Should I let this student fail or keep helping?

@Alexie
It’s not the classroom teacher’s job to handle this—it’s up to the special education team. And inclusion isn’t about forcing friendships; it’s about making sure every student gets a fair chance to learn. If the system isn’t providing that, it needs to change.

Honestly, just pass him along. There’s no point in fighting a losing battle.

I’ve seen similar cases where parents insisted on mainstreaming a student who wasn’t ready. The system bent over backward to accommodate them, and the student ended up graduating with a regular diploma despite not being able to do the work. It’s not ideal, but sometimes that’s the best option for everyone involved.

@FaithJones
His parents really just want him to have as normal a life as possible. I don’t think he’ll be able to work due to his medical needs. He’ll likely be on disability for life.

Noah8 said:
@FaithJones
His parents really just want him to have as normal a life as possible. I don’t think he’ll be able to work due to his medical needs. He’ll likely be on disability for life.

Then do what you can to support him this year and send him along with his peers. Let him enjoy his time with his age group—it might be the best thing for him.

Talk to his special ed case manager. Let them know your concerns about passing him without giving him the skills he’ll need for the future. This might be a bigger problem than just you.

Bring this up with the department head or case manager. He might need a different path to graduation. The system isn’t working for him right now.