Now, for those of you who do not know me (which is most of the people reading this blog), one thing you need to know is that I never accept it when a student does not want to achieve the highest of standards. I can always find a way to reel them back to me and work toward success. But, the student was right. They had achieved mostly threes, with the exception of two areas. I was in need of the ploy of all ploys to get this student on board.
Lisek: "So, what you are saying is that you are happy with not hitting the mark in those two areas?"
Student: "Yes. I mean, if you average them, I have a pretty good score when you think about it. If we used grades from last year, that would be like a 90%. That's an A-."
Lisek: "Okay, I get your point. And, I'm guessing you're okay with A- work?"
Student: "Yep."
Lisek: "Huh. Well I guess if you are okay with that, I am okay with that. (short pause) Hey, do you remember last year when we went to Chicago?"
Student: "Yeah! That was so much fun!"
Lisek: "It sure was. Do you remember what I told you all when we got off the bus at Old Town School of Music?"
Student: (thinking...) "Do you mean about losing one of us?"
Lisek: "Yes. That. What was my expectation for that day?"
Student: "Not to lose one of us. You wouldn't really leave one of us there, would you?"
Lisek: "No. Of course not. I mean, the goal is that I return with 100% of my students. I would work very hard to achieve that, even though I told you I was going to leave one of you there. But, what if I had lost one of you? I mean, there were 65 or so students. If I lose one and return with the other 98%, that's good enough, right?"
Student: "NO! That would be terrible. My parents would be mad if you lost me and didn't find me."
Lisek: "But, you just told me 90% was good enough. I would have had a 98%. That's an A! I think that's good enough, right?"
Student: "When can we meet to go over what I was missing?"
Wait, does the Rolodex still exist?