What's up?

Hi Kristy,

I'm hoping we can have a serious conversation about your performance in per. 3 English... here. I'll tell you my issues and you can respond. You are welcome to let me know if you think I'm being unfair.

So here goes...

Issue # 1: Kristy is not completing enough work to finish the course by June. We're in week 5 and you have 4 posts-- am I missing something?

Issue # 2: Kristy is a major disruption in class. Mrs. Martin and I have witnessed this from both angles. When you are absent the class is quieter and gets more accomplished. When you are present we spend far too much time asking you to return to your seat, quiet down, get on task etc. etc.

Issue # 3: Kristy needs help expressing herself respectfully. When Ms. Agnew, Mrs. Martin or myself do ask you to do something you get loud and confrontational. Please remember, the school board hires and assigns smart, competent, trained, and experienced people to work with students. When we ask you to do something, there is always a reason. It might be for your benefit or your classmates' sake, but we have every right to expect your full co-operation, without argument.

I'm investing this time in this issue because I still have high hopes for you. I think you could be one of our strongest students in the group. The only alternative we have is to keep sending you to the office. I start doing that when I feel that I've tried everything else. I'm almost at that point.

So, I would like to hear what your thoughts are on the issue. I'd rather have you as an ally than an adversary. If you have some suggestions for how we can solve one or more of these issues, I'd love to hear them. What do you say?