BIASED REPORTING FROM STUDENTS

It is common for many parents to believe that their children are the best and could do no wrong. It is not unusual for parents to take their kid's side when they are confronted with issues at school in which their child may be guilty. Due to the perception that their little "angel" is above reproach some parents resist the efforts of school teachers and administrators to discipline their children. If the teacher shows evidence or is an eyewitness to the child violating the rules then the parent should not stand in the way of the disciplinary action that should be imposed. Teachers already have a tough assignment in the classroom without having to contend with an overly biased parent. Students are to be held accountable for their deeds from an early age. When a parent prevents the school from administering punishment for unruly behavior they teach the student that he is above the law; what may be applicable to other boys and girls do not apply to him. This does nothing for the child's sense of responsibility and honor.

Then there are those parents who want to change the rules to benefit their kids. As if their children were in some elite class that deserves special treatment. In some instances the teacher begins to dread meeting with the parents because the parent approaches the meeting with the teacher with a "chip on his/her shoulder" attitude. They come to the meeting already assuming that their son or daughter has been framed for a violation which he or she did not commit.

Much of the tension between parents and educators can be dissipated if both sides understand the power of biased reporting. This is the report that is biased in favor of the student. School children are known to paint a mental picture of a teacher or a principal and present that to their parents as fact while omitting their own unruly behavior and wrong attitudes at school. Don't be surprised if a good tough teacher is labeled as a "monster" or something worse. Biased reports may even accuse the teacher of "persecuting" the student or having a "personal vendetta" against the student.

Parents, the way to handle the biased reporting is to realize that your sons and daughters, while they are very dear to you, do not always exhibit the same behavior at school as they do in your presence. Do an unbiased investigation of the facts and ask questions such as; were you told to stop this behavior before this incident occurred? How much time were you given to complete the assignment? Did you call ________ a derogatory name? Your child may be telling the truth, just not the whole truth. Parents that really wish to instill good character in their children will let them suffer the consequences of their wrong actions that they might learn the lessons that will benefit them and their future family for a lifetime.