Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform > Hyde Schools
Any HYDE STAFFERS willing to post?
Anonymous:
When I was at Hyde the only staff/administrators who lasted more than a couple of years were those who were very troubled themselves. It seemed as though the good teachers/staff left as soon as they saw what Hyde was all about.
I went to Hyde 4 years ago and when looking at the current roaster online there are VERY FEW teachers who are still there from my year. I know this high percentage is not as common at other boarding schools, and is due to the odd abuses that occur at Hyde. They can't keep good teachers because the good ones move on to schools where the academics are stronger or at least this is what some of them have told me.
Anonymous:
I am both a Hyde graduate and former faculty member, having finished my teaching stint at Bath nearly ten years ago. I agree with many of your reactions about the "round peg in a square hole" syndrome. I often felt misunderstood and tortured both mentally and physically as a student. Nonetheless, I did believe that the school made me confront many of my insecurities and fears. Compared to Hyde, college was a breeze and after going to graduate school I accepted a teaching position at Hyde. Essentially, I did so hoping that I could make a difference in the lives of kids (and learn proper teaching techniques in the process).
In terms of the quality of academic instruction at Hyde, no one can claim that the school puts academics first. Although I did work alongside a few excellent educators, most were not well versed in their subject areas. Sadly, this did not make much of a difference since the schedule at Hyde was so "seminar" and "sports-centered" that there was little time to teach. Moreover, many of my colleagues looked forward to these scenarios so that they would not have to teach.
Hyde truly is not for everyone. Unfortunately, kids do not often get to make the decisions as to where they will attend school. Parents often put their sons or daughters in a place like Hyde because they want them "fixed". My recommendation for all prospective families is for you to do your homework. Ask good questions. If you want a strenuous academic environment, then Hyde may not be the place for you.
Anonymous:
--- Quote ---On 2006-01-08 14:26:00, Anonymous wrote:
"I am both a Hyde graduate and former faculty member, having finished my teaching stint at Bath nearly ten years ago. I agree with many of your reactions about the "round peg in a square hole" syndrome. I often felt misunderstood and tortured both mentally and physically as a student. Nonetheless, I did believe that the school made me confront many of my insecurities and fears. Compared to Hyde, college was a breeze and after going to graduate school I accepted a teaching position at Hyde. Essentially, I did so hoping that I could make a difference in the lives of kids (and learn proper teaching techniques in the process).
In terms of the quality of academic instruction at Hyde, no one can claim that the school puts academics first. Although I did work alongside a few excellent educators, most were not well versed in their subject areas. Sadly, this did not make much of a difference since the schedule at Hyde was so "seminar" and "sports-centered" that there was little time to teach. Moreover, many of my colleagues looked forward to these scenarios so that they would not have to teach.
Hyde truly is not for everyone. Unfortunately, kids do not often get to make the decisions as to where they will attend school. Parents often put their sons or daughters in a place like Hyde because they want them "fixed". My recommendation for all prospective families is for you to do your homework. Ask good questions. If you want a strenuous academic environment, then Hyde may not be the place for you.
"
--- End quote ---
Thank you for your honest Hyde impressions and experiences. What you've said is very helpful. My impression is that Hyde is not very strong academically overall, although I'm sure there are some good teachers.
My main concern is with all the comments I read on this website about Hyde's use of intimidation and confrontation. Many people have said that their kids have been humiliated and confronted in ways that aren't helpful. Also, many people have said that Hyde is not a good place for kids whose behavior is primarily a result of their mental health issues. May I ask you what you think about these issues?
One other issue, if you don't mind: Is it true that faculty handle these seminars but aren't trained in mental health techniques or issues? The seminars sound a lot like therapy sessions where some pretty big issues come out. What was your experience with that? Do the faculty have the training to deal with the issues?
Anonymous:
There simply is no training for seminars. The teachers are simply told to learn from others and trust your "gut" instincts. In no instance are APA (American Psychological Association) guidelines followed. This simply would be too much of an academic approach for Hyde - one where professional training would be required. There simply is no time for this to happen.
The main context of counseling at Hyde is getting to the truth of the matter. The goal is to get the kid and or parent to look at what is hindering their progress (usually referred to as attitude(s)). Typically, as many have alluded to in their comments, a one-size-fits-all approach is commonly utilized. Unfortunately, this does not work in the real world and it certainly does not work at Hyde. Yet this is too often the designed format.
I would definitely state that a utilitarian approach is the most common paradigm utilized at Hyde - individuality is vanquished in favor of the group. This might be why so many folks have responded w/dismay in regards to their experiences in seminars, regional meetings, etc.
I do think the majority (if not all) of the teachers and administrators at the school mean well. Unfortunately, most live, work, eat, and socialize with one another. As a result, they are limited by what they experience in such a small school environment (in such a small town, etc.). Quite simply, it is easier for those who work at Hyde to just eat up the prevailing acronyms or slogans (and they change faster than some people change their underwear) rather than seeking out the most capable, professionally recommended counseling practices.
I should conclude by stating that I do love Hyde in many ways. I guess I am like a grateful dieter. I lost fifty pounds on a rigorous diet, i.e., Hyde - one that made me so miserable that I would never again put back on the weight (never again teach there). Nonetheless, I am healthier for it. This might be the experience of some. I suspect others, unfortunately, only had poor experiences. If I contributed to these in any way during my tenure at Hyde, my sincerest and deepest regrets.
Anonymous:
--- Quote ---On 2006-01-08 19:37:00, Anonymous wrote:
"There simply is no training for seminars. The teachers are simply told to learn from others and trust your "gut" instincts. In no instance are APA (American Psychological Association) guidelines followed. This simply would be too much of an academic approach for Hyde - one where professional training would be required. There simply is no time for this to happen.
The main context of counseling at Hyde is getting to the truth of the matter. The goal is to get the kid and or parent to look at what is hindering their progress (usually referred to as attitude(s)). Typically, as many have alluded to in their comments, a one-size-fits-all approach is commonly utilized. Unfortunately, this does not work in the real world and it certainly does not work at Hyde. Yet this is too often the designed format.
I would definitely state that a utilitarian approach is the most common paradigm utilized at Hyde - individuality is vanquished in favor of the group. This might be why so many folks have responded w/dismay in regards to their experiences in seminars, regional meetings, etc.
I do think the majority (if not all) of the teachers and administrators at the school mean well. Unfortunately, most live, work, eat, and socialize with one another. As a result, they are limited by what they experience in such a small school environment (in such a small town, etc.). Quite simply, it is easier for those who work at Hyde to just eat up the prevailing acronyms or slogans (and they change faster than some people change their underwear) rather than seeking out the most capable, professionally recommended counseling practices.
I should conclude by stating that I do love Hyde in many ways. I guess I am like a grateful dieter. I lost fifty pounds on a rigorous diet, i.e., Hyde - one that made me so miserable that I would never again put back on the weight (never again teach there). Nonetheless, I am healthier for it. This might be the experience of some. I suspect others, unfortunately, only had poor experiences. If I contributed to these in any way during my tenure at Hyde, my sincerest and deepest regrets."
--- End quote ---
Your comments are extremely helpful to me and my family. We have really struggled with our Hyde experience. I agree that some of the staff mean well. But ever since we arrived at Hyde we have had an uneasy feeling about aspects of the school we didn't know much about until we got there. Every time I sit in a seminar or FLC I get more and more uncomfortable with the kinds of issues people talk about. Some of the discussion is fine and helpful, but so much of what I've witnessed sounds a lot like group therapy. I've overheard some incredibly painful conversations and witnessed some really horrible incidents involving parents, students, and staff. What you said about Hyde staff getting no training to run seminars now helps me understand my discomfort. I find it very hard to believe that Hyde is allowed to run these seminars run by staff who have no background in the sorts of mental health issues that come up. That seems very unprofessional to me, and I think some of what happens in these groups is very harmful and hurtful. I can no longer recommend to anyone that they send their child to Hyde; I think it's too risky.
I'm also concerned about the issue you raised that students' behavior problems are always viewed as an attitude problem. Now that I know that so many Hyde students have psychiatric problems I really question how appropriate the school's approach is. So many of these kids have trouble at Hyde because of their mental health issues. Maybe some don't, but many do. I really believe in addressing attitude issues when they're relevant. But at Hyde, as you said, it's "one size fits all." That seems to be a terrible way to run a school for struggling kids. Now I know why so many people leave the school or are unhappy with Hyde. Thanks for your insights.
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