Is It Fair for a Teacher to Reject an Assignment Without Explanation?

Seeking Help Forum
1

My son, a 7th grader at a private school in Pennsylvania, had an unsettling experience with his language arts teacher. Two days before the Christmas party, she assigned a paper. My son completed it promptly and attempted to submit it, but the teacher stopped him, quickly scanned the paper, marked some sections, and told him to redo it without providing specific feedback. Confused about what needed correction, he missed the deadline. This afternoon, I learned that he and four other students faced similar issues and were penalized with zeros and an even tougher assignment for half credit. I feel it’s unfair to penalize the students without clear guidance. Should I discuss this directly with the teacher or go to the administration? Is this situation justified?

TL;DR: My son’s teacher rejected his completed assignment without clear feedback, causing him to miss the deadline and unfairly receive a zero. How should I handle this?

2

It’s best to start by talking to the teacher to understand her side. Children, especially in middle school, might not always convey the full story accurately.

3

Edu said:
It’s best to start by talking to the teacher to understand her side. Children, especially in middle school, might not always convey the full story accurately.

I’ve seen the paper myself, and it matches my son’s account—just underlined sentences but no specific corrections or comments. I’ll reach out to the teacher for clarification.

4

@Dr.Smitha
A quick conversation might clear up any misunderstandings.

5

Edu said:
@Dr.Smitha
A quick conversation might clear up any misunderstandings.

I hope so, I’ve got enough on my plate without school issues too!

6

@Dr.Smitha
Definitely speak with the teacher first to understand the reasons behind her decision. At a private school, you’d expect thorough and clear communication.

7

I recommend contacting the teacher to get her perspective. If her explanation isn’t satisfactory, consider escalating the issue.

8

Lilly said:
I recommend contacting the teacher to get her perspective. If her explanation isn’t satisfactory, consider escalating the issue.

Thanks, I will do that.

9

Always good to verify things with the teacher first. Kids can sometimes miss details.

10

FranklineSamwel3 said:
Always good to verify things with the teacher first. Kids can sometimes miss details.

I’ll definitely follow up and see what she says.

11

Scheduling a meeting to discuss this directly could help clarify any misunderstandings. The teacher might have assumed your son understood the corrections needed.

12

Alexander said:
Scheduling a meeting to discuss this directly could help clarify any misunderstandings. The teacher might have assumed your son understood the corrections needed.

Solid advice, sounds like you’re a thoughtful teacher!

13

Alexander said:
Scheduling a meeting to discuss this directly could help clarify any misunderstandings. The teacher might have assumed your son understood the corrections needed.

Thanks for the encouragement. I appreciate the perspective on maintaining high standards.

14

Avoid escalating too quickly; it’s important to build a cooperative relationship with the school staff.

15

Alexander said:
Avoid escalating too quickly; it’s important to build a cooperative relationship with the school staff.

I agree, I’m looking for a resolution, not conflict. Thanks!

16

Public schools typically have more structured guidelines and wouldn’t assign new work right before a break. It’s worth questioning the expectations at your private school.

17

esleystanley said:
Public schools typically have more structured guidelines and wouldn’t assign new work right before a break. It’s worth questioning the expectations at your private school.

The school is indeed challenging, but I expect clear communication.

18

@Dr.Smitha
Challenges are expected at a private school, but clarity should not be compromised.

19

Engaging directly with the teacher might resolve this faster than posting online.

20

H.Greenspan said:
Engaging directly with the teacher might resolve this faster than posting online.

Getting a third-party perspective can help you gauge if you’re overreacting.