Case
Parent Doesn't Care

I was a long-term sub at a high school and was helping a clerk in the office. It was 3 weeks before school got out for summer break and she was calling the parents of students who missed the FSA testing and needed to make it up. There was a parent of a student she was talking to who wasn't present in school that day. She explained to him how his child needs this test as a graduation requirement and that it is extremely important that they come in to take it. She even told him his daughter did not have to stay at school for the whole day, she just really needs to come in and take the exam. He responded to the clerk that he could ask her if she wants to come take the test. The clerk looked at me with a confused look when he said that. He then said that she doesn't feel like going into school and left it at that. I am not a parent but I would not go and ask my child if they want to go to school to take an exam that is required for them to graduate later on. They would immediately be going to school and take it. How would you handle a situation like this with a parent?

Posted on: 10/14/22 | Views: 164
Solution #1
I would approach the conversation with the dad with compassion. I would inform the dad that his daughter is valued in the class. I would also let the dad know how bright his daughter is and how she has all the capabilities to excel on the FSA exam. Seeing the girl graduate and walk across the stage is a huge accomplishment and an honoring moment, so I would let the dad know that this is a moment that both he and his daughter would want to experience together. Scrutinizing the parent for not forcing his daughter to come to school is not ethical and will not solve the situation.

Thanks for sharing, this is a good idea. I think it could be a helpful solution.

I agree with the statement.

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Solution #2
I would speak to the parent and guidance councselor about this type of behvaior and how education should be valued, and for someone to gain a meaningful education they have to be in school. Involve adminstartion if this continues or Dad ignores your advice.
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Solution #3
This is tough because as the teacher you are hoping that parents are there to back you up and enforce what is being taught etc. I would assure the student is missing a lot of school, so there should be a meeting help to discuss with the parent the repercussions of missing exams and school but also a meeting to help the parents better set expectations.
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Solution #4
This seems like a tough situation that may have more context. I would definitely approach the parent in an empathetic way and let him know that you value all of the children in your class, and want to see them all succeed, and that it would be a shame to see a child with potential not graduate over this exam. I would possibly mention the gravity of this exam again, since it is a requirement to graduate, and ask the parent what his particular goals are for his child. If graduating is one of them, it might be the push he needs to encourage his child to take this exam. If one-on-one meetings are not working, using school resources like counseling may prove to be beneficial. If this is a student motivation issue, there may be nothing more the parent can do and professional help may be needed.
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Solution #5
I'd calmly reinforce the importance of the test for graduation, offering support if needed, and involve an administrator if necessary.
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