[EinNYC]

And one reason I hate Parent-Teacher Night. There is ALWAYS at least one parent (usually of the same persuasion) who starts to get rude, screaming at you, cursing, etc. because their little LaShanda received a failing grade. LaShanda, who was last seen in class 6 months ago and who never turned in any work whatsoever. I don't bother to point our that they never answered any of my phone messages or emails expressing concern over LaShanda's absences or lack of work completed. I smile and pleasantly say, "Oh, I see LaShanda must take after your side of the family. Am I right?" Just before I tell them that they have to leave the room because their behavior is unacceptable.

Many teachers I know have student monitors helping with crowd control on Parent-Teacher Night for just such a reason.

[Leaning Right]

And one reason I hate Parent-Teacher Night.

I hear you. For me, standard procedure is to always start with a compliment: "LaShanda has not brought any weapons to class, to my knowledge." Then I can get more to the point: "However, she has only attended three days in the six weeks."

[Leaning Right]

Oh, and here's one more thing you might find interesting. I've taught in majority-white urban schools and majority-black urban schools. Parent-teacher night was MUCH better attended at the majority-black schools.

The conversations were also much more - shall we say - animated at majority-black schools as well.