Helicopter Parents?

Question

Here is the situation. I have had one too many parents come to me complaining about a grade I had given their kid. Usually, the dispute happens on a essay. I am trying my best to teach these students to write properly and half the time I get nothing but crap where the student has plagerized or the grammar is beyond terrible or the no thesis etc.

As an educator, I want to know if there are any professors teachers, support staff etc. that had to deal with 'helicopter parents' giving you a headache and how you have dealt with the problem. Because thus far, I am finding that it is becoming increasingly difficult to be diplomatic in situations were parents expect the sun, the moon and the stars and students think that they are intitled to get a good grade without working for it.

Answer 1

Not only do I deal with helicopter parents, but the students themselves are very defensive about any corrections I make to their work. I teach college, so I remind the parents that I cannot and will not discuss their child's grade with them unless I have written consent from their child or unless they come in with the child. If the student gives permission, I remind them that means I can tell their parent how much class they've missed, how much late work they've turned in, etc. This usually ends that type of parental intrusion.

I ask the parents what they are doing to help their child do well in my class and to be a successful college student? Then I gently remind them that they have a choice - let their child gain some independence and take some responsibility for themselves or take the class for them! :-)

I actually added a statement to my syllabus that describes the fact that I will not discuss grades, assignments, etc. with anyone other than the person enrolled in the class. I also have a friend who teaches and if they speak with the parent then they make the parent and child sign a contract as to what needs to be done to be successful in that particular class.

Answer 2

I have grading standards info sheet I give out at the beginning of every semester. When students look at their writngs and my paper they can see where they don't make standards. I also have student code of ethics that states they are expected to do their best.

Here are my standards, keep in mind these are for college students: You may use as desired.

GRADING STANDARDS FOR PAPERS

All papers must be typed, in 12-point font, with 1 inch margins, and double-spaced.

The “A” paper is one that is excellent in almost every way, showing sophistication of thought and expression, and indicating superior ability. It is characterized by the following:
·Is consistently appropriate, engaging, and sophisticated in tone, content, and style
·Brings the reader to a logically inevitable conclusion
·Has a clear, precise and original thesis statement
·Begins each paragraph with a topic sentence that is supported and made clear by use of concrete details
·Is unified and coherent
·Is written with an intricate combination of structures
·Displays fresh, creative, colorful and accurate use of the language
·Is free of distracting errors.

The “B” paper is generally good, shows solid thinking and above average skill in expression. It is characterized by the following:
·Is vigorous in tone and style and has an interesting presentation of content
·Is organized in a clear and logical manner, building to a reasonable conclusion
·Has a precise and specific thesis statement
·Uses rhetorical strategies skillfully
·Begins each paragraph with a topic sentence, and includes supporting evidence
·Is unified and coherent
·Varies sentence structure
·Avoids wordiness and repetition while showing inventiveness
·Has virtually no distracting errors.

The “C” paper provides an adequate treatment of the subject matter. It is characterized by the following:
·Shows competent control of tone, content and style
·Is organized
·Includes a topic sentence and supporting detail in each paragraph
·Is unified
·Contains complete sentences
·Has accurate diction
·Has few distracting grammatical and mechanical errors

The “D” paper needs a great deal of re-work, showing an inadequate conception of the writing task. It is characterized by the following:
·Has inappropriate tone and style for the content and intended readers
·Is unorganized
·Contains no topic sentences and lacks sufficient support
·Uses incomplete, monotonous or disjointed sentences
·Includes inaccurate diction and inappropriate word choices
·Has frequent distracting mechanical and grammatical errors.


An “F” paper does not meet minimum standards.

Answer 3

offer an extra paper........... to replace the other paper grade or a project to bump one grade up one full letter grade

have a rubric for the students and parents
send it home almost like part of a college sylliabi earlier in the year if you can or just show it off on the overhead and see about stapling a version of it to the major papers. The parents and kids need to be aware of how you grade the paper. the parent needs to see that this % is taken off due to this that and also that.

get the students to grade each others papers in drafts and get them used to seeing the mistakes in their own writing.

............give the hard workers a chance to turn in the paper early or to redo part of the paper within a 24 hr window.

without a rubric a teach can give a paper a D for one student and another student can resubmit the paper a year later and the same teacher can give the same essay a C+ . i saw that 8 yrs ago with two friends. but the point is...................parents believe their kids until they feel informed on the topic in a non threatening way. Some parents have certain expectation and or they didnt have great experiences .... you need to show either the students or parents (hope both) that you are being as fair as possible to try to get students to learn.

Answer 4

Oh yeah- I even call them "Black Hawk Down"!
Rubrics. I created a rubric with between 10 and 25 measurable goals and the points offered. Go over it prior to the assignment. Be sure you have points for due date too. Send it home with clear directions and line for signature for parents. Send copy to principal. Tell him the problems and that from now on you will be forewarning parents and students alike of how you will be grading. Be sure you have a copy of the school/district policy. Get your other Lang Arts or grade level teachers to join you- give them a copy- they will revise it too maybe. Hold to your guns and quote the school/district policy when they argue with ya. Good luck.

Answer 5

a helicopter that sort of hovers over their baby, and that i imagine on an episode of a few lively educate per chance simpsons i observed awhile in the past the dad became going to college with the son and doing all his homework and stuff, so as that the lesson became that the youngster did not get adequate existence studies and ended up worse even even with the truth that per chance his grades were given more effective or some thing.

Answer 6

I have found that if I have clearly defined expectations in writing beforehand there is no room for confusion. I simply offer to walk the parent through the grading process and rubric. I then give a copy of the rubric(if it's the same for all assignments) to the parent for future reference.

Answer 7

I think you should keep your expectations high and hang in there. Some parents want teachers to let their kids "slide" by with work that is not their best effort. If you don't expect the best, they will struggle in college and eventually, in life! Good Luck!