Teachers- grading question

Do you give 100s for report card grades? If so, what is your subject?

I had a TERRIBLE time with a set of parents last week. They were really upset because I gave their daughter an 85, which I felt was fair. They were annoyed and even hinted that I made an error. The girl got a 100 in science and they also hinted that they expect her to get a 100 in English next marking period.

I have never given a 100. I don't think I believe in giving 100s in my subject. I can see it in something like math. But maybe I am being short-sighted.

Re: Teachers- grading question

I had this question last year. It was in kindergarten and we had to check needs improvement, improving, or mastered.....Some teachers felt that they shouldnt get the mastered until the last quarter, or else what would they strive for. But I felt if they mastered what was expected of them that quarter, that they should get a check in the mastered section. I dont think there is one true answer.

Re: Teachers- grading question

I teach high school history and my grading is very objective- every assignment has a point value (percentage really) and at the end of the marking period, I average all the scores together. Of course, with essay and project grading, it is more subjective, but I always use a rubric. I have never had any parents question my grading policy (but they certainly challenge me on many other things!!). I have give 100s before if that's what the points average out to. We give letter grades though so 95-100 is an A.

Re: Teachers- grading question

I teach 7th grade math. I don't really believe in giving 100's. I have had a few students get 99's before. One of the big advantages to math is that my district does not give points for participation and attendance. It is a straight 60% tests/quizzes, 20% homework, and 20% quarterly exam. When parents call, all the grades are there in black and white.

Re: Teachers- grading question

Not to break the subject.... but "participation and attendance" and even "effort" SAVED my a$$ on a number of occasions throughout my school years.

Re: Teachers- grading question

I teach 8th grade English and I figure out the grades though a number of assignments that all get averaged together at the end of the quarter.
THis year, for the first time ever, I have had two students averages come out to 99.6, and since i round up, I have given them 100. If they do the work, and they deserve the perfect score, I have no problem giving it to them!
But they have to be perfect students to attain that!!!!

Re: Teachers- grading question

I teach 8th grade math and would give a 100% on a report card. I personally know that when I was in school a few times I received a 100% on my report card and there was nothing more confidence raising than a perfect score, even if it is rounded up. If they are that close I think they deserve that extra special grade!

Re: Teachers- grading question

I teach 1st grade and we grade on a 1-4 number system. I try not to give a 4 on the first report card because I go with the belief that they will feel they have no need to improve in that area and the parents usually agree with me. Now, an area is broken down, like math has an overall grade and then 3 subareas, like mastery, application and knowledge. I may give a 4 in one of those areas.

Rarely do I feel a child should get a 4 so early in the school year b/c when we first do the report cards, we really still don't know them that well and we are really basing grades on 6 weeks worth of work which isn't enough.

I think in older grades, JH and HS, and in some subjects, it is more black and white. Either they got it or they don't. If they have it and have it above and beyond, then a 100 is not something you hold back on. If they have done perfect work every time, they deserve a perfect grade.

Re: Teachers- grading question

Thanks everyone!

I think one of the things that has stressed me out is the fact that like Miss Jones, we are expected to use a 1-2-3-4 system with a rubric. BUT the report cards are on a number system where they get increments of five, then anything over 90 can be in increments of one. And we are not supposed to give traditional tests any more.

Re: Teachers- grading question

I teach HS English and have never given a 100. I think because the subject is so, well, subjective...I have rarely seen a 100 essay.