Case
A valedictorian

You are a high school teacher, and Luke Stresswell is at the top of his class with some close competition not far behind. He is doing well in your class, but the focus of the conference with his parents becomes, "Luke cannot get an A- in your class because he is valedictorian." What would you do in this situation?

Posted on: 03/02/13 | Views: 1179
Solution #1
Top Solution
It is important that you encourage the parent to keep active in their child's education, but that his grade solely relies on his efforts and that you can not provide any special treatment to him, assign extra credit assignments etc. It would be important as the teacher to bring the focus of the conference back to what it was originally intended for or dismiss the meeting if the parents do not get back on board with the intentions of the meeting.

I agree that the student should not be given special treatment, because it would be unfair to the other students. I personally believe in the use of extra credit, and would probably have some ways for all of my students to get extra credit, in which case I would suggest that the student take advantage of that.

I agree that you need to express to the parent that their child's grade will be based solely on their efforts and work and that you never give any extra credit or preference to students unless you provide it to the whole class.

31 0
Solution #2
I would explain to Luke's parents that the determination of his final grade is passed upon his own actions. I would not provide this student with any special treatment or defer from my grading scale.

Yes, the grades depend on the student and it's not your responsibility to give him anything that he did not work for.

6 0
Solution #3
I would stress that it would not be appropriate to play favoritism when dealing with grades. Every student is entitled to the grade that they work for and the grade should be an honest reflection. I would praise the parent for being involved with their child's schooling and to use that involvement to help them study and work hard. Even though the student is doing well, I would offer tips to continue doing well and open up extra credit activities for the entire class.

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

7 5
Solution #4
This is where you make sure that the parents are aware that if he doesn't work for his A+ he doesn't get it. I do not offer extra credit unless it was offered at the beginning of the year. No matter who your student is, I do not play favorites. All he can do is to continue working hard and hope for the grade to come up, if not that is the grad that he will get.
0 1