Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Unclear Future In my many years of teaching high school, I have seen all types of students. Noora, a student from Pakistan, was one of the most special students. She was definitely one of the most intelligent I have had. She also had an extraordinary work ethic and interpersonal skills. When other students in her class had difficulty with any subject, Noora was there to help them. I thought she had a very bright future. Knowing her strong skills and knowledge in math and sciences, I thought she would go to a prestigious university. One day I decided to talk to Noora about her future plans and I was shocked by what I heard. She said that two months after graduating from high school, she was going to get married to the son of a family friend. She did not seem very disturbed by this. I went to talk to Noora's parents to explain to them what a great student she was and why they should reconsider their decision to marry her at such a young age. I told them that what they were doing was unfair. The very next day Noora's family sent a formal complaint letter to my school principal stating that I was being disrespectful their culture, and that it is their business to decide their daughter's future, not the teacher's. I was devastated when the principal informed me about this. I thought I was being a good teacher. I still do not want to give up on Noora's future. What should I do? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) I think that the teacher's actions were innocent but impulsive. Instead of telling them that they were being unfair, I would have approached the situation differently. First, I would have conducted a formal parent-teacher conference on school property and had a guidance counselor present. Then, I would have described to the parents Noora's progress in the classroom and her potential to succeed in pursuing possible post-secondary school goals. I would have then asked Noora and her parents what their goals were for Noora after college. Even though I may not agree with their goals, I would still provide encouragement for Noora. Then, I would end the meeting by stating that if Noora and her family wished, there may be ways for her to pursue possible post-secondary education while still getting married. Finally, I would thank the parents for coming to the school and restate how proud I was of Noora accomplishments both academically and socially.                 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: I also agree that the actions were impulsive. I like the idea about having a counselor present during an interview. Moreover, I think that the most important thing in this situation is encouraging Noora. I think she needs the support that someone believes in her. Rated On: May 29, 2015 12:53 am Rated By: ReMuXy                 Rating The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) No The suggested solution is relevant to the case No The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement No The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue No The suggested solution is original No Comments: I would not even discuss the marriage/culture with parents. I would not use this as a solution. Rated On: March 2, 2016 6:02 am Rated By: uBybuz                 Rating The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) No The suggested solution is relevant to the case No The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement No The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue No The suggested solution is original No Comments: I think there are too many steps to be taken without accomplishing anything. Rated On: October 14, 2018 8:54 pm Rated By: tabape