TeacherServer.com
Home | How It Works | Stats
Login | Register
     
 
Topic Go Back
 
     
     
 
Case
Posted on March 2, 2013 12:51 am
Add to Favorites Add to Favorites

Zafer Unal
Zafer Unal
Reps: 1007
Their kids play sports
You are a high school teacher, and Caleb Rushmore is the star running back for the football team. He sleeps in class and is extremely focused on football, and is, in fact, counting on a football scholarship. When his parents come in to conference, their main concern is his sports participation and eligibility. How would you handle this situation?
 
     
     
 
Reply Submit a Possible Solution
Please read response(s) below (if any) before posting your solution.
 
     
     
 
Solution 1
Posted April 18, 2013 7:01 pm

Lili G
Lili G
Reps: 129
As the teacher, I would begin the conference by expressing how proud I am of the student and their athletic ability to the parents. Personally, I was in the same situation as Caleb, and I actually did participate in a college athletics. Telling this to the parents could make them feel more comfortable knowing that I have been in a similar situation as their son. Next, I would explain that athletic scholarships are a blessing but that they are not 100% about the athletics. Coaches look at the student's grades, as well as their GPA in high school. I will explain that in college, student athletes have a specific GPA that they have to have to participate in the sport, as well as a reputation as a member of that team to uphold. So if Caleb were able to receive a football scholarship, he would have to maintain a certain GPA, as well as a reputation as a student athlete at that school. I would make sure to mention the fact that most college coaches do not want their athletes sleeping in class, which is becoming a reoccurrence for Caleb (mentioning that most coaches actually give consequences for these types of behavior-such as running stadiums instead of participating in regular practice). I would mention that if their main concerns are his sports participation and eligibility, that his academics and behavior in class all tie together. If he is showing good behaviors in class (not sleeping) and is doing well in his academics, he will have a better and more successful chance of receiving a football scholarship.
Votes: +34 / -0 Vote Up This Solution Is Useful   Vote Down This Solution Is Not Useful  

Comments posted for this solution

ypuqum
ypuqum
Reps: 208
I agree with this solution. You supported your point with evidence and facts.
  Posted on: October 16, 2014 8:35 pm

Brianne Blowers
Brianne Blowers
Reps: 102
I think this is a well thought out solution.
  Posted on: October 19, 2014 10:02 pm

Reply Add a Comment
 
     
     
 
Solution 2
Posted April 18, 2013 6:54 pm

uDuhyN
uDuhyN
Reps: 125
I would acknowledge that they do have a talented son, but politely remind them that he is in school to learn. Also that is important for him to keep his grades up for him to be eligible to play. If his grades are not up to pair he is not able to participate in sports till they are raised. Then go over the areas that he needs improvement. I would then ask the parents if they needed me to talk with him about how to balance homework and sports.
Votes: +13 / -1 Vote Up This Solution Is Useful   Vote Down This Solution Is Not Useful  

Comments posted for this solution

uJasuX
uJasuX
Reps: 203
I think this is a great solution. It acknowledges the parents concerns but brings the conversation back to academics.
  Posted on: October 19, 2014 4:45 pm

Reply Add a Comment
 
     
     
 
Solution 3
Posted April 18, 2013 6:58 pm

LanuRy
LanuRy
Reps: 102
I would show the parents proof of what he is doing in class. They will not be able to see that he is sleeping in class but I would tell them this. I would also let them know that I understand how important sports are to him and how I am so glad that he is doing so well. However, I would let the parents know that once he gets into college he will not be able to do well there is he cannot do well in high school. I would ask the parents and the student what I can do to help them and how I can make his learning experience better.

On another note, I'm sure that the school has a set grade average for all sports and I believe that maybe that alone would be a cause for him to bring his grades up. That might also be motivation for the parents as well.
Votes: +5 / -0 Vote Up This Solution Is Useful   Vote Down This Solution Is Not Useful  

Comments posted for this solution

Reply Add a Comment
 
     
     
 
Solution 4
Posted April 18, 2013 7:01 pm

Lili G
Lili G
Reps: 129
As the teacher, I would begin the conference by expressing how proud I am of the student and their athletic ability to the parents. Personally, I was in the same situation as Caleb, and I actually did participate in a college athletics. Telling this to the parents could make them feel more comfortable knowing that I have been in a similar situation as their son. Next, I would explain that athletic scholarships are a blessing but that they are not 100% about the athletics. Coaches look at the student's grades, as well as their GPA in high school. I will explain that in college, student athletes have a specific GPA that they have to have to participate in the sport, as well as a reputation as a member of that team to uphold. So if Caleb were able to receive a football scholarship, he would have to maintain a certain GPA, as well as a reputation as a student athlete at that school. I would make sure to mention the fact that most college coaches do not want their athletes sleeping in class, which is becoming a reoccurrence for Caleb (mentioning that most coaches actually give consequences for these types of behavior-such as running stadiums instead of participating in regular practice). I would mention that if their main concerns are his sports participation and eligibility, that his academics and behavior in class all tie together. If he is showing good behaviors in class (not sleeping) and is doing well in his academics, he will have a better and more successful chance of receiving a football scholarship.
Votes: +5 / -0 Vote Up This Solution Is Useful   Vote Down This Solution Is Not Useful  

Comments posted for this solution

ezaDyR
ezaDyR
Reps: 100
As a high school teacher I would imagine the challenge that sports become into a students life. I would clear the air and start by saying how he is our star football player and all he has accomplished for our team. But however in college if you do no maintain good grades and a specific GPA they will take your scholarships away and remove you from the team.
  Posted on: October 16, 2014 11:53 pm

Reply Add a Comment
 
     
     
 
Solution 5
Posted April 18, 2013 6:57 pm

N Gunnin
N Gunnin
Reps: 97
I would begin the conference by discussing how his football is going, and how his future is looking. I would discuss the positives of him in my class and throughout the school, but would be sure to discuss what needs to be corrected as well. For example, I would explain to the student and parents that his success in football is going to be determined by his success in my classroom. All the training he does to improve himself for football should be connected to the way he trains himself for school. Lacking basic high-school knowledge will be sure to affect his future, as he will not always play football. Likewise, his time in high school will be good practice for his college career. Lastly, I would explain that he does not have to be the smartest child in the classroom, but effort will help him achieve a higher grade. Showing that he wants to better himself in the classroom will result in the improvement in his grades.
Votes: +4 / -2 Vote Up This Solution Is Useful   Vote Down This Solution Is Not Useful  

Comments posted for this solution

Reply Add a Comment
 
     
     
 
Solution 6
Posted October 20, 2014 3:18 am

Dawn Rogers
Dawn Rogers
Reps: 204
A student can not play sports in high school or college unless they perform as a student first. As a teacher I would inform the parents that this student is a STUDENT-athlete, not only an athlete. I would inform them that I will not be giving him any special treatment and that he will have to fight to play sports.
Votes: +3 / -2 Vote Up This Solution Is Useful   Vote Down This Solution Is Not Useful  

Comments posted for this solution

Reply Add a Comment
 
     
     
 
Solution 7
Posted April 18, 2013 6:56 pm

Saoirse Ibarguen
Saoirse Ibarguen
Reps: 94
I would make it very clear to the parents that their child will not earn a football scholarship if he continues to sleep in class and does not take his academics seriously. This might upset the parents at first, but they need to hear it. I would suggest to them that they make sure he gets enough rest at home, and hire a tutor for him if he needs it. I would explain that, although it would be fantastic for the student to receive a football scholarship, he cannot do so without maintaining a certain GPA. After that information is discussed, we can talk about his sports participation and eligibility.
Votes: +3 / -8 Vote Up This Solution Is Useful   Vote Down This Solution Is Not Useful  

Comments posted for this solution

Reply Add a Comment
 
     
     
 
Solution 8
Posted April 18, 2013 6:55 pm

VuVyRu
VuVyRu
Reps: 85
I would speak to the parents about the importance of a good education. While the student may have the ability to earn a scholarship, and possibly even the ability to make it as a professional football player, unforeseen events do occur. The student may become injured and no longer be able to play. In this case, the student will need an education to be able to take another career path. In addition, even if the student does earn a college sports scholarship, no university will allow him to continue to play if his grades are not sufficient to stay enrolled in the college.
Votes: +2 / -0 Vote Up This Solution Is Useful   Vote Down This Solution Is Not Useful  

Comments posted for this solution

Reply Add a Comment
 
     
     
 
Solution 9
Posted February 24, 2015 8:54 pm

Victoria Horn
Victoria Horn
Reps: 201
I would tell the parents that if Caleb isn't doing too well in school, then he might not get that scholarship he is hoping for. I would tell Caleb's parents what he does in class and how they can help prevent it. It could be a lack of sleep or the food he is eating. I would really try to motivate Caleb to do better so that he can do what he wants to do later on in life.
Votes: +1 / -0 Vote Up This Solution Is Useful   Vote Down This Solution Is Not Useful  

Comments posted for this solution

Reply Add a Comment
 
     
     
 
Solution 10
Posted March 12, 2015 3:28 pm

Jordan Najafi
Jordan Najafi
Reps: 102
As a high school teacher and coach (and former college athlete), I would have the athletic director and football coach at the meeting, as well. I would explain to the parents the rules of eligibility in both high school and college, and stress the fact that college coaches want a STUDENT-athlete. The better the student's academic standing, the better chance they have at an athletic scholarship. Also, speak with the football coach- seek out consequences for the student if behavior does not change.
Votes: +1 / -0 Vote Up This Solution Is Useful   Vote Down This Solution Is Not Useful  

Comments posted for this solution

nick morse
nick morse
Reps: 200
as a former high school athlete grades were always the most important thing to me. even though i did earn a division 1 scholarship to play football i knew it was going to last me forever and took my education very serioulsy and i would have a sit down with the parents and student and share some of my personal insight with him
  Posted on: March 7, 2016 2:42 am

Reply Add a Comment
 
     
     
 
Solution 11
Posted October 12, 2016 7:56 pm

jaDehy
jaDehy
Reps: 200
I would tell the parents that their student is an exceptional athlete but a sub-par student and give examples of each. The parents need to realize that when Caleb is a student-athlete, student comes first, football is just an extracurricular. If Caleb does not have what it takes to handle both football and school then he should consider postponing football until his grades and participation increase in the class.
Votes: +0 / -0 Vote Up This Solution Is Useful   Vote Down This Solution Is Not Useful  

Comments posted for this solution

Reply Add a Comment
 
     
     
 
Solution 12
Posted October 3, 2017 3:05 am

Yeilin Ramirez
Yeilin Ramirez
Reps: 200
I would let the parents know that in order for the student to participate and be eligible to play sports, they must be actively participating and trying their best in class. After school tutoring can also be offered to help the student catch up with what they miss in class.
Votes: +0 / -0 Vote Up This Solution Is Useful   Vote Down This Solution Is Not Useful  

Comments posted for this solution

Reply Add a Comment
 
     
     
 
Reply Submit a Possible Solution
Please read response(s) below (if any) before posting your solution.