15-year-old student fails geometry test on purpose, then panics when he realizes he night not pass the course: '[His] mom demanded I give her son a retake with multiple choice options'

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  • "Admin says 'Just Give Him a Multiple Choice Retake'"

    I'm a High School math teacher. Earlier this year, I took over a Geometry class during my prep period as the original teacher quit in late September.
  • In late November I gave one of my last Unit Assessments. My assessments are about 25 questions, none multiple choice.
  • One of my students decided to answer any question he didn't know with 67, resulting in a 17%.
  • I had a private conference with the student, who thought it was hilarious. I did offer him the chance to come one day after school to do corrections on those problems for up to half credit. The student refused.
  • I called mom to inform her and let her know that, while he can still pass by doing well on the last test and course final, it is an uphill climb.
  • Mom demanded I give her son a retake with multiple choice options. Mom says "making the test not multiple choice is inviting the students to do that!”
  • I refused, but did inform her that her some can stay after school to make corrections up to half credit. She refused and went to admin.
  • Admin caved, making me offer the student a multiple choice version of the test.
  • I decided to make one of the four answer choices in each question be 67. When the student finished the test, his score did improve to a 30%, selecting 67 as his answer on most questions (showing no work).
  • I informed the mom and admin. The mom, again, went to admin demanding that I do not count any question he guessed 67.
  • Admin refused and said "we gave you what you wanted and your son another chance and he continued his bad choice, the 30% will stay".
  • A math teacher wearing glasses stands in front of a chalkboard in an inquisitive pose.
  • The student did not pass the class. But the student did email me right as Winter Break started, apologizing for his behavior (he was a behavior concern throughout the class with 2 discipline referrals) and his not
  • taking the tests seriously, asking to change his grade from the 30% to a 70% and to round his final grade from a 52% to a 60%, so he would get a 60% and pass.
  • I do not enjoy failing students and I understand Geometry can be difficult for some. And many Geometry concepts may not apply to their careers after high school.
  • My philosophy is simple; 1. Regularly attend class. 2. Have a good attitude. 3. Try your best. You do those three things and you will pass. I try to focus on teaching important life skills like regular attendance, good work ethic, and asking questions. All of which will support you regardless of which career path you choose.
  • And to add to my decision of putting 67 as an answer choice for each question. I did not do it to set him up for failure. I was hoping he would learn his lesson,
  • and give him a better chance to do better with one answer choice essentially being removed. He chose not to use that opportunity. He did, however, ask for both tests so he can show people how funny it is. I did not give him the tests for test security.
  • Zestyclose_Spee... This is actually so good. The mom was reaching at straws for that whole multiple choice thing, I'm glad admin was okay with your addition of 67 as a choice for the second test
  • 1Bookworm You actually improved his chances of guessing correctly. He knew 67 was not correct, therefore he had a 33% chance of guessing correctly rather than 25%.
  • OldERnurse1964 Life lesson: Actions have consequences

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