Case
Student from split family

I once had a student whose parents were divorced. She lived part time with mom and part time with dad. This student didn't know if she was coming or going. She rarely had her homework and hardly ever returned things to school that needed to be brought back. This was not the child's fault. It was the fault of the parents because of a lack of communication. How do you handle a situation such as this? Do you punish the child for not being prepared and not returning things back to school signed?

Solution #1
Top Solution
I have had this same situation before. It is definitely not the student's fault. I began my intervention for this problem with the parents. I had a face to face conference with the parents and asked the principal and the parent coordinator to sit in on the conference. This way the parents knew I was serious. We talked about the importance of them being on the same page and helping their child succeed. I informed them that I knew it was not their child's fault and that each time the situation was an issue again, we would have to have another conference. This way, the consequence was on the parents. Parents hate being pulled out of their busy days for conferences. During the conference, we decided that the student would go to the parent coordinator's room in the morning and afternoon to work on homework. Parents had to be responsible at home for making sure the child finished his homework and for signing papers. I had the parents sign a contract stating they would do this. I did have a special colored folder in the child's backpack and highlighted things that were very important for them to read. I only had to have one more conference with those parents about this situation. Everything greatly improved after that. Once you get other people to attend your meetings, it seems like parents start paying attention.

I really liked how you involved the parents and had administration attend the conference. The parents together or apart are responsible for helping their child with schoolwork. By having the parents come in to the class they had to face the consequences of not being responsible.

This is a very thoughtful and thorough solution. It is very helpful.

This is a great solution.

You are right, it is not the student's fault. I like how you handled this situation to accommodate the student.

Agree, not the student's fault. involving the parents is a great idea

I liked the use of all the resources at the school in order to best help the student.

Solution #2
I would not punish the student for this situation. However, I would start by contacting the parents about the situation. I would see if there are certain days she goes home with mom and certain days she goes home with day. I would definitely create a homework folder for her to keep all of her homework and papers that may need to be signed by the parents. This folder can be placed in her binder, so that she has easy access to the school information. This might make it easier on all parties involved.

I would also not punish the student but reach out the parents pronto!

I would agree with this.

Yes, don't punish, the student has enough emotional baggage to handle.

Solution #3
I would in no way punish the child for not being prepared or returning things back to school. It is the responsibility of the parents to control what happens at home in terms of homework and signing important papers. I would first have a conference only with the parents and not have the student present. It sounds like communication on the parents' part is a huge issue. Maybe attaching a log in the child's folder for notes would be helpful. Keeping a log of what homework the child completed, has left to complete, or upcoming events would help with parents who do not communicate very well.
Solution #4
I think a parent teacher conference is needed. Maybe with both parents at one time so that everyone is on the same page. It doesn't have to be a therapy session but just so both parents know what is expected of both of them and maybe write a schedule down for what they need to help with.
Solution #5
The student has different curricumstances than her peers. You can work with the student by preparing two copies of everything that has to be signed. I would email both parents the papers and concerns with student not having her homework. Tell the parents the student is missing recess time due to her not completing her homework. Ask the parents to please ensure student does homework nightly and email both parents the weekly homework assignmemts.
Solution #6
The student should not be punished for something that is out of her control. Sometimes it is hard to get to the parents for a situation like this so I would make accommodations at school. Maybe you could give her extra time to turn in the assignment or let her complete the work at school and leave it there. If it is possible, maybe she can come in early to school or stay later.
Solution #7
Try and get in contact with the parents. Maybe set up a conference.

Great idea!

Solution #8
Have a parent-teacher meeting with both parents present. Work out a system that keeps everyone on the same page.
Solution #9
This is not at all on the student. I would call a parent teacher meeting into place. I would have both parents present and stress the importance of the student education and how they are ruining it. Hopefully that would work.
Solution #10
From personal experience with parents who divorced while I was a young age, the teacher needs communication between both of the parents. Some parents, after a divorce, do not talk to each other because of some bitter things. Making sure the parents understand how this is affecting their child's work should be a first conversation. Communicate with both parents about assignments and due dates.
Solution #11
This isn't the students fault in any way. I would have a talk with both parents, so they are on the same page. Their students education is number one, so setting their differences aside, to communicate better must be put into action.
Solution #12
I would not punish the child. I would see if it is possible to add both parents to your teacher's communication list. If you are sending something home to be signed, email them both since you are not aware of which parent she is going home with that day. If homework is an issue, you might want to see if you can spare some time in class for her since you know her home living conditions are not ideal or suitable for this. You could be the teacher that makes the very difference in her life by going the extra mile. You also might want to contact your school's social worker and get their input on this situation. They might need to be made aware of it.

Students are sent home with papers to have signed and or homework almost daily, this put the teacher emailing parents everyday. One reminder email about checking the school news either on line or in child's homework folder should be enough for parents to start paying attention to child's school work.

Solution #13
You know it is not her fault, so she shouldn't be punished for it.

Not sure this solution really helps in fixing the issue at hand. There is no suggestion of punishing the child, simply working out a system that allows her to keep her things in order.