what are some good things to say to parents of your students?

Question

i need to know some good things to say when their child didn't follow directions on a test and now they are complaining because the child was only following what his previous teacher told him.
isn't following the instructions on the test the most important thing to go by?

Answer 1

Yes, and you definitely want to stress that. If however this is a young child then you should certainly temper that criticism. Say something like: "It's great the Johnny remember how Miss X wanted this sort of question done; however, I am now his teacher and in my class (or at this grade or level) he needs to understand what we are doing now, and follow the instructions given to him."

If you can, bring along a test from another child (photocopy and remove the child's name from the paper) to illustrate what should have been done, and why Johnny's answer was wrong.

Answer 2

Maybe the child has difficulty READING and following directions because MAYBE he is reading BELOW grade level. That ought to scare some sense into them.

Even if it's not the case, parents will not be thrilled hearing that this is a possible assessment of the problem their child has. Children grow with each new teacher. His output should reflect that. Otherwise, children stagnate.

Teachers often stick together. Why not contact that former teacher and ask that person to advise you on how to handle damage control they put into motion. As educators, you both strive toward the same goals. Let the parents know you are willing to work with them on this.

The BIG PICTURE:
The testing procedures are not forgiving. Parents cannot justify the child's lack of performance on something a previous teacher said way back in the day. Parents need to nip that practice in the bud now before little Johnny thinks the message being sent is: he doesn't have to follow directions.

Answer 3

Well, there you go! The child was following his or her previous teacher's instruction, now you are his or her teacher and therefore your instruction should be followed by the child.
Also, the syllabus you are teaching is different than that of the other teacher, so... I would tell the parents that their child have a problem with following the test's instruction, and that it is clear that the instruction is on black and white that it is to be followed.

Answer 4

remember to be polite but be decisive that you are not the childs previous teacher, and the new instructions were explained to the child in a manner that they understood.

Answer 5

I carefully explained the questions and the test to your child, but unfortunately, they did not listen.. Are you having these sorts of problems at home as well?

Answer 6

well since i am a kid, Ok well probbely the kid is very arguementitive if u had to tell hıs parents ıd say
' Your kıd ıs awsome....BUT he has some ıssues wıth understandıng what the dırectıons are so ıt would be very nıce ıf you would talk to hım about ıt' '
(DO NOT CALL THE PARENTS IN!) thıs just annoys them and makes them say why ıs the teacher tellıng me thıs??? ur the teacher u deal wıth ıt !
(BTW parents wont be able to help because ıts ur duty not thers!)

Answer 7

tell them their daughter is hot and you can't wait until she's 18 and no longer your student

Answer 8

That "Everything is easy, once you know the Answer!" And I will give you the answer to your question, so you will learn.