[SWTXBelle]

"Digesting it" and "consider" does not equal take without question. I think the article is addressing those parents who reject it out of hand. "MY son would never throw anything! You are the teacher; you take care of it. That's why I pay you." (Actual quote from a parent.)

And I doubt that if the doctor gave you an opinion you would turn to the nurse and say "Is that true?". There's a big difference between challenging a teacher's veracity and asking for clarification. Once you have essentially called the teacher a liar it is going to be very difficult to have an "actual discussion".

Yes, you as a parent should question. Yes, you should bring your knowledge and experience to the table. But this is not a society that values teachers, and that is often shown by the dismissive tone some parents will employ. Tone, tone, tone. Show the teacher respect - the teacher should do the same.