Have a teacher grading question

Jan 9, 2018

My son had a 75 in Spanish 2. He failed the final really bad, which dropped his grade to a 66 for the term.

We asked the teacher if there was something he could do to earn the four points and she said no and that he failed because he did not complete assignments.

But when I check the portal (on-line grading system) he has not one missing assignment in her class. In fact no missing assignments in any of his classes.

I expressed in e-mail that I do not see any missing assignments and could she let me know which ones, so that I can address them with my son, but she has not responded. I even sent him to school with a note to give, but no response. Now I am feeling as if she was a little dishonest, because there are no missing assignments, all of his class work was completed, homework and projects. He failed because of the final, but she said he did not complete assignments?

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men52 Our then 10 year old last year never had any missing work posted on the on line portal and his teacher said he always turned it in. Although it was completed, it often was not accurate. He doesn't have this issue this year or in previous years. It was an on going problem the entire school year, until she went on maternity leave and his work returne...See MoreOur then 10 year old last year never had any missing work posted on the on line portal and his teacher said he always turned it in. Although it was completed, it often was not accurate. He doesn't have this issue this year or in previous years. It was an on going problem the entire school year, until she went on maternity leave and his work returned to what was expected.

Is it possible that your son did complete all his work, but some assignments were not accurate? In the middle grades with 25 students, graded homework gets sent home. I would think a high school teacher with many more students (like 100+) would still know exactly where and which homework assignment were considered unacceptable. If he had a 75 to begin with in the class before the final, he already knew he was barely squeaking by and that final was an important test to study for. Kids know where they stand gradewise or at least know when coasting, so your son had plenty of time before the final to do extra credit if that was an option. He is old enough to be responsible for his grades, and as a parent I would stay out of it with the teacher.

I would look to the root of why he was so dependent on the final to pass the class - needs a tutor, working too many hours at a job, being too social or whatever the possibility for overall poor performance for half a year.

Hey, we have had three teens already and we would love to have self motivated high performing students. We weren't blessed with super students so far so we have seen it all. I can't say that by junior high we have ever approached a teacher about a final grade. If we have seen trouble brewing earlier in the semester. I might email to see what the teacher is seeing and find resources or offer support at home when needed. By high school the responsibility for grades is the teen's and he or she has to face the consequences. Maybe community college instead of the state university, not being able to play their sport that semester, whatever.

I am approaching your question from a parent of teens perspective. Maybe you'll get some replies from actual high school teachers. I hope you get your answers you are seeking.

Jan 9, 2018

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David Thanks for the reply. Actually he is in 10th grade, took Spanish 1 last year. Also in classwork assignments it is: 85%, Homework 100%, Projects 75%, is what he had in class last term. But test and quizzes were both at 40%, that is why his grade was only a 75. So it appeared to me as if he was doing all of his work, because of the 85% in classwork, ...See More

Jan 9, 2018

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men52 Could class work include participation during class? Many teachers give part of the grade for that. The students usually get a breakdown at the beginning of the school year as to how a teacher comes up with a grade in his or class. I get the same thing at the fall orientation for parents when we go to each classrroom. I don't pay that much attentio...See More

Jan 9, 2018

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