Test for my 6th grader... highest class grade: 65%..WWYD? *UPDATE post 17* - Page 3

[Wild Lupine]

Originally Posted by slylives

But you have no idea what the aptitudes or study habits of the class are. Maybe some of the kids aren't studying. Maybe some of them just aren't that smart.

I don't understand why a 74% average is considered low? I think that's really rather high.

I've taught middle school science and I do think that a 74% average on a unit test at the beginning of the year is low. If it were my class scoring this, I'd be worried! It's not good for kids to get frustrated early on, especially when they're so young. I might make a high school Honors class first test really hard so they understand the demands of the higher level course, but not a general sixth grade class. My whole approach with that age would be, 'yes the material can be hard, and yes you need to work at it, but you can definitely do it.' Then I'd set them up for success by giving plenty of review activities.

OP, I think you've done what you can for now. I'd definitely keep an eye on the second test (probably don't need to tell you that ). If your daughter doesn't score well on that one, you could set up a conference with the teacher. I'd make it all about your DD and what she could be doing differently and not the class as a whole; how the teacher responds to your concerns will speak volumes about whether he understands what is happening in the class.

[Mackenzie]

Originally Posted by slylives

But you have no idea what the aptitudes or study habits of the class are. Maybe some of the kids aren't studying. Maybe some of them just aren't that smart.

I don't understand why a 74% average is considered low? I think that's really rather high.

Because, if you had read, it was not a new exam. I feel a retake should have an above average outcome. Others disagree. That's fine.

Originally Posted by slylives

And I also agree that you need to schedule a meeting with the teacher. After having read the email that you sent the teacher, I am pretty sure that you have been marked down as one of the "difficult parents". Your email was very rude and honestly, it won't help you or your daughter.

Actually, I haven't. He replied and is not offended and appreciates concerned parents. If you had read, my elevated level of snark was in response to his own. I know others operate differently but I don't tolerate being talked to that way. If he talks to an obviously concerned parent in the manner that he did, it calls into question how he talks to the students. Teaching, and being held accountable for that, is his JOB. He is not doing me any favors that I have to take whatever is handed out.

Regardless, I think that he and I have resolved everything that we can, and Laly, Sean (spouse) and I are working on keeping her on top of everything. Middle schools is quite an adjustment.

[purplepaperclip]

Op, I know this is off topic, but I am curious how you pronounce your daughter's name. I have never seen it before.
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[Delicateflower]

Originally Posted by Mackenzie

the class average was 74%... there is no way the average should be so low when it was on essentially the same material.

74% average is pretty high. 60% should be the average mark, so obviously the teacher is still getting a fee for where the class is.

[Mackenzie]

Originally Posted by purplepaperclip

Op, I know this is off topic, but I am curious how you pronounce your daughter's name. I have never seen it before.
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Seet-lah-lee, with the accent on the first syllable

[Mackenzie]

Originally Posted by Delicateflower

74% average is pretty high. 60% should be the average mark, so obviously the teacher is still getting a fee for where the class is.

In what world? That would mean a good portion of children are FAILING!

[eepster]

Originally Posted by Delicateflower

74% average is pretty high. 60% should be the average mark, so obviously the teacher is still getting a fee for where the class is.

Did you mean 70%, b/c that would be exactly a C, and C should be the average? I was actually thinking 75% should be average, since that is in the middle of the C range (70-79%.)

[Mackenzie]

Originally Posted by eepster

Did you mean 70%, b/c that would be exactly a C, and C should be the average? I was actually thinking 75% should be average, since that is in the middle of the C range (70-79%.)

You'd think... However, it may not be. I am going to double check the grading scale but more than one of her teachers has a scale that is not normal, well at least not what I have ever had. 70% would be a D...