Teacher wouldn't give son assignment.Told him "why, you won't do it anyway."?

Question

My son was absent Monday from school. He went back Tuesday. In science class he asked his teacher for the "current events" assignment he had missed when he was absent. She told him "Why? You won't do it anyway." My son told her that he was going to do it this time because he needed to raise his grade. He said she just walked away.
I couldn't believe she had said this. Even though he hadn't been turning in his assignment in the past I believe she should have not said that. I am going to write her an email(that's how they want you to get in touch with your childs teacher) although I am not good at good at writing letters because I am not good at wording or getting my point across etc... Could someone give me some suggestions on writing this email?
Thank Youl

Answer 1

Well, everyone above me has made the very valid point that teachers get fed up, too, and it's possible your son has pushed that teacher's buttons one too many times. If the teacher made that comment, then there's probably some history of your son not doing his homework. A teacher wouldn't make that comment for no reason...I think that first, you need to get to the bottom of that situation. How many times has your son not completed his homework for that teacher? (you may have to work to get an honest answer on that one)



But, if you do wish to email the teacher, here are some tips:

1) do NOT be confrontational, if you want your email to be taken seriously.

2) remember that, by emailing the teacher, you are leaving a WRITTEN RECORD of your complaint. (my guess is that this is probably why the district wants you to contact your child's teacher via email, not phone) This can be good and bad. Getting something "on the record" can be important in case there are future incidents. But it's just like what the police tell people they arrest -- "anything you say can and will be used against you." So be very careful on how you say things.

3) Your best approach is not "I can't believe you'd say this to my kid."

4) Find out your school's policy on make-up assignments. Was this an "excused" absence? If so, then he's probably allowed to make up any assignments he missed in a reasonable time period (usually a day). If it was "unexcused" (he was skipping, or not out of school for health reasons or pre-approved educational purposes), then the teacher MAY not have to give make-up assignments. That varies from school to school...and possibly even class to class. You'll need to sort that out first before you accuse the teacher of anything.

5) Your primary concern in this email should be getting your son the assignment he missed. You WILL NOT get anywhere if you try to pick a fight with a teacher over something that she allegedly said (remembering, of course, that you didn't hear the comment first hand...so it is the word of a child against the word of someone who has at least one college degree and a teaching certificate)

6) Keep in mind that your son's teacher is going to appreciate some assurance from you that you are working with your son to make sure he completes ALL his homework in the future.

7) I would say something like this:

"Dear ___________,

My son, _____________, was absent from school on Monday, March 16. He was absent due to __________, and my written excuse for his absence was presented to and accepted by the school office on Tuesday, March 17. My son claims to have been unable to get the assignment he missed from your class. I would like to know how to get this assignment for him, so he can get caught up on the work he missed while he was [ill?]. Please advise, either by return email or by phone. My number is _________.

I know that my son's record of turning in homework assignments has been poor in the past, but I am working with him to fix this situation. [list several things you are doing at home, or will be doing, to get him to do his homework]. In order to help me keep my son on task, I would kindly request that you contact me immediately the next time he fails to turn in an assignment, so that I can take the appropriate disciplinary actions.

Thank you very much for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely yours,

_______________"



Hope this helps!

Answer 2

I can understand why she made this remark. Do you know how time consuming it is to get students their makeup work? Do you know how frustrating it is when they never do it? It really does seem pointless and like a waste of our time. Do you understand how frustrating it is when kids decide they care at the very last minute? I think right now your main concern should be your son not turning in assignments. Why aren't you focusing on that? Aren't you concerned that he isn't taking care of his assingments like he is supposed to be? Aren't you concerned about his grades? You may not like what she said, but even you admitted that he has a history of not doing is work. I really think you need to step back and support the system instead of trying to attack it. After all, if your son had been doing his assignments this would have never happened. That would have been the time to get involved, not now over some silly little remark that is, in all reality, dead on.

Answer 3

While what she said was a little flip (and it sounds like she has lost patience with your son), unless she had been notified that he was going to be absent and had agreed to let him make up the assignment afterward, she was under no obligation to give your son the assignment because he missed it. And his comment, that he was going to do it because he needed to raise his grade, implied that he had no interest in doing the work for its intended purpose (so that he could learn), just so that he could raise his grade, which is not the teacher's problem.



I'm sorry, but while you could say to her that your son was upset by the tone of her voice, you really don't have much to complain about here.

Answer 4

Teachers are humans too. They get fed up just like everybody else. If your son won't turn his assignments in, is there a good reason why? Is he sick? Is there something in his life that's overwhelming causing him not to be able to turn in his work? Anything else? If not then it sounds like your son is the one who needs the good talking to before you get into dealing with the teacher. I'd start off by telling the teacher that you realize that you have to deal with the child because he hasn't been doing what he is supposed to be doing. Then I'd tell her that I'd appreciate it if she didn't give up on him; that you need her help in making sure he has all his assignments.

Answer 5

The school is way out of line here, they should be recognizing him for the talented business man he will become and encouraging his entrepreneur spirit! Wouldn't the better solution be enrolling him in drama after a flawless rendition rather than persecuting his creativity, candor and recital abilities... what is wrong with the school systems these day? I would present the following as arguments for his actions: The school is being severely hypocritical calling him out for chocolate sales with all of the coke and vending machines found in schools - they are surely interested first in their own profits. Employing the girls is a kind gesture it shows he thinks of the well fair and income of others. Had they addressed this whole bully situation correctly they could have avoided the whole issue, they really brought this on themselves. The boy calls you dad, what do they really expect. It is my understanding the teacher is a working girl herself. His interest rate on outstanding debts is half that of most credit cards. If we don't encourage our children to expand their horizons and start earning early they will surely be screwed in adult hood. You could also claim discrimination as I am sure this is directed at him for being white!

Answer 6

She was frustrated at him not turning in assignments, which is perfectly understandable. However in an ideal situation, I agree she should not have said that and he is probably supposed to get the assignment according to the handbook. In an ideal situation, your son should be turning in his work. make sure you are addressing what he is doing as well. To me, it sounds like you are willing to point fingers at her, but not make your son take responsibility.



Truthfully I would let the snotty comment go and focus on getting the assignment. However if she continues comments like this I would talk to her about it.

Answer 7

Sounds like your son has tested this teacher to the limit. All I would say in the email is that YOU will personally ensure he does the work from now and then stick to that. Good luck!