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Posted on March 16, 2015 2:08 am
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equLyV
equLyV
Reps: 104
The Invisible Parent
Ms. Bishop has a parent that is virtually non-existent when they receive phone calls, emails, and letters about their child's progress or disciplinary issues. However, when deficiencies and report cards go home and their child has a poor grade the parent suddenly appears and makes a grand appearance ranting and raving about their child. How does Ms. Bishop get this parent on board at all times in a school where there really is no parental involvement?
 
     
     
 
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Solution 1
Posted March 16, 2015 4:22 am

HaXeSy
HaXeSy
Reps: 100
Hello,
I am currently experiencing the same thing with one of my students who has ADHD. Unfortunately, the parent did not inform me of his disability until 2 months into the school year. After complaining to my principle that her son is not doing well in my classroom, I invited her to come observe/volunteer at her convenience. I have incorporated numerous accommodations for the student and continued to keep her informed while waiting to have a 504 Plan put in place for the student. Even with the student doing better academically and behaviorally, the mother is still unhappy.

In order to ensure that the parent is content, continue doing what you are doing to inform the parent and keep all documentation! Also, make sure that you document what you are doing to assist the child's academic success. Finally, I began sending my principal "FYI" emails regarding the student just in case she is involved in the situation.
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Kady Schlemmer
Kady Schlemmer
Reps: 202
Good idea on documenting all happenings with the student.
  Posted on: July 9, 2016 4:26 pm

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Solution 2
Posted October 18, 2015 3:28 pm

Sophy Shabana
Sophy Shabana
Reps: 100
I think it is crucial to establish a positive rapport with the parent. What has always worked for me are sunshine notes or positive feedback about student performance and participation in class. The parent can also be invited for a one on one conference where the strategies utilized in the class before and during an assessment are reviewed. It is also important to document all the positive communication with the parent. Even after all these positive communications if the parent continues to rant and rave about a specific grade, the teacher can invite the parent to come in and view the student folder that documents all the study guides, class work and quizzes that led to the final grade.
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Kady Schlemmer
Kady Schlemmer
Reps: 202
I like the idea of reviewing the folder with all items leading to a certain grade. It shows the parent the trajectory of the student. Then. At the time you could pull up documentation that you had email the parent about a worrisome grade and explain that you tried including them earlier but did not have their cooperation.
  Posted on: July 9, 2016 4:28 pm

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Solution 3
Posted October 2, 2015 2:52 pm

uWaQyr
uWaQyr
Reps: 100
If the student has a bad grade on the assignment make sure the parent is signing the assignment or test and ask to be contacted. Keep the parent involved through the entire grading period. When you send an assignment home to be signed, send an email letting them know that something is being sent home for them. When the parent doesn't sign the assignment and has a problem at the end there is proof that contact was made from your end.
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Solution 4
Posted October 7, 2017 5:17 am

yPeMug
yPeMug
Reps: 200
It is obviously in your best interest of the well being and progress of the student, and it appears that when the student does badly on assignments it suddenly becomes the parents interest. I would remind the parent nicely but firm that you both have the same desire for the student. Explain to the parent that they need to be checking the child's progress and explain how with the online school grade check website.
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Solution 5
Posted October 18, 2015 8:34 pm

Dan G
Dan G
Reps: 190
Sometimes it is best to be honest but respectful. when the parent makes a grand appearance when report cards come out you can respectively tell her something like " Sir/ma'am I have been reaching out to you for months now trying to get your support and I never heard back from you. Now that you are displeased with your child's report card you are angry with me. I want your child to succeed and I know he/she can but we need your help".
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Solution 6
Posted July 11, 2016 2:52 am

yGapeW
yGapeW
Reps: 202
Record all phone calls, emails, and any other contact you have with the parent. Try to see if an administrator can set up a meeting.
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