Can a parent make/force a teacher to change a grade?

I have a student (3rd grade) who misbehaved 1/3 of the time in my classroom (a music class that he attends once a week). As a result, I gave him a conduct grade of ';n'; (needs improvement) on his report card for the grading period. His parent wants me to change the grade because she feels it is unfair. She thinks that, because he did not receive a discipline referral form, I need to change his grade. She has been emailing me constantly and copying the communication to my principal. In turn, I do the same. Her emails are becoming less friendly. In fact, I am starting to feel bullied by this parent. What's makes it more interesting is the fact that she, too, is a teacher in my district. I don't want animosity created, but the grade I indicated is the grade the student earned and I am not willing to change it. What can I say to this parent to get her to realize that I am not going to change it? I want my communication of this message to be one that doesn't reap any repercussions. I reviewed the student code of conduct and I know I am within my rights. I want to know if she or anyone can force me to change a grade? Should I contact my union? Anything else? I am trying to CYA.... because I don't know how far she intends to take this.Can a parent make/force a teacher to change a grade?
i've seen it happen to one of my friends. her mom is absolutely ridiculous and fights all her abttles. my friend earned the grade she got and because her mom was so pushy the teacher changed it. it wasn't fair at all because there were other kids who recieved grades lower than hers and didnt get them changed because their parents weren't as pushy as my friends.



so the answer is no. she cannot force you to change the grade, and you shouldn't let her bully you into it. if i were you i would send one more email clearly stating the following:



1. you gave that student the grade for a reason, not to be mean or just because you could (state the resons even if she already knows them)



2. you know you are within your boundaries as a teacher to give that grade and to not change it based on parental intervention



3. you do not intend to change the grade, because this kid deserved that grade



4. you are not willing to discuss this any longer with her



5. you would be happy to answer any questions she has about the handbook regarding the grading policy and student behavior



and at the end, say ';thank you, (your name)'; you want to be firm, but not sound like you're being ';mean';. if she continues to email you, confront your principal and ask him/her how to end this properly. explain your side of the story and why you are nto willing to change the grade. your principal, if he/she has any common sense at all, will agree with your reasoning. do not, under any circumstances allow this parent to bully you into giving this child a grade he doesn't deserve.Can a parent make/force a teacher to change a grade?
A parent usually cannot 'force' a teacher to change a grade. In your case, it doesn't seem like the parent has a leg to stand on...



Firstly, the parent is off base in assuming that a disciplinary referral is the only way of handling a student's conduct. I hope that you documented ways in which you dealt with the student (time out, note sent home, etc.). This would support your case. It helps to keep a folder for each student in which you keep track of your corrective actions taken.



If you believe that a parent is becoming abusive in their communications with you, you do not have to keep up contact with that parent.



I would hope that your administration would back you up on this matter. If not, I would recommend that you contact your union. This would be especially useful if you fear that your principal is going to reprimand you because of this situation.

recipe for milk cake

backgrounds for myspace