Case
20 minutes late, no exam for you

Brian is a student in your Monday class. He is furious that you won't let him take an exam because he showed up 20 minutes late. He throws down his textbooks, knocks over a desk, and yells at you, "This ain't over!" before storming out of the class. You report the incident to office. Through the grapevine, you hear that the student had been sent to the Counseling Center, but you don't know the results of the intervention. The next day, you are shocked to see Brian walk into class and sit down in the front row. He stares daggers at you the entire class. What do you do?

Posted on: 09/26/12 | Views: 3651
Solution #1
If I were this teacher I would first check to see how this students counseling session went. I feel that it is my responsibility to make sure that I have my student's best interest at mind. Depending on how the counseling session went would determine my next step. For example, if the session went well and the student realized what he did wrong, I would ask to talk to him privately and discuss with him that I have a strict exam policy that was explained to the class at the beginning of the year and harped upon before every exam. If he were to come to me and asked for a make up exam or another alternative to getting the exam grade I may have discussed it with him. Also he could have come to me and explained why he was late and we could have worked something out.

I agree with you. I think the first step would be to know how the session went, and then talk to him privately to get a better understanding of the situation. There is a number of reasons why he could have been late and I believe it is the teachers responsibility to understand and to take action. I also think it should be noted about the strict exam policy and to try to accommodate the student to a makeup exam if possible.

I agree that explaining why you did what you did and staying strong with doing so is the best option.

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Solution #2
I would act as if nothing happened and welcome Brain back to the classroom despite the mean glares. I would ask to talk to him privately after class to explain why I did what I did and to explain the importance to coming to class on time. I would tell him that we went over the procedures and consequences of being late in exam day. I will be willing to work with Brain to get his grade back up from not being able to take the exam if he is willing to but in the work and come to class on time.
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Solution #3
After class I would pull Brian aside and explain to him the policy of coming to class on time. It is important to be consistent and if your policy says you will not be able to take the exam if you're late, then you need to stick to it. Tell Brian that his behavior was not acceptable but you would like to give him another chance because you know the potential he has. Explain to him that if he shows up to class on time and keeps his behavior in check then he will always be able to take the exam.

I like where you're coming from. Addressing the policy should stress how important it is to come on time to class. I would also suggest talking to him to understand why he was late and how to prevent this from happening again.

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Solution #4
Responding to Brian's behavior is going to make the situation worse. It is the teachers responsibility to rise above the situation and not give in to Brian's attempts at re-starting the issue. Brian could have anger issues that he needs to deal with in counseling. It is important for the teacher to pretend that nothing has happened, but keep the situation in the back of their mind is vital.
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Solution #5
Hopefully in my class I would have already gone over the procedures with my class about tardiness and exam procedures so that this could be pointed out to Brian. But after he returns, I would be sure to let Brian know either through a note or pull him aside and let him know I appreciate him returning to class in a better manner and hopefully ready to learn for the next test. But also let him know of the procedures to remind him and then ask he has any questions and concerns. As time passes, remind him the day before the exam to set his alarm early and get a good nights rest to be ready to ace the exam in the morning! :)
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Solution #6
If I were the teacher I would remind Brian that today is a new day and he is already starting it out very well. As the class period went on and I noticed that he is still staring at me with hatred in his eye, I would ask him to step outside with me in the hall while the other students get started on what they are doing. I would ask Brian if he would like to discuss what happend yesterday. I would also try to set up a time that we could both meet with the counselor and talk all together. I would not want to make light of the threat but I also do not want to have a student that absolutly hates me, all year long.
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Solution #7
I would greet Brian as a would all students. I would not neglect or avoid his stares nor would I engage in the staring. I would treat him as I always do and continue with my lessons. After class, I would explain that his behavior is not acceptable and that I expect more out of him. Afterwards, I would refer to the counselor for information, if possible.
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Solution #8
I would set up a meeting with Brian to hear about why he was late since it wasn't explained in the scenario. Maybe he had a reasonable excuse for being 20 minutes late. For precautions, I would also report the behavior to the office incase Brian needs additional counseling.
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Solution #9
I would speak to Brian as if the previous day had never happened. I would smile and proceed with the day as normal. For the sake of curiosity I would inquire from the counselor about Brian's new approach to school.
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Solution #10
I would not say anything to the student about the matter during instruction time, but would possibly pull the student aside after class and discuss his behavior with him in private. It is important to always remain calm and in control of the situation and to not push it into something further. You may follow up with the students counseling session to see if there was something else that the counselor was able to find out that may have triggered his behavior the day before (especially if the behavior was out of character). If the glaring continues you may need to discuss with the student that it is not appropriate, but if the student knows that it makes you feel uncomfortable he may just do it more.
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Solution #11
In this case I would welcome Brian back into the classroom. I would not let him get a reaction from me. I would praise Brian for coming into class quietly and move on with my lesson.
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Solution #12
I would ask for a parent-teacher conference to explain the situation, so you know the parent is not just hearing the student's side of the story. Also, I would like to conference with my principals to see what happened and what I need to look for in his reaction to being in my class. I need to know where the student and I stand to know what to expect for his reaction in m classroom.
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Solution #13
I would check and see how the counseling session turned out. AN di would also try to have a discussion with the student. Explain to them why they were not able to take the exam and why it was that they were late. Then decide on what action to take after that conversation.
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Solution #14
I would welcome Brian back with a smile and a clean slate. I would also praise his proper behavior of coming to class on time and going to his desk quietly. Through avoiding his glare and trying to start on a positive note, I believe Brian's behavior will change in a positive way.
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Solution #15
If a student comes in late to class it is a good idea to simply ask them why they are late. Finding out that he was at the Counseling Center, the teacher should then pull the student aside, one on one, and ask why they were late. The teacher should apologize for not knowing that the student was not in class due them being in the Counseling Center, and allow the student to complete the exam.
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Solution #16
You report the incident to the office, but you should also know the reason the student is late, it could be personal, things going on in the home or anything that caused him to be late. If this are the causes you should allow the student to still take the test. When the student do enter back in the class you should greet him with a smile and welcome him back.
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Solution #17
I think that I would speak to Brian after class. I would explain that the policy is the same for every student and that class starts at the same time for everyone. I would contact the Counseling Center and find out what was the outcome of the intervention.
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Solution #18
In this case I would welcome Brian back into the classroom. I would not let him get a reaction from me. I would praise Brian for coming into class quietly and move on with my lesson.

I agree with you. Good solution.

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Solution #19
I would continue class as if nothing had happened. The worst thing you could do it bring more attention to the situation. After class was over I would speak with Brian privately to discuss how to handle situations that we do not agree with. Brian needs to understand that his behavior was unacceptable and it will not be tolerated.
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Solution #20
I would present an activity where each student in the class writes a personal goal of what they want to get out of class and how they are going to meet the goal. This would help redirect the class as a whole and give them something to work towards.
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Solution #21
It is a new day and another chance. I would just let it be and move forward with the day.
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