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  Case: Worried Parents
I have received a few emails from parents concerning their children. The children that they are concerned about are the ones that are well behaved and have outstanding grades. I have high expectations for my students but I feel that the parents are being a bit over-bearing by being concerned about a 90% on a test. It is a wonderful thing that they are involved and expect perfect scores but I am struggling with how I am going to say, "your child is doing fine" without offending them. I feel that they will disagree with me and continue to worry.
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
I have had several parents like the ones you describe. I suggest setting up a conference with the parent. Often times, emails are often hard to communicate tone. Prepare for the meeting by having student data readily available (grades, work samples, etc.).When the parent arrives to the meeting, greet them, and brief them on the data you have. Then, allow them to share their concerns. Take notes during the conference. Address their points of issue, giving evidence as you go. The conversation might go like this:

Parent: "I am concerned with my child's grades being so close to Bs. Johnny is capable of much higher and I do not accept Bs."
Teacher: ""Mrs. A, I can understand how a 90 concerns you, since Johnny is such a high achieving student. However, Johnny does very well in all areas and is such a joy to have in class. Johnny is successful and I don't want him to become bored. I'd like to keep Johnny challenged with content."
 
     
     
  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: A face-to-face conference is an excellent idea. This should help parents to understand expectations and to see how work is graded so that this does not turn into a constant email conversation.
Rated On: October 16, 2015 2:50 am
Rated By: ysaZan
 
     
     
  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 solution.
Rated On: October 16, 2015 4:43 pm
Rated By: uqeMeg
 
     
     
  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: Great example!
Rated On: October 17, 2015 2:21 pm
Rated By: uVeWar
 
     
     
  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: Excellent way to handle this situation. Very impressed and would want to do this as well.
Rated On: October 17, 2015 5:27 pm
Rated By: qutehu
 
     
     
  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,example of easing the concerns of a worried parent.
Rated On: October 18, 2015 2:58 am
Rated By: aTeRaz
 
     
     
  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 solution is exactly how it should be handled.
Rated On: October 18, 2015 5:07 pm
Rated By: Qanuna
 
     
     
  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: Setting a monthly conference might be a good way to keep them at bay.
Rated On: October 18, 2015 5:48 pm
Rated By: ymuXyg
 
     
     
  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: a conference is a good idea
Rated On: March 1, 2016 10:27 pm
Rated By: daPaJa
 
     
     
  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: Good solution, I would follow this in my classroom as well.
Rated On: March 7, 2016 4:05 am
Rated By: BesuVy
 
     
     
  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 good solution for this scenario
Rated On: October 13, 2016 12:31 am
Rated By: sammi kocher
 
     
     
  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: If I were in this situation, I would exactly do this.
Rated On: October 16, 2016 12:12 am
Rated By: junuTu
 
     
     
  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: That sounds like a great response to the parent's concern.
Rated On: October 16, 2016 2:14 am
Rated By: yJatyt
 
     
     
  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 helpful because it demonstrates how you can approach this situation in a professional way.
Rated On: October 16, 2016 6:05 pm
Rated By: nehury
 
     
     
  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 solution.
Rated On: October 16, 2016 9:51 pm
Rated By: Nicole McVey
 
     
     
  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: Yes, e-mail is hard.
Rated On: October 16, 2016 11:22 pm
Rated By: maPyqa
 
     
     
  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: If I were in this situation, this is exactly what I would do.
Rated On: March 2, 2017 4:34 am
Rated By: ybabaJ
 
     
     
  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 solution.
Rated On: March 5, 2017 6:44 am
Rated By: Kelsey Lutzi
 
     
     
  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 agree, a parent-teacher conference is the best way to go!
Rated On: March 5, 2017 7:23 pm
Rated By: avenyB
 
     
     
  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: well said
Rated On: March 5, 2017 9:37 pm
Rated By: VeWyRu
 
     
     
  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: "If your student was getting perfect scores, I could never help him grow as a scholar! These are all chances to push him to the next level! Thank you for your dedication and support!"
Rated On: July 4, 2017 1:04 am
Rated By: yGedeb
 
     
     
  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 would do the exact same thing. My parent where just like this.
Rated On: July 8, 2017 9:11 pm
Rated By: eRahyR
 
     
     
  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: My thoughts exactly
Rated On: October 4, 2017 4:54 pm
Rated By: GyNyzu
 
     
     
  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: Good solution!
Rated On: October 10, 2017 4:10 pm
Rated By: aNaMeJ
 
     
     
  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 good way to let the parents feel heard but let them know everything is on track.
Rated On: February 25, 2018 2:21 pm
Rated By: baJeTe
 
     
     
  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: The conference as you describe is a wonderful solution, as it allows the teacher to develop a relationship with the parent of mutual understanding.
Rated On: February 25, 2018 5:54 pm
Rated By: eguPud
 
     
     
  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 think this is an excellent solution! The way the teacher handled the situation is phenomenal. It lets the parents know that the student is doing very well and it's important to continue to challenge him. The wording the teacher used is excellent.
Rated On: July 6, 2018 5:59 pm
Rated By: Rochelle Young
 
     
     
  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: Great solution
Rated On: July 8, 2018 11:26 pm
Rated By: yqunaz
 
     
     
  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 agree I think scheduling a conference with the parents rather than communicating back and forth via email will be more effective. Taking notes and listening to the parents during the conference shows that you are interested and care about what they have to say.
Rated On: October 10, 2018 11:14 pm
Rated By: Rachel
 
     
     
  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: Agreed!
Rated On: October 15, 2018 1:09 am
Rated By: aLureP
 
     
     
  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 agree that speaking to the parent face to face is important. Being prepared is key!
Rated On: February 20, 2019 2:51 am
Rated By: Faith Graham
 
     
     
  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 response to a concerned parent. I like how you are trying to speak about the positives.
Rated On: February 22, 2019 9:57 pm
Rated By: Haley Kennedy
 
     
     
  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 agree with your opinion
Rated On: July 7, 2019 8:52 pm
Rated By: Brenda Perez Prieto
 
     
     
  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 agree
Rated On: July 7, 2019 9:59 pm
Rated By: SeGyHu
 
     
     
  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: A conference with the parents would be most efficient, you can talk and review with them over how good their student is doing in the class.
Rated On: October 14, 2019 10:59 pm
Rated By: aHaQaj
 
     
     
  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 love this example. This is a wonderful solution.
Rated On: October 16, 2019 8:44 pm
Rated By: uPuhuP
 
     
     
  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: Letting the parent know the content that their child is learning is a great way to allow them to develop reasonable expectations for their children.
Rated On: October 17, 2019 7:39 pm
Rated By: LyWuLy
 
     
     
  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 agree with this
Rated On: October 21, 2019 12:18 am
Rated By: ZySaje
 
     
     
  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 will always suggest a meeting with the parent for these kinds of problems.
Rated On: October 19, 2020 2:19 am
Rated By: eMuQah
 
     
     
  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: Fantastic response with a solution that benefits the parents and the student
Rated On: October 30, 2021 2:31 am
Rated By: nySyne
 
     
     
  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 wonderful solution and he even provides examples of how to talk to a concerned parent.
Rated On: October 31, 2021 6:24 am
Rated By: aseTyD
 
     
     
  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 No
Comments: Overall I found this be a highly effective solution for it's best to communicate with parents before concerns grow bigger. Having an open, clear, and kind conversation can make a huge difference and show them their child's hard work.
Rated On: July 24, 2023 3:08 am
Rated By: zyzuDy
 
     
     
  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: Suggesting frequent conferences to address the situation is a great idea.
Rated On: November 1, 2023 10:14 pm
Rated By: aBuQat
 
     
     
  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 proactive solution. This way the parent does not feel ignored, but you are able to explain why they have no need to be worried. Face to face communication is very key to avoid miscommunication.
Rated On: November 6, 2023 3:34 am
Rated By: upaMyb
 
     
     
  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: Yes, I think this is a great solution. Directly talking with the worried parents could alleviate their fears. Perhaps even showing them examples of the student's work and assessments could put them at ease as well.
Rated On: November 6, 2023 11:11 pm
Rated By: yPyZuz