I was referring to a child showing her work folder in this story who is eight years old and has a mother who is engaged enough to notice and care about the bullying at school. I think you can work with a normal child at 8 to give them coaching to help them do better. The kid’s work was very neat. Being a teacher, hopefully you don’t look at every child who needs a boost as a waste of time.
There are hopeless cases. Sounds like you have one and that is why I could not stand herd classrooms where you have no power to expel students who don’t want to be there and waste your time. How old is the child you are dealing with?
As far as 'herd' classrooms, not so much in this case. I teach students with reading disabilities and he is one of 5 in that class.
I was just thrilled that I had a CYA in place. Not a big fan of the 'gotcha' move from parents - and learned years ago to expect it and to protect against it. Ah well, next year is another year and he and I will be together again. Maybe I figure it out with another 180 go.