RAFT

Because I am an elementary school teacher, I have to admit that I am unclear on the requirements necessary to place a students into CP vs. Honors classes....but I will try my best. I also think it's funny that we are all starting our conversations with a reluctant parent that miraculously has a change of heart and agrees with the supervisor. I'd imagine it doesn't always happen in this way, but it's the easiest way to end the RAFT.

R-English Supervisor (Erin Vogler)
A-Parent angered by placement into CP rather than Honors (Mr. Smith)
F-Phone conversation
T-Supporting schools decision


Mr. S- Hello

EV- Hello, may I please speak to Mr. Smith.

Mr. S- Who may I ask is calling.

EV- This is Erin Vogler, I am the English supervisor in Michael's district, I received a message about some concerns in placement that I would like to discuss.

Mr. S.- Well, this is Mr. Smith.

EV- Oh wonderful, how are you doing today Mr. Smith.

Mr. S.- Well, to be frank, I would be doing much better if someone could explain to me why my son is not being accepted into the Honor English program in your district.

EV- First let me apologize for not returning your call sooner, but I did wanted to collect some information on your son's progress to help direct our conversation. I've reviewed his standardized test scores, his impressive list extra curricular activities, as well as interviewed his English teachers from the past few years. Are you familiar with his report card grades Mr. Smith?

Mr. S.- Well, I know that my son always did well in school and has not had a problem in the CP courses he's taken in the past. The past year he has earned nothing but straight "A's" in English and I think he could be challenged with harder work.

EV-Although I do agree that his last year's report card grade showed a remarkable effort on Michael's behalf, it his previous year that concerns me as well as his standardized testing. Are you aware that Michael had previously received average grades in his English studies? His final scores ranged from a C- to a C+.

Mr. S.- Yes, but don't you notice that his grades are straight A's this year? To me that means he is prepared for a more challenging work load.

EV- Well, Mr. Smith, after speaking with his teachers from the past, I have been hearing a consistent reports of Michael skipping class to go out to lunch, missing homework assignments, and falling asleep in class. I also understand that his most recent English teacher, who is a first year teacher with our school as well as our new basketball coach, has very high expectation for your son and has been helping him to get a scholarship in sports.

Mr. S.- Well, I know he had problems in the past, but I thought he was doing so much better. His progress showed me that he had buckled down and could do better. Basketball means a lot to Michael and he is really good at what he does.

EV-I would hope that to be true, Mr. Smith, and I agree that Michael is an exceptional basketball player ,but we need to look at Michael's education as a whole. Prior grades show that an Honors course would be much too challenging for Michael. His standardized scores show that, although he is proficient in English, he is not at the above level needed to maintain a high average in Honors; the high average that he would need in order to be accepted into a college scholarship program. Even his coach says that, even though Michael has made some solid efforts in his educational responsibilities, he would be concerned to see Michael pushed into a subject area that is just too challenging for him at this time.

Mr. S.- Are you saying that my son isn't smart enough to take Honors English?

EV- No Mr. Smith, I am saying that Michael has a lot on his plate right now. His focus should first be his education, and secondly his sports. Since he is going into his Junior year, I feel that it would be beneficial for him to have one more instructor that he is unfamiliar with that would teach him at a level that is successful for him. If he can buckle down and take his education seriously, maybe we could reevaluate his progress for his senior year. I think the most important thing here is to raise Michael's confidence by taking a CP English course because teaching a student at a successful level is the most beneficial thing we can do for your son.

Mr. S.- Won't this look poorly on his transcripts and effect his chances at a scholarship?

EV- No, Mr. Smith, a CP English course is completely acceptable for an athletic scholarship. They would rather see him receiving a high average which shows dedication to his education, with the ability to balance his sports endeavors. And, again, we could always review his transcripts at the end of his Junior year to see what is best for his Senior year.

Mr. S.- Well, I guess that makes sense. I just want him to be prepared.

EV- As do we, Mr. Smith. Is there anything else you'd like to discuss today?

Mr. S.- No, thank you...thanks for calling me back, and if I have any questions I'll contact you again.

EV- Very good, I hope Michael has a great year...and perhaps we'll talk again.

Mr. S.- Ok, thanks again, goodbye.

EV- Good Bye, Mr. Smith