sangha
Senior Member
- Jun 1, 2010
- 5,997
- 179
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We have the exact same thing: "Infinite Campus."
As i've pointed out, this is not a bad tool to have, but it doesn't replace the actual graded work; E.G. without the pretest, how do you help the kid study for a test? Without the quiz, how can you help the kid where they have weakness?
Frankly, though, I have come to realize that the quizes may be simply a paper numbered 1-10. I've actually seen this graded "+10." What am I to conclude? That the American History Teacher taught the students to number lines 1-10?
So, I'm begining to understand why teachers are reluctant to show papers that are ACTUALLY GRADED: It invites criticism about what they are teaching, or IF they are teaching.
It seems to be the way things are done more and more these days. In our school system, the kids bring home documents at the beginning of the year that explains what will be covered over the year and the teacher's grading policy. There is usually a classroom conduct policy from each teacher. All of this has to be signed by the parent and the student and returned......for a grade......to make sure it is returned. Then the kids keep "notebooks" with all the assignments and those are kept in the class room and periodically checked and graded. Nothing comes home. This all started in junior high. In elementary school, they brought work home. My son is a senior now and has been an A student since kindergarten and in the gifted program. He often comes home and talks about what was discussed in class or what they are learning. Since he has been a good student and displays his knowledge, I have tended to not take the route you have......but I fully understand and support it. I'd prefer to actually see his work periodically.
I don't think you'll have what is often a common problem with kids you've described: The AP/Gifted/College Prep classes become havens for the "good kids," who are protected by their teachers with good grades.
If a teacher is given an AP class, the first thing they'll notice is the absence of serious behaviour problems. In fact, the relative maturity of these students make them a joy to see, much less teach, and even much much less give a grade of "C." Teachers that make sure these students get a "B" or above, will enjoy their company for the entire year. Teachers who give them a "C" risk having their AP classes decimated to the extent they may find themselves teaching REGULAR STUDENTS.
The coddled AP classes graduate, go to the university, and struggle (and even fail) through their freshman year.
Wingnut sure has a lot of problems understanding why AP students get A's and B's.

Wingnut thinks it's a racket.
They get the best marks, because they are the best students.