Failing students are communicating that they have things that need to be acknowledged.  In communication jargon these are called incompletes and always point to withholds—thoughts the student is not communicating verbally to the teacher and his/her parents.

For every thought a student is withholding from his/her teacher the teacher is withholding one also—thoughts the teacher is not communicating verbally to the student, the student's parents, the principal, and the teacher's spouse and parents.

The same is true for failing teachers—those receiving less than desired pay, or who have one or more failing students. A failing teacher is withholding significant thoughts from their principal, fellow teachers, their spouse and one or more parents, and the public at large.

Communication mastery is about open, honest and spontaneous communication, zero significant thoughts withheld.