I have several parents and kids in my class that are hyper sensitive about any type of pull outs/additional help needed in the class.

For example, in VA 5th graders take a writing test in March where they write to a prompt and are graded on composing, written expression, and usage and mechanics.

I have one student who has great voice in his writing, and stays on topic, etc... but just really struggles with capitalization and punctuation.

For the next few weeks, we're splliting up our classes into small groups based on their needs. So, I put him in the editing group... which just happens to be with the ESOL teacher. So, he comes back crying... and I know whenever he's upset, his mom will call.

Now, I'm totally fine with my reasoning for putting him in this group, I've spoken with him previously (and today) about his need to edit (he can edit the work of others, but has difficulty editing his own work) and have expressed this to his mother.

But, how do you deal with parents and students who are so sensitive about appearances?