WWYD - Report Card Grade

I'm having a very difficult time agreeing with a grade that my 1st grader got on her last report card. I think the teacher is too tough on them when it comes to report cards. She started off with a 2- and went down to a 1 in one area! I worked with my DD to spend extra time at home practicing.

I know it's only 1st grade and it's the summer now, but I'm so tempted to write to the teacher and principal. She got an overall 2- in math because she doesn't know her math facts like the other children in her class do (keep in mind that it's NYC G&T but being in this program should not affect her grade level, so I am told and we are pulling her out of the program for 2nd grade). She still used her fingers to count sometimes, is that below grade level standard?? On her timed tests she got to the level of mixed addition and subtraction sums 10 and under.

2 = partially meets grade level standards/meets
1=does not meet grade level/below

Ugh, I'm so aggravated, I want to trust the teacher, and I'm not the kind of parent who is going to insist that my child is so smart, but I honestly am saying to myself, this can't be!

Re: WWYD - Report Card Grade

Think of this.. what are you hoping will be the end result and why? If they change the grade to a 2 or even a 3.. how will that effect anything?

I would personally let it go. I KNOW it isn't easy, but you have to remember that the grades mean NOTHING at this stage of the game except as they pertain to special services. They may look back at her grades when they determine who will make the cut for SEED or Math Olympiads in the future.. but honestly if her 2nd grade and test scores are superior then it will likely be noted as an anomaly anyway.

Focus on 2nd grade. Make sure you get an early meeting with her new teacher, or send an e-mail letting her know that you feel she was graded unfairly in the past on her math ability and would appreciate being kept firmly in the loop on your child's progress.

I will say that I would have an issue with a grade that dropped below standards being issued as a surprise. The minute my kid starts slipping below grade level I would expect to see the poor grades evident on the homework and tests that are being brought home. If there is no evidence in the work I am seeing, then I would want a note home or a call to tell me what we need to work harder on. Slapping a "1" on a report card at the end of the year with no warning is shady.. be grateful you won't have her as a teacher next year.

Re: WWYD - Report Card Grade

I agree with the above.

Re: WWYD - Report Card Grade

I agree with all of the above, however, my only thought might be that maybe it was an error? I know I've accidentally put a lower skill grade and didn't mean to when I input it into the program. Even after checking them over, I missed it. The parent brought it up at a conference, and I made sure to have it corrected. Maybe just politely ask if it was a mistake? If it wasn't then I agree with the above poster in saying to just let it go and focus on getting her ready for second grade. It's just not worth the effort at that grade level.