| Posted By |
Message |
|
|
Possible parent issue- long
I assigned a book report to my students two weeks ago. I picked out a bunch that I thought were good, and made suggestions to them. We are also reading a class novel. I made it clear that the book report was ONLY to be done on the book they chose- not the class novel.
Of course one kid did a report on the class book. I told her that she is getting a zero because it was made very clear that they were NOT to use the class book.
Now I'm nervous about dealing with this student's mother. I use an online grading program so she will log in and see the zero. And- no joke- I am pretty sure that she will come to the school and curse me out. She's done it to other teachers.
Not sure if I am seeking advice, or if I just want to express my worries in advance. I really do NOT want to give in because this child is bright and I don't know if I believe that she didn't know what to do, and I have such issues with getting my kids to be more independent and responsible- they are in sixth grade and it's been a struggle all year.
|
Posted 5/13/09 8:58 PM  |
| |
|
MissJones
I need a nap!
Member since 5/05 22136 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Possible parent issue- long
Have you informed your Admin about this? I would def. give them a heads up and if you have written proof that they couldn't use the class book, show him/her that, too. Be prepared to give an alternative (b/c lord knows, life gives so many second chances.  )
|
| Posted 5/13/09 9:11 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Possible parent issue- long
They know- I think the AP witnessed one incident where a teacher was cursed out, and the mom also regularly calls 311 on the prinicipal. I feel a little bad for the kid because she's ok, but I also am tired of giving them chances- I feel like they'll never learn.
|
| Posted 5/13/09 9:14 PM |
| |
|
PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)
Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name:
Jib
|
Re: Possible parent issue- long
Posted by MrsProfessor
They know- I think the AP witnessed one incident where a teacher was cursed out, and the mom also regularly calls 311 on the prinicipal. I feel a little bad for the kid because she's ok, but I also am tired of giving them chances- I feel like they'll never learn.
I agree with what you did, though I would feel bad too. I have 6th grade well and I agree that by now, they MUST learn to be more responsible!
I couldn't believe it when I told them about the topics for science projects that they could start researching and one student said "I can't do the science project because my computer has a virus" .. He actually thought I was going to tell him it was okay not to do it because of the virus on his computer!  Seriously, are these kids for real?!?!
Yea, feel bad, but stand your ground on this one! They are basically 7th graders at this point, they need to learn!
|
| Posted 5/13/09 11:17 PM |
| |
|
BigB
C & J are 10!
Member since 6/05 5914 total posts
Name:
Stacey
|
Re: Possible parent issue- long
Do you have the assignment in writing? Were the directions clear?
The parent is going to argue that if it wasn't in writing that her dd didn't "hear" you! I deal with this all of the time.
Good Luck!
|
| Posted 5/14/09 7:34 AM |
| |
|
Teachergal
We made a snowman!
Member since 1/08 3239 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Possible parent issue- long
Def give your admin a heads-up because they will probably be hearing about this from the mom. The mom might come out with, "She didn't hear you" or "You didn't check the novel with her before letting her continue with the book report." As long as you have the directions in writing, you should be fine. But as a PP said, I would have an alternative just in case your admin isn't supportive.
|
| Posted 5/14/09 11:17 AM |
| |
|
Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Possible parent issue- long
Posted by BigB
Do you have the assignment in writing? Were the directions clear?
The parent is going to argue that if it wasn't in writing that her dd didn't "hear" you! I deal with this all of the time.
Good Luck!
I agree with this and also do you have a rubric? I think it's really hard to give a student a 0 on something when they actually did do work. points off yes, but I would see how it fits into a rubric.
|
| Posted 5/14/09 1:08 PM |
| |
|
MrsAT
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/07 881 total posts
Name:
Allison
|
Re: Possible parent issue- long
I would have done the same thing--however, now that the parent is getting involved, you have to understand that most likely some kind of compromise will be expected. Something you might consider is giving her another opportunity to do the report (I might add an additional requirement that other students didn't have like Making a Connection to another text you've read or Writing a letter to the author explaining why you liked the book) set a specific due date, and tell her that her grade will be changed only when the new report is submitted and graded.
Message edited 5/14/2009 6:26:36 PM.
|
| Posted 5/14/09 6:25 PM |
| |
|
CallaLily
Thank you, Saint Gerard!
Member since 10/07 4937 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Possible parent issue- long
I have had a similar situation in the past. Not that I agree with it, but if this parent is a difficult parent, could you call her and inform her of the issue and allow the student to re-do the project (with a penalty of course)? I don't know how your administration is, but mine would side with the parent. It may just save you a headache in the long run.
|
| Posted 5/15/09 10:42 AM |
| |
|
TheDivineMrsM
2 girls 4 me!
Member since 8/08 7878 total posts
Name:
Mama mama mama....
|
Re: Possible parent issue- long
Posted by MissJones
Have you informed your Admin about this? I would def. give them a heads up and if you have written proof that they couldn't use the class book, show him/her that, too. Be prepared to give an alternative (b/c lord knows, life gives so many second chances. )
ITA - give your admin the heads-up on what's going on, then call the parent and let them know that their kid got a zero for not following instructions.
|
| Posted 5/15/09 2:52 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Possible parent issue- long
Posted by Renee615
I have had a similar situation in the past. Not that I agree with it, but if this parent is a difficult parent, could you call her and inform her of the issue and allow the student to re-do the project (with a penalty of course)? I don't know how your administration is, but mine would side with the parent. It may just save you a headache in the long run.
My principal will side with me- though I still may end letting her do it over. This parent has been a thorn in the principal's side for months- calling 311 regularly even when it's her child who's causing the problem. Not too long ago there was an issue with her daughter and a couple other kids that resulted in her (the mom) confronting the other kids in the schoolyard and saying some awful things to them- calling them animals and saying that they live in trees.  And I feel like I've given this girl chances all year and instead of learning she still takes advantage. I just entered the grade so the mom will get an email. I am sure I will hear from her soon. Thanks everyone for the feedback.
|
| Posted 5/16/09 7:19 AM |
| |
|
Palebride
I am an amazing bakist
Member since 5/05 13673 total posts
Name:
Lori
|
Re: Possible parent issue- long
I teach 8th grade, and in that situation, I would most likely give the student a zero, but let her know that she is allowed to redo her report over, on a different book, for partial credit.
That way, the zero doesn't bring down her grade, you don't have to deal with a screaming parent, and the student learns the lesson that she has to listen to instructions because she'll have to do double the work!
|
| Posted 5/16/09 8:53 PM |
| |
|
MrsRivera
2 under 2...whew!!
Member since 2/07 9876 total posts
Name:
Beth
|
Re: Possible parent issue- long
Posted by Palebride
I teach 8th grade, and in that situation, I would most likely give the student a zero, but let her know that she is allowed to redo her report over, on a different book, for partial credit.
That way, the zero doesn't bring down her grade, you don't have to deal with a screaming parent, and the student learns the lesson that she has to listen to instructions because she'll have to do double the work!
I like this idea. I CAN'T STAND when a student blatantly disregards something I said, or something that was in writing, and admin. forces me to give them another chance. They don't learn anything from that. But I like this idea, because as OP said, she'll learn that not listening will mean she has to do double the work, and for partial credit. Good compromise.
But I also agree that you should give admin a heads-up. They will appreciate it.
|
| Posted 5/17/09 12:46 PM |
| |
|
