How do I handle an employer who's convinced one of my kids is a cheater and a liar?

Question

I am a music teacher, and I've seen this kid blossom through music. Last week, I had 3 of my boys take a musical math test. He was the first one done. And at the end, all 3 had A's. They identified note names, values, and learned how to add/subtract eighths, quarters, halfs and wholes. Well obviously, I was very very proud of them.

I tell my boss of their accomplishments and she says, "You know, he was cheating don't ya?"

I was in disbelief. She wasn't there and I was looking at him the entire time. If he was the first one done, there's no way he could have cheated and I was standing right there!

Answer 1

Honestly, there's not much you can do. Just do not let her impede his musical education. Make sure you tell the parents of the accomplishments though. Don't let your bosses comments get to you unless they are heard by the child. Then you need to talk to your employer.

Answer 2

Did you ask her how she thinks that?  Maybe she is as unreasonable as you think, but maybe there are ways of cheating that you haven't considered.  Or maybe she has had prior experiences with this particular kid which lead her to believe that that is the most likely explanation.  Or maybe she was just joking.  

I don't mean to suggest that your student didn't do a good job or that you aren't a good teacher, but as an academic administrator, I've seen a lot of teachers blinded to cheating that was obvious to others.  I think at this point, I would go back to her and say, "You know, you said something the other day that bothered me.  When I told you about my students' results, you suggested that so-and-so had cheated.  I was wondering what would make you think that, because I've been trying to think of ways in which that might have happened, and none come to mind."

Answer 3

He who says it assumes the burden of responsibility to prove it.

This is old law that holds true today.

Answer 4

Have ur boss sitting right there watching, and give the child another test. That is one of the ways to prove that he didn't cheat.

Answer 5

Did you ask her why she thought he was cheating?

Was anythign done about it, I mean did she make you drop his grade or anything?

I would say drop it unless she brings it up again.

This is so typical of the MANY MANY  sorry so called educational PROFESSIONALS  and we pay their paychecks.

Answer 6

Doesn't it just make you sick when someone shoots down a childs potential with no real knowledge of what the kid is capable of! Either way, it is not a professional way to address the situation. How are these kids supposed to excel when people don't believe in them. In my opinion, I would either tell the boss how you feel that the way she handled the situation was unprofessional and questionable of her character in that setting. I would also try and speak with a higher up and let them know that someone in the position to change a childs life is making crass remarks about students and it could damage the future of that student and others down the road. All we have is belief and if no one gives us that much, we have too little to give ourselves. Good luck with this. Keep on making good judgments and teaching. I love music, it was my fav. class in school. Without it, I would die. I've played the violin/fiddle for 15 years and it's my haven. Thanks for people like you!!!!