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  Case: Feeling Betrayed
I have had a wonderful school year with my 26 third graders all of whom were bilingual. Most of my students were Chinese Americans with two from India. I used very engaging interactive strategies with my students throughout the year. They have responded to my teaching strategies very well, and made a lot of progress in all content areas. To my surprise and disappointment, my school principal informed me that she received a letter signed by most of the parents of my students stating that I did not teach their enough math. In the letter, they indicated the previous year students came home with a lot of homework and completed a large number of worksheets, while this year they have been given fewer worksheets. I explained to my principal that I was more interested in using math manipulatives and meaningful real world math problems than repetitive worksheets. What disappointed me (or hurt me) the most was that I have had four meetings with all the parents, and they did not raise any concerns in these meetings. Why would they directly go to the principal? What did I do wrong? Is this cultural? How should I respond to these parents?
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
I would ask the principal to allow you to have a math night where you and the students could demonstrate what and how they have learned. This may help the parents to feel better about their students math progress. You may also keep a portfolio for each student to take home for parents to view.
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This is a great suggestion! I was going to suggest simply sending a letter to parents. However, having a math night gets the parents involved and gives you an opportunity to communicate with them. This is creative and fun and I think it would be very effective! I would try to use this same solution if this were ever a problem for me.
Rated On: March 2, 2016 4:17 am
Rated By: Melissa Dison