Athletics
A parent is complaining about the playing time their child gets.
Explain to the parent that playing time is allocated based on many factors, including team needs, effort, and development.
All players get an opportunity, but the overall progress of the team must be taken into consideration.
A Parent requests services the child is not eligible for
They cannot just provide because a parent asked but they can decide if they should do an evaluation and see if the child qualifies.
Parents demand events and funding that may conflict with what teachers want to do.
Organize workshops or seminars to educate teachers and parents to incorporate a balanced approach where both teachers and parents have equal say.
Parent questions the teacher’s approach to addressing their child’s behavior
Remain calm and professional, and explain the approach clearly, emphasizing the importance of managing all students fairly. Share any relevant school policy
Student is failing one or more classes
Meet with parent and set up a study plan or find a tutor
A parent is yelling/booing at other players, refs, etc.
Emphasize to the parent that they are role models, and should try to show good sportsmanship
They CANNOT give the child medication
try to persuade parent but if refuse there is nothing they can do other then try coping strategies for the child in the classroom
Teachers and parents may have different views on what is best for the students in a more diverse school population.
Provide training to address cultural and socioeconomic differences.
Parent disregards addressing their child's involvement in bullying other students
Approach the situation in a calm demeanor. Give specific examples of their child's behavior and how it's impacting other students in the classroom negatively. Contact higher administration if necessary.
Student has poor attendance
Meeting with parent to discuss what’s going on and talk about expectations for attendance
A parent is comparing their kids to others.
Remind the parent that each child develops at their own pace, and encourage them to celebrate their child's individual accomplishments rather than comparing them to others.
Parents do not sign consent form for Evaluation
Remind/corner parent to sign consent form (if ignoring)
If refuse to consent they might need a mediator but at the end of the day they cannot provide services
Parents might feel that teachers are not handling student discipline correctly.
There should be discussions between teachers and parents on why certain discipline methods are used and why others aren’t being used.
Parents too frequently suggest how the teacher should manage classroom discipline
Thank the parent for their input, but explain that classroom management is designed to meet the needs of all students, not just their own.
Parent is late to pick up student from school
Explain the expectations of pick up and kindly remind them to be courteous about the staff’s time
A parent is excessively sideline coaching.
Explain to the parent that their sideline coaching can confuse players and disrupt team cohesion. Emphasize that their support is appreciated but it needs to be positive and encouraging rather than instructive
Parents requests an evaluation
If child was evaluated within a year the school can refuse as it is still relevant for therapy’s (if scored out of services)
If not (and proper paperwork is provided) the school must evaluate the child even if they strongly believe the child is average - once they do the evaluation if the child scores average they do not need to provide services
Parents may not have the same commitment to PTA as teachers
Allow for flexible ways of participations such as incorporating Zoom meetings and group messaging apps
Parents are dismissive when informed about their child's lack of focus or attentiveness
Suggest that the student could benefit from more focused, one-on-one support available in before and after-school programs
Parent believes their kid should have a higher grade than what they got
Talk to parent about why the student received that grade
Go over the test with the parent and student and set up a study plan for the next test