Ms. Kaplan is a new fourth grade teacher who feels passionate about helping stud

Question

Ms. Kaplan is a new fourth grade teacher who feels passionate about helping students learn. She is teaching in a poverty-stricken area of Houston and knows that many of the students receive little academic support and encouragement at home. It's the fourth week of school, and she feels good about the way her class is progressing, learning routines, and meeting her expectations. Today she entered the teachers' lounge and heard two other teachers talking about Michael, one of her African American students. When she entered, they told her they had taught Michael in second and third grades. They warned her that Michael would cause trouble, fail to complete his work, and distract other children. They described Michael's poor academic performance and said his mom doesn't support the teachers' efforts. After Ms. Kaplan's experience in the teacher's lounge, consider the possible dilemmas that might arise regarding her expectations of Michael. Describe common negative effects that might occur and explain how Ms. Kaplan might prevent such effects.

Explanation / Answer

The possible dilemmas that might arise regarding Ms. Kaplan's expectations of Michael are; should the teacher complain to the higher authorities about the continued misbehavior of Michael or not. Should she treat Michael differently from other kids or not; should she call Michael’s parents and have a meeting with them. Some common negative effects that might occur while teaching in the class is; Ms. Kaplan's might turn biased against Michael and ascribe any disturbance in class; to Michael and she may scold Michael at times he not even the culprit and may be the disturbance was caused by other kids as the teacher is preconditioned. She may lose interest in teaching Michael. Ms. Kaplan might prevent such effects by communicating the issue with Michael’s parents and Michael himself to find the cause and the different possible ways to handle the issue. Apart from this; she can make Michael sit next to her while she is teaching; to be more watchful of his activities; to keep him under control.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse M
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.