Effective Communication with Parents
The Situation Brandon, a student in Ms. Jennings 7th grade science class, had his phone out during a major
exam. Ms. Jennings established testing procedures at the beginning of the year. Phones are to
be put away during tests and quizzes. All students are to place their phones in their backpacks.
Students know that – if they do not follow this rule – Ms. Jennings will take up their phone for
the duration of the class. If a student violates this rule twice, Ms. Jennings takes up the
phone, notifies the parent, and assigns a detention.
When Ms. Jennings calls Brandon’s mother, she explains the situation and that, when she
questioned him, he indicated to her that he knew he wasn’t supposed to have his phone out but
kept it anyway so he could check the time. The mother became upset that Brandon had
received a detention for this and sent the following email after the conversation.
I am highly disappointed in how this issue was handled with my son. I really believe the
teachers at this school are out to get him. It is evident by how you seemed happy to tell me
that Brandon was going to have a detention. It is obvious he does not understand the
seriousness of this. However, you all are so quick to punish him. Did anyone triple check if he
understood the penalties of having a phone? He did not engage in taking pictures or use it for
cheating. However, he was treated like he did. I disagree with after school detention.
Mrs. Jackson
Your Task Respond to Mrs. Jackson in a paragraph or two. Your response should reflect effective
communication skills such as setting aside judgement and remaining calm. You should address
her concerns and assert yourself through the values of the district.
You are expected to use professional language, spelling, and grammar.