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Posted on October 18, 2014 2:27 pm
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ZugySe
ZugySe
Reps: 104
Bumping Grades
Ms. Butler was told by administration to bump up any report card grades that ended in a 9. For example, if a student received an 89, she was told to bump it to a 90. She was also told to bump any grades below a 60 up to a 60. For example, if a student had a 52 average, she was told to bump it to a 60. Ms. Butler does not feel comfortable doing this. What should she do?
 
     
     
 
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Solution 1
Posted October 18, 2014 3:12 pm

XeQymy
XeQymy
Reps: 102
I have experienced this situation. Our system allows us to place comments next to grades. So if a student earned a 52 and I had to change the grade to 60, I would type "Earned Grade 52" in the comment section. This allows me to do as my administrator requires me to do, but let the parents and others know what grade was actually earned.
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ezaDyR
ezaDyR
Reps: 100
That's a great idea, or I would encourage my student to improve their grade by turning in an extra assignment to boost their grade where they are comfortable with what they have earned.
  Posted on: October 18, 2014 4:25 pm

Chelsea
Chelsea
Reps: 101
This is a good strategy because you are doing what is asked of you, and you are allowing the parents to see the true grade that the student received.
  Posted on: October 19, 2014 1:27 am

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Solution 2
Posted October 19, 2014 3:50 pm

Amber Bowling
Amber Bowling
Reps: 111
There are always requirements that we must meet, even if we do not feel comfortable. For example, in my district we are not allowed to give a grade lower than a 50, even if the student earned a lower grade. At first I was also uncomfortable with this procedure. However, I have learned it is in place for students who struggle. If you constantly fail at something, your inner voice will become extremely negative and you will give up. Remember, we are still teaching children and they are fragile little things. You may want to discuss with your administration their reasoning behind the policy of bumping up grades. Have a conversation with them to determine if they are doing it to make the school look better, or if it is a research based, sound policy.
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Solution 3
Posted October 18, 2014 9:13 pm

Lauren Foster
Lauren Foster
Reps: 100
My school told us to change any grade below a 50 up to a 50. I was uncomfortable with this as well. I write the actual grade on the student's assignment and in my grade book. The only place I change it is on the computer. Every week we send graded papers home for parents and guardians to review and sign. They return the papers and I file them in my classroom for the remainder of the year. The students this policy mostly effects are already on an RTI or in EIP. When we meet for their meetings I bring my paper grade book as a way to discuss progress with the parents. I am still not comfortable with this policy but after speaking with my administration I felt better about knowing that I will not be held responsible. I would go talk to an administrator and if you still do not feel comfortable I would reach out to someone at the district level to find out their policy.
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Solution 4
Posted October 18, 2014 11:29 pm

uZaSav
uZaSav
Reps: 96
I would also utilize the comments section and make sure that the students and parents are aware of the actual earned grade. Make sure that students and parents are aware that this is less likely to occur in high school, and that if students are falling behind or struggling with a concept that they need to get help.
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Solution 5
Posted October 18, 2014 7:12 pm

Victoria Neely
Victoria Neely
Reps: 95
I would not feel comfortable doing this either. I am glad I teach Pre-K we do not have grades. I was told that some schools do this. Is there anyway that Ms. Butler can have students do extra work for grades, so that she is not giving grades for nothing. I have heard of curved grade, but going from a 52 to a 60 is a jump. I know as a parent I want the truth on how my children are doing in school. When bumping up the grades who does that make look good the parent, the school, the student? It does not tell the truth and when the testing comes back and the students do not show mastery who fault is that THE TEACHERS, but the grades were bumped because we are told to. I would talk to administration and ask why?
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Solution 6
Posted October 19, 2014 9:10 pm

QyWyBy
QyWyBy
Reps: 102
At my school the lowest grade we can give on a progress report or report card is a 55. I do not feel comfortable with this either because I believe students should receive the grade they deserve. If a student gave enough effort to receive a score of a 40 then that's what they deserve. Ms Butler should do as administration has told her and bump the grades.
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raWubu
raWubu
Reps: 97
I agree with this solution. The students earn their grades. I would offer extra credit or a makeup day so students can achieve the grades that administration wants.
  Posted on: October 20, 2014 2:23 am

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