Case Study 3

Haley Williams sat in Dr. Karr’s office, once again, having to explain why she could not get along with her teacher. “I don’t know why she picks on me in front of the class. All I know is that when she starts to yell at me I lose my temper. I’m not even sure what I am supposed to do! It seems like everything I do is wrong according to Ms. Kemp. I know we have talked about getting along and how that would be better for everyone, but Dr. Karr, I just don’t like her and she does not like me. Can’t I be switched to another class?

 

1)  Is Ms. Kemp doing anything that actually contributes to Haley’s poor behavior? Explain your answer.

2) What could one assume about Ms. Kemp’s reprimands if Haley’s behavior has not decreased?

 

Answers

 

1. Haley states that Ms. Kemp picks on her and yells at her in front of the entire class, so its apparent that she has some role in Haley's poor behavior, however I don't believe she is completely responsible. Haley is in control of her own actions, and even though she can be influenced by others, her actions are made by herself and no one else. Ms. Kemp does make an attempt to reach out to Haley and terminate whatever problems they had between each other, but Haley's behavior has on deteriorated even more.
2. It seems as though Ms. Kemp is doing her job correctly. The teacher is the authority in the class and it is their responsibility to assess and work out any problems that occurs within the classroom. Haley shows signs of possibly having a clinical behavioral problem. Yelling and picking on her in front of the entire class is no way to treat a student. instead Ms. Kemp should seek help or try out different methods to find a solution to the problems between her and Haley. The actions made by Ms. Kemp thus far have only hindered her chances of making things right with one of her students.