A Problem Student

I was lucky enough as a substitute teacher to receive a request from a teacher I have previousy subbed for to sub in his classes for five days while he attends a conmference. Furthermore, the job was much easier than usual because through a federal grants three of his four daily classes are being given presentations by a local Hispanic-oriented health organization, so that my active teaching is only required during the fourth period.

During this fourth period, I discuss a bit about a scientific subject -- static electricity, magnetism, lightning, for examples -- and then give the students worksheets from which they read material and answer questions based both on my discussion and what the duplicated pages ask.

One student, a ninth-grader from Yemen, has done almost nothing so far. This third day I really caught on to him. He refuses to sit in the area where the other students sit, tries to play at the computers in the room, and makes no effort. Today he took his worksheets at the last minute and copied answers from another student.

I know that this student misses his father, who is in the army in Yemen. The boy spoke about his father, and how he hopes his father will be back in the United States soon. He also let me know that he stays with his uncle and his uncle's family, and doesn't like his living situation.

I sense that the kid is a good kid, rebellious perhaps because of his situation. I have tried to communicate to him this opinion, and I know I must make him understand that it isn't him that I don't like, it is his behavior.

Today I must lower the boom. If I can teach this student that he is no longer in primary school and must seriously work, then I will have achieved something. My plan is this: first I shall have a short talk with him, telling him what I expect from him; second,I must insist that he do the worksheet work by himself after listening to my presentation; third, I probably have to write a disciplinary note about him so that he will be seen by one of the vice-principals; and fourth, I must call his uncle and describe the young man's classroom behavior.

Can I actually help this kid grow up and get serious ? We will see.