application.
Heather B. 29. In response to Andrea M. 28
ReplyDeleteI agree they may be using the statistics for some scientific purpose but I believe the way the school approached the question and they way it was handled after being questioned by parents makes everyone a little more weary. I read in an article that one parent put in the answer purple for the question so I don't believe it is effecting the outcome of the child's application.
Taunya P 29. In response to Cierra S 28
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your post. I believe that after a few years enough data will be collected from various public schools and a determination will be made on immediate affects of delivery methods on a childs psychopathy.
Taunya P 29
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I think that the school asked this question in order to do a survey and to determine what role behavior plays in the type of childbirth that was performed. Possibly, the way that the childern are delivered could influence behavior patterns. For example, if a particular method is less traumatic and less stressful on the newborn that it may influence less emotional and behavioral problems in the longrun.
Wow that is weird!! Maybe there is a medical reason why they are asking? Though I can't think of one. Maybe they are participating in a survey or study themselves though if that were the case they should be letting people know and the question should be optional.
ReplyDeleteTanya that was what I was kind of wondering. I can't see how a child was born could play a role in how they do in school unless there were some underlying conditions as a result of the birth....which is that were the case the school would already know (hopefully).
ReplyDeleteAdam Smith
ReplyDeleteIn Response to Connie S
I wholeheartedly agree that if this was a study, that how they put it out there was very unscientific and possibly unethical. There should have been more information as to who was going to analyze the data, why the data was needed, what were they trying to prove, and how was this information going to be dissiminated after it was analyzed.
Kimberly C. 28
ReplyDeleteI dont understand why the school system would need to ask this question. I personally dont see how a child being delivered has anything to do with "school". However if they are trying to do some type of research then it should be optional if the parent wants to answer that question.
Kimberly C. 28 In response to Cierra S.28
ReplyDeleteCierra, I agree with you. I have no idea as to why they would be requesting this information. But they may have some information from the results in a couple of years.
Staci H. 28
ReplyDeleteIt seems that several people misread what I posted about cesarian sections: "I can understand wanting to know if the child was premature or if there were some kind of emergency situation at birth that could possibly affect the learning ability of the child." Sorry, it just bugged me, haha! I am aware that there are many reasons for a cesarian section. I was just saying the reason a school would want to know the difference could possibly be if there were complications of a delivery that might affect the learning ability of a learning difference in a child.
In response to Vanessa D. 98: Excellant point!
In response to Silke A. 28: Very true, I should have elaborated on the poll instead of just saying it was a curiosity. Most Hypothesis begin with curiosity about something. I should have said more about it :)
Brandon W. (28)
ReplyDeleteTHE SCHOOL DOES NOT NEED TO KNOW THAT...I believe as an American I have rights. This is infringing on those rights. It boils down to...it's none of their business!
Ashley G. 95
ReplyDeleteI'm not quite sure why they feel compelled to ask such a question. It could be the fact that some people believe there is a reason for everything. And the fact that there are two different birthing options, there has to be something to set them apart from each other after birth. I do not thing the school needs to know that.
Ashley G.29 in response to Kimberly C. 28...
ReplyDeleteI agree! I don't know why the school system needs to know that! Personally I also think the question should be optional, it really doesn't have anything to do with school. I think if it there really is a difference in personality etc. we would have found out by now.
Lauren M
ReplyDeleteI think that these kind of questions can be used for research later on to better understand if a certain type of birth has any effect on the brain. Once the researchers have enough polls and follow the grades and academic achievements of each type of birth style they can conclude many different things.
In response to Ashley G: There is no way they could have found these differences out by now due to the fact that they haven't ever polled and researched it before. These questions are their first steps to collecting data
Jessica G. 29
ReplyDeleteI see no reason for them to ask that question, other than for research. They could be asking this question due to how students learning can affect the way a child was born.
Allysa H. 28
ReplyDeleteThe school system could possibly believe that method of birth affects behavior and development of the child despite lack of evidence, but I also wonder if they are trying to zone in on whether the child's family leans more toward standard or naturopathic/holistic medicine...it could also be an underhanded way to ask about adoption, surrogacy etc. I could even stretch it and say it's possible that asking about method of birth could be an underhanded way of discovering the sexual orientation of the child's parents. Either way, I don't think the question is appropriate.
Allysa H. 28 in response to Amanda Y.:
ReplyDeleteI agree of course. After reading other responses I saw a lot of people guess for research, which is a great guess and could be true. But I'm with you, any type of disability to be observed or made aware of doesn't belong in the method of birth section, and in fact how the disability or defect (if there is one) was acquired in the first place is generally not the school's business.
I believe there could be possible research in the future about children born a specific way and their ability to learn. Perhaps this is putting us one step closer in finding out if there is a link between the two.
ReplyDeleteCamellia L-28
ReplyDeleteI think that it is ok for them to ask this question if they are doing and anonymous survey or anonymous poll. However I do agree with other students posts regarding intrusion on privacy. I think that it could be useful if there are stipulations on privacy. To my knowledge learning disabilities are caused by birth complication's and lack of oxygen to the brain of the infant. I'm aware that preterm infants are slower to develop and if they are very preterm >28 weeks I can understand having issue's with brain development. I think the real question here is was your child preterm or have a difficult delivery. The vag/c-section question is really just to broad. There are too many variables in the why.
Camellia L.-28
Jessica S. 28 in response to Camellia L. 28
ReplyDeleteI agree that the question is too broad to be able to do reliable research.
E,LynneR.28
ReplyDeleteI have given great thought as to why they would possibly ask this question and I just simply cannot. I actually feel it is quite an invasion of one's privacy. Being a mother of 3 adult children myself, this just does not make any logical sense. I even wonder if the question is a simple error and just has not been corrected or removed from the application. The only professional that may need to know the answer to this question is someone in the medical field.
E.LynneR.28 in response to AllysaH.28
ReplyDeleteI guess this is the most logical reason as to why the question may have been included. It just seems so unnecessary and underhanded. I thought that you had to notify people that you are conducting a research?
Vince C. 28
ReplyDeleteThe only reason I can see why they would want that information is for statistical purposes. It seems to be an overly invasive question to me.
Vince C. 28 in response to Camellia L-28
ReplyDeleteI agree, I would not oppose thise question being asked in a random poll or survey. As I understood it though it is a required field in a student application form. To me, this is unacceptable.