Parent/Teacher Conferences

Yesterday was my first experience with parents in the school setting. I was able to join my CT for the conference blocks that went from 2-5pm and 6-8pm. All the teachers were set up in the cafeteria or community room where parents were able to sit and chat with their children's teachers.

The conferences were steady and started off on a good note. It was nice to see the parents that care and support the program. They tell us how much their children love art and our classes. However, a few parents in, we had a conference that just escalated in a horrible direction. This parent was accusing my CT and myself of not teaching their son and expecting him to have natural talent in order to pass the class. She was putting words in my CT's mouth and twisting everything that we tried to explain to her about our expectations, objectives, the classroom routines, etc. What it came down to was that her son did not turn in a journal assignment which resulted in a zero in the grade book bring his grade from a B to a C+. She kept going on about how ridiculous the arts are and how she wouldn't care if they got cut. She said she wasn't going to let ART lower her son's GPA and therefore lose his scholarship to the school. My teacher stuck to her guns and told her that we would look into the grade, but if he did not turn it in, it was going to stay a zero because that is her policy. This did not make this parent happy and she demanded a meeting with administration.

I believe that my teacher handled it well. She apologized for any misunderstandings about what the class is about, etc. even though the parent chose not to listen. It frustrated me immensely, but I did not interject much because I did not want to upset her more. But, it was truly an experience worth being a part of. My CT told me that in her 6 years, that was the worst conference she has ever had. She immediately gave a heads up to the vice principal and principal and they fully supported my CT and how she handled it.

The rest of the evening was nothing but supportive parents and positive experiences. It was a pleasure meeting the parents that attended and hearing about how much they love art class and art club. Hearing how positive of an experience the students are having is wonderful and we know that we are doing it right.