Case
The report card

The day after reports cards go home, a parent calls you, upset, saying "My child received straight A's on her last report card at her other school. Now it's mostly B's and C's." She wants to know what is going on? Why didn't you let me know? We need to meet immediately to discuss this problem, I am sick and tired of this school system failing my child. How would you approach this situation?

Posted on: 03/02/13 | Views: 1186
Solution #1
Top Solution
I would welcome the parents into my classroom, and would prepare notes for discussion. I would begin the meeting by asking what is concerning them, and would being my reply by stating how great of a child they have. I would also apologize for any struggles they may have had with the school system in the past, but claim that I am wanting to do my best to change their minds on that matter. I would state that I want to see their child do their best, and if a weekly report card or phone call home would be beneficial to them or their child, then I would be all for it. I would then listen to any suggestions, comments, concerns that they may have and come to an agreement with them for a successful rest of the school year. Lastly, I would thank them for taking their time to help their child succeed in school, and vow to do the best I can to see the same.

I agree with this solution. Being prepared is very important when being confronted by a parent in regards to their child.

I agree I would definitely have records of the students work, homework, test scores, etc. In order to have a strong case you need to be prepared. I would welcome into my classroom with the door open and would be more than happy to share some ideas or thoughts.

I agree with this solution. It seems that the best way to deal with an angry parent is to bite your tongue and politely listen to them. I have been taught in my other classes that giving the parent time to vent, and allowing them to be heard can help the lines of communication. I would do my best to keep the meeting positive and remind them that I want the best fo their child.

I think this is a great solution by trying to keep the meeting positive and also ensuring the parent that you want their child to succeed academically and will help them do that.

Inviting the parent to the classroom is a great suggestion. Show them that you are doing your best to help the child become better. Great advice overall!

I think this is a fantastic solution. Listening to the parents needs and offering ways to help the child while keeping the parents involved sounds like the most reasonable solution to keep all parties happy.

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Solution #2
I would encourage the parent to come speak with me so I could show her her child's portfolio of work along with all of the rubrics. I would stress to the parent that although grades are important, her child's understanding of and ability to synthesize the content is more important than anything else and that may be why the grades are not necessarily as good as previous years because the expectations of students and teaching have evolved into a practicum rather than simply memorizing facts. I would be sure to point out to the parent during the conference that the student's work is good and stress that following rubrics and directions will help her child achieve better grades.
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Solution #3
I would first apologize for the late update on their student's progress. If that is a concern, the teacher should have reported the issue before the report card. I would then present her with proof as to why she is receiving B's and C's. If you allow the parent to discuss their issues first and just simply listen, they are more likely to feel that you care and start to loose the attitude they may have had to begin with.
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Solution #4
I would gladly meet with the parent. I may also have the guidance councilor there was well so that they may act as a buffer. I would sit down and explain the expectations for my classroom and give the parent a syllabus with the concepts of what we are learning.
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Solution #5
In my district, we use Infinite Campus. I give my students extra credit points at the beginning of the school year if their parents sign up for the app. The Campus Portal allows parents to receive a notification each time a grade is entered in any class. They can see an "active average". They are also allowed to view attendance. So each time their student is tardy to a class or absent from school, they receive a notification to their phones. I also use an app call Remind 101. This allows me to send out announcements to particular classes. The parents are also able to chat directly with me without having my phone number. This app is very safe considering no one other than the administrators at Remind 101 can delete messages. That ensures there is no back and forth about what was said, and what was not.
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Solution #6
I would be more than happy to meet with the childs parents. Most of the time there are many reasons for a change in grade. Maybe the student is in a new environment?
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