My son, who is in the 5th grade, is expected to supervise another student all day?

Question

My son, who makes very good grades, has been assigned to a class that pairs up students that are exceptional with students that have learning challenges.

I don't have a problem with my son helping or explaining how to do something, but I do have a problem with the fact that his teachers have told my son that he is "smart" and that he needs to help this other student when he needs it and to make sure that this other student does his work.

My problem is this, according to my son, this other student is constantly asking for help all day long, never gets any answers correct, whether on purpose or because he really doesn't know, I have no idea, and if my son doesn't walk him through every problem, this other student sits there and pokes my son in the arm and repeatedly says, "help me". And if my son doesn't help him immediately, he tries to cheat off my sons work.

I am not without compassion, if this child has such a learning disability that he is this needy, isn't a teacher or aide more qualified to tutor and help this child, than my son.

I want my son to help others, but I think it's unfair to ask my son to practically be this child's keeper. My son has his own work to do.

Answer 1

if i was in your situation i would ask my child to be removed from the class and put back in normal classes. its a teacher's responsibility to make sure the students are understanding the material and getting the help they need, not other students. teachers complain these days because they don't get paid enough, well why should they get paid more if they are doing less and less with every passing school year. just talk to the principal about your concerns. if the other child isn't understanding the material then the teacher needs to be teaching the material better and helping the child with the learning process.