Case
The irate mother

A fourth-grade girl misses a unit test in history that you administered on Friday. You tell her that she can't make it up during class but that she can make it up after school. The next morning, the irate mother calls the principal and says that (a) you are unfair; (b) staying late after school will cause her daughter to miss the bus; (c) there is no other transportation to the girl's home; (d) it is unsafe for a girl her age to walk that distance alone; (e) there is no money for a taxi or other transportation; and (f) there is no family car. The mother wants the test to be given at the lunch hour. What are your thoughts about what you might do in this particular situation?

Posted on: 03/02/13 | Views: 1334
Solution #1
Top Solution
In a case like this when it is possible to be flexible I would definitely proceed in that way. The parent is stressing that there is no way for her child to get home and that is stemming most of her anger. I would approach the situation gently and tell the parent that you did not intend to be unfair. I personally would not have a problem administering the test during the lunch hour, so long as the student and myself have a chance to eat. So, I would simply allow the test to happen during lunch time but also remind both parent and student the importance for being at school during test days.

I like your idea the best because you acknowledge the mother's concern and because you iterate to the student and parent that attending school, particularly on test days, is essential for the student to succeed.

This is a helpful solution. Reminding the parent that you had no intentions of being unfair is a good strategy. Also, given this student's specific circumstances, I feel it is a good idea to remind the parent the importance of being at school on test days that way issues like this will be less likely to arise.

This is a very helpful solution. A simple accommodation is not unreasonable.

This is a very fair solution and I think this will calm the parent down.

This solution is a good one. I do not see a problem with letting a student complete the quiz during lunch. I would let them.

I will use this in the future for sure!

I like your ideas.

I like that you included understanding of why the parent would be upset. Administering the test during the lunch hour is a great idea.

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Solution #2
Given the circumstances outlined by the parent regarding a lack of resources available in getting her daughter safely home, I feel the parents suggestion of allowing her daughter to make the test up during lunch is fine. This allows the students to be present during class instruction time, as well as get home safely and as expected via the school bus. I suppose other alternate times during the school day that might be considered for make-up could be PE, or specials, given all parties involved are in agreement.

I agree with your solution the best . I would rather have the student take the test during P.E or during a free period.

I agree with this solution. Given the details of this specific family, I see no problem with allowing the student to take the test during their lunch hour. Flexibility is important.

Great points. Utilizing PE time is another great suggestion.

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Solution #3
This is a tough situation but as a teacher it is important to be fair and flexible. If the parent does not feel comfortable with the child taking it after school, I would personally be okay wit h student taking it during the lunch hour. It may be a good idea to change the test format or questions to make it fair since the student got extra time to study. Come up with a solution that both parties will agree upon.

I'm very lucky in that my school provides afterschool transportation for students. It is a bus that comes at 4pm, it gives me an hour with a student who has detention or make up work and allows for some accountability.

I agree with your solution, but I do not think that the parent would be happy that the child got a different version of the test.

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Solution #4
If a mother had no way to get their student home after school, I would find time in the daily schedule for the student to make up the test (during recess or lunch). It is important to remember that battles with parents are generally a no-win situation, and that it is better to pick your battles. This is not one of them.
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Solution #5
My thought is that the child can't miss lunch either. I would make the accommodation for her because she needs to take the test. Also, I would also tell the mom to contact me with any inquiries before contacting administration.
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