Discussion Questions:

• Are you having trouble with any of your teachers? If so, what do you think is causing the problem?

• What specifically has the teacher done to make you upset?

• How does this make you feel? How is it affecting the way you feel about school?

• Do you think you are doing anything specific to make your teacher angry or to make him or her treat you badly?

• How does the teacher treat the rest of the students in the class?

• Would you like us to meet with your teacher and try to find a solution to this problem?

Remember:
--It's important to believe what your child is telling you, but it's equally important to get all the facts before you take action. Children sometimes misread the classroom situation, and it's your job to determine if the teacher really is being unfair, or if there is a communication problem between the child and the teacher.

--It's important to let your child know that you take this seriously, and that you will do everything you can to understand, and then solve, the problem.

--You might want to talk to parents of other children in the class to get another perspective on the situation.

--If you schedule a meeting with your child's teacher, don't be confrontational. If the teacher gets defensive, you'll be less likely to find out exactly what's going on.

--If you believe that the teacher really is being unfair to your child, meet with the principal or other school authority and discuss ways to fix the situation. Do not hesitate to request that your child be transferred to another class if you see no other satisfactory options.