Gotta run

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Home : 2007 : February : 4

Gotta run
By lillian

I can't stay on the computer because I have a ton of work to get done, so I'll just make these comments and try to check in again this evening. In situations like this, where a child is on the cusp or qualifying for LD and
didn't, the parent may be very angry. As a teacher, you can be dealing with years of frustration the mother feels dealing with schools and teachers. One thing that can set these parents off is a teacher asking the child whether or not the child studied or did the work the child was supposed to do because kids with learning difficulties often will lie to cover up their difficulties.

It's a matter of pride. The best thing to do is to not ask the child is s/he has studied. Save yourself from a lot of conflict here and just don't ask. If you have any question as to whether or not the child did the work, address it directly with the parent. In this case, for example, if the child has not completed reading a book, as stated on her AR log, write a note to the mom and tell her so. Remind the mom that this may result in her daughter's not meeting her AR incentives because the child will not be able to take the AR test. Let the parent know how much longer the child has to meet the incentives, then let it go. Never question the child. Let the mother handle it. If the mother comes back and says that her child did complete the book and can take the test, then let the child take it. If the child fails, the child fails. It's up to the mom to do with that information what she chooses.

I know this is a tough situation, when you question whether or not anyone is telling the truth. Leaving it up to the mom to lie or tell the truth is the best way to go, with the hopes that the mom will tell the truth. You never know whether a struggling student will or not. There are too many ego factors involved.