A student that never fails my tests failed a test. When the grade came back we were both stunned. Right before the test he was asking me what I would do when he got a 100. Free assignment? cookies? coffee? (which he loves). Get it first I told him. And then he failed. In two years he never has. He's response, "at least I didn't cheat." My response "you should have paid attention." Whose right? Both of us. He is one of my smartest kids, so clearly something happened in my practice this week but he has also gotten caught up on the spring fever, to cool for school mentality. Today he came in and didn't pay attention at all. I thought the failing grade would push him into high gear and get him working hard. Instead it pushed him the other way. It this the beginning of the end for us? Easily could be but I won't let it. Tomorrow I will take my off period and go find him to talk about what's going on. He's to smart to fail and cares to much to make mistakes. It's hard though because this is a kid I have built a relationship with. Does the past 18 months mean nothing? Does the relations evaporate with one failing grade? I hope not. Relationships are important with students, but teachers can't be afraid of jeopardizing relationships if they fail students. No matter the student, no matter the relationships, students should get the grade they deserve. We just hope the relationship helps motive the student to do more. It hurts that much more though when it doesn't.
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