The teacher should definitely make parent/guardian contact to find out if there was any particular reason as to why this project posed a problem. The teacher should conference with the student and go over different options and ways they could produce a model of the assignment(offering multiple means of representation). For example: You can have them build a plant cell the old boring way; using modeling clay, or you can peek the students interests by utilizing unique materials such as edible ones. Additionally the teacher could offer any or all necessary materials, ask guiding questions based around the student's interests, and assist the student in producing a step by step plan of attack to accomplish the required elements of the assignment. The teacher should offer an additional day or two with a late grade penalty to offer the student the necessary time to complete. The student failed to make any effort to attempt the project assignment. Allowing the student to change what they submit is not realistic. In the real world there are going to be many times we have to do things that we do not want to do. Make sure that your student knows in the future that if they have a problem, concern, or question to come to you as soon as the assignment is offered, not on the due date.

Before presenting the project requirements, Mrs. Lee could have done a student interest assessment to see what her students enjoy doing, and plan from that. Since the project was assigned, and the student stated she did not like the project on the due date, I would question the student as to why they are just now sharing this. I would also do some type of parent contact to ensure they knew about the project, and get any information that may have been needed regarding the students project submission. Since the student did not complete, I do think an alternate project should be assigned. This project should be discussed by both teacher and student, to give an opportunity for completion.

The teacher should explain that if she had concerns about the project then she should have come to her before the project was due with them. The teacher then should explain to the student the importance of the project and possibly allow her another day to complete it. She may simply need some materials to take home in order to complete the project. There is probably an underlying reason as to why she did not want to complete the assessment.

I think Mrs. Lee probably should not restrict the students to completing a 3-D model. I assigned my students a cell project, but did not give requirements about the materials used. I simply stated that it had to be representative of a plant or an animal cell. This meant I had students use posterboard to make a 2-D model or it gave students the creative freedoms to create a model using edible items such as candy. The goal was for the students to make a model. I would be restrictive if I named the materials they had to use. Mrs. Lee needs to understand that some students postpone assignments because they do not have access to certain things and are embarrassed to tell the teacher. Reminders about the project are always posted on the newsletter as well as the calendar for the month. This reminds students as well as parents about upcoming events and assignments. I would always contact the parent or guardian. Sometimes the student did not even tell them about the project. By contacting the parent, you are eliminating the possibility that the student simply lied and never intended to do the project. Some students are simply lazy. I would allow the student to turn it in late. I would, however, deduct points if necessary.

I think that Mrs. Lee should remind the student that it was her responsibility to advocate for herself if she was not comfortable completing a project. Mrs. Lee should explain why the project is important. Instead of creating an alternate assessment, Mrs. Lee should offer to help the student brainstorm some ideas for her project, and then give the student the opportunity to complete the project for a late penalty. That way, the student is still completing the required work, and she will know that she is accountable for her school work even if it's not work she particularly likes.