student absent for assessments and wants a rec

[Anonymous]

The student takes most assessments late. They either e-mail me to say that they aren't feeling well and won't be there, or that they have an appointment, or they're just absent (but excused, although it's fairly easy at our school to excuse oneself).
One time they e-mailed to say they would be absent and when I told them they'd be taking a different make up version, they showed up for the original test (I generally don't have time to create radically different assessments for the make up because it's a new prep).
How would you feel about writing a rec under these circumstances?

[Anonymous]

Say yes. Don't agree to a 'good' rec if that's what they asked for. Say 'I can write a rec' flatly and generically, just like your letter should be.

...."Ive known Larlo for XX months in my XX class. We covered blah blah. Ive noticed Larlo most interested in XX. Larlo makes an effort to make up tests and assignments when missed" phrase everything positively. The reviewers can read through the lines. Don't lose credibility.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Say yes. Don't agree to a 'good' rec if that's what they asked for. Say 'I can write a rec' flatly and generically, just like your letter should be.

...."Ive known Larlo for XX months in my XX class. We covered blah blah. Ive noticed Larlo most interested in XX. Larlo makes an effort to make up tests and assignments when missed" phrase everything positively. The reviewers can read through the lines. Don't lose credibility.

If it's not possible to decline a rec for whatever reason, this is what I'd do. Though I'd rather be honest and suggest the student find another teacher to write their rec instead of just playing dumb.

[Anonymous]

Does this student ask the same thing if every teacher? If so, maybe it’s time for him to learn the consequences of his actions.

[Anonymous]

I’d be honest with the student. In a private conversation, I’d mention that the pattern of absences for assessments has been unusual. Then I’d say that it is something I plan on mentioning in the recommendation. Finally, I’d make it the student’s choice whether he still wanted me to write the rec. I’d give him the option of thinking it over for a bit and emailing a response at a later time.

[Anonymous]

What is an assessment? A test?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is an assessment? A test?

Quizzes and tests.

[Anonymous]

Is this a public or private school? Is the student waiving their right to see the letter of rec? Or they will see what you write?

I would be cautious if the student has a 504 or any accommodations so no one complains you are discriminating but bringing up late assessments.

If you are required to write a letter I would be vague:
of "I can confirm that X was in X class. During this time X got along with his/her peers and contributed to class discussions. He/she is a diligent student as he/she consistently emailed when he/she would be absent for a test, which happened quite frequently, and would arrange to make up the test on his/her return.

[Anonymous]

I always write positive recommendations, otherwise I decline politely to write the letter.

Don’t be an asshat by agreeing then writing a red flag letter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always write positive recommendations, otherwise I decline politely to write the letter.

Don’t be an asshat by agreeing then writing a red flag letter.

But it is okay for the student to game the system by being absent for tests then probably asking people what was on the test, have others record the test, and/or having more time to study? A student like this is going to whine to admin why they didn’t get a letter of recommendation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always write positive recommendations, otherwise I decline politely to write the letter.

Don’t be an asshat by agreeing then writing a red flag letter.

I can tell from the tone that you don't like this student. I hate seeing any student being cut off at the legs by a bad recommendation letter. I agree with PP about being honest with the student. Maybe there is something else going on that you're not aware of. Maybe your gut intuition is right. Either way, honesty is always the best policy. I was a very naive kid and I wish people around me had given it to me straight- critique is the only path forward towards growth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I always write positive recommendations, otherwise I decline politely to write the letter.

Don’t be an asshat by agreeing then writing a red flag letter.

I can tell from the tone that you don't like this student. I hate seeing any student being cut off at the legs by a bad recommendation letter. I agree with PP about being honest with the student. Maybe there is something else going on that you're not aware of. Maybe your gut intuition is right. Either way, honesty is always the best policy. I was a very naive kid and I wish people around me had given it to me straight- critique is the only path forward towards growth.

This! I also second the posts that suggest writing a good recommendation or don’t write one. If the contents will not help the student, be upfront about what you would write and give him the option to find another recommendation letter. Keep in mind that people see things differently, a student might think he’s stellar in the class, but in reality he just average, people might interpret interactions and words of encouragement to mean something else. Considering you’re dealing with a high school student with little experience, likely the first time asking for a recommendation letter, be gracious and use this situation as a teaching and mentoring opportunity.

How important is missing class compared to the overall effort in the class? If it just irks you because he missed quizzes, I’d say just get over it and take his excuses at face value. Maybe he lied, maybe he had good reasons, or just test anxiety etc, your job is to teach and grade not to do detective work on the students. In the end it’s te a huge waste of time, for a doubtful outcome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I always write positive recommendations, otherwise I decline politely to write the letter.

Don’t be an asshat by agreeing then writing a red flag letter.

I can tell from the tone that you don't like this student. I hate seeing any student being cut off at the legs by a bad recommendation letter. I agree with PP about being honest with the student. Maybe there is something else going on that you're not aware of. Maybe your gut intuition is right. Either way, honesty is always the best policy. I was a very naive kid and I wish people around me had given it to me straight- critique is the only path forward towards growth.

+1
Either do a good recommendation or don't do one at all and be honest.
I'm a teacher and I can usually find good things to say about any student so I do always say yes to recommendations but you're under no obligation to do so too

[Anonymous]

If they are excused absences you don’t know they are cheating you should not let that affect what you write.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I always write positive recommendations, otherwise I decline politely to write the letter.

Don’t be an asshat by agreeing then writing a red flag letter.

But it is okay for the student to game the system by being absent for tests then probably asking people what was on the test, have others record the test, and/or having more time to study? A student like this is going to whine to admin why they didn’t get a letter of recommendation.

Since you're fine making accusations with no evidence, why don't you add drug use during their absences as well? Maybe some larceny for good measure?