Holding Students Accountable
When it comes to TriTutoring, we have a very low “no-show” rate. Students are often choosing to be tutored and have asked their parents for this service, and even if that’s not the case, parents are paying for the sessions so getting the most out of that time is top of mind.
TriTogether is sometimes a bit different, as I’ve learned over the last few months. Students may see tutoring as more of a “last resort” to pass a class, foster parents may be overwhelmed by the many commitments that their foster child adds to their day (school meetings, visitations, etc.), and there is inevitably something different about receiving a free service, even if the student’s education is still a high priority. So, the “no-show” and cancellation rate for TriTogether is sadly much higher.
The struggle that follows is the balance between holding students accountable (“you signed a contract that says you’ll show up, and I’m going to hold you to that”) and understanding the situation. My view on this balance is that we focus on teaching students the meaning of responsibility and commitment; we understand they may be fifteen, may not have had such scheduled responsibilities, and may (frankly) hate school. So, how do we hold students accountable to a promise they have made while still giving them the opportunity to learn what this accountability truly means?
That is not a rhetorical question! This isn’t easy. We want to, always, welcome mistakes and show them a better route. We want to, always, respect that tutor’s time and commitment. And we want to, always, have the priority be their learning, both about commitments and academics. Do we add a three-strike policy? They did, after all, sign a contract that makes it very clear they can only stay in the program if they show up. Do we impose a required check-in with me and their social worker when they don’t show up? This would, maybe, remind them of the support they have surrounding them even outside of their tutoring sessions.
If you have ideas, I welcome them. Happy May!