tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post9205159280189104733..comments2024-03-18T12:13:51.922-04:00Comments on Big Blueberry Eyes: First Report CardMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441176684416139172noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-38489303762902426502008-10-26T11:38:00.000-04:002008-10-26T11:38:00.000-04:00That is a very confusing report card!That is a very confusing report card!the three amigoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16337728766160143596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-20530796676858402302008-10-25T22:43:00.000-04:002008-10-25T22:43:00.000-04:00It does sound like it should be the work she is ca...It does sound like it should be the work she is capable of doing. Maybe it's worded wrong. Or maybe we're both confused?Nancy M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00890420576437109817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-25879024403055556262008-10-25T17:22:00.000-04:002008-10-25T17:22:00.000-04:00It seems like her grades should reflect her indivi...It seems like her grades should reflect her individual growth and progress toward her individual goals. I also think that your reasoning is right on track. It would matter to me, if it was happening here to my child. I would pursue it. THe teacher should have maybe talked to the case mgr about grades BEFORE the report cards went out. The work Kayla is producing should be grade based on her efforts and capabilities, not on work that she's not even doing because she's not there yet. That's ridiculous. In my opinion.<BR/>Please let us know what you find out.Melanie D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01542313652003967176noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-84378159013489742672008-10-25T14:04:00.000-04:002008-10-25T14:04:00.000-04:00Oh, ugh. I saw Kayla just this summer and I was s...Oh, ugh. I saw Kayla just this summer and I was so IMPRESSED with her. She has fantastic language skills and she's so bright...<BR/><BR/>I think the report card needs clarifying. I'm glad you are asking about it. <BR/><BR/>xoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-70854453162414155432008-10-25T08:34:00.000-04:002008-10-25T08:34:00.000-04:00no, you're aren't making a big deal of it. they sh...no, you're aren't making a big deal of it. they shouldn't be grading her with the rest of the class or kindergarten program. if she has an IEP or SEP then according to what's written in there for her goals then that is what her grades should be based on.LauraJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16407359466001401500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-11062421164169731742008-10-25T08:12:00.000-04:002008-10-25T08:12:00.000-04:00I am a Kindergarten teacher of 15 years and you ar...I am a Kindergarten teacher of 15 years and you are most definitely not making a big deal. She is your child and you are her only voice in school right now. You are exactly right. It is Kindergarten and her teacher should also be celebrating all the wonderful things she can do not just what she can't. My son is mildly autistic and I deal with these things quite a bit-AND I WORK IN THE SCHOOL! Stay on top of it and just remember you agree and only put what you want in her IEP. So, make sure her accomodations are being met that can include an alternative grading scale. You might not need that now but next year or the year after it will make your life much easier. Good Luck!wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18167841365990112052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-10595023726756228872008-10-25T08:07:00.000-04:002008-10-25T08:07:00.000-04:00As a former teacher these are my thoughts: You hav...As a former teacher these are my thoughts: You have every right to understand and question the report card. The point is to let YOU know what's going on, so if YOU have questions they should be addressed until YOU feel satisfied. The other thought is that teacher's aren't cookiecutters and they aren't perfect. Sometimes they get it wrong, whether it's just them not understanding, not taking the time to do it right, inexperienced... whatever. They aren't the absolute foremost authority that reads the guidelines the same way. Just stay cool and keep asking until you get your answers. It may help that teacher straighten out where she may be interpreting the info wrong and help other kids.Heidihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18422697812333121141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-86964733696930902832008-10-25T07:17:00.000-04:002008-10-25T07:17:00.000-04:00I totally think it is fair to want further underst...I totally think it is fair to want further understanding. If you do not understand how can you advocate for your daughter. Stay on top of them and MAKE them accountable!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-20974226860221863942008-10-25T02:22:00.000-04:002008-10-25T02:22:00.000-04:00I think that also part of the problem is the four ...I think that also part of the problem is the four choices of what your child could receive. <BR/>The first comment should of left out the to their capability comment (it's more of a grade/comment you would read on a IPP or IEP (whatever it is called in your jurisdiction). If satisfactory is the highest comment you can get that doesn't make sense if it is compared to a grade level because couldn't you achieve beyond the grade? Just a thought!<BR/>EmilyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-24404389131919193062008-10-25T00:45:00.000-04:002008-10-25T00:45:00.000-04:00Oh I totally sympathize with you! I HATE report ca...Oh I totally sympathize with you! I HATE report cards. I talk to the teachers, everything is great in the daily reports and then I get those bizarre and subjective grades and it makes me PISSED! I like to think that I am pretty normal, lol. Seems like most of the commenters agree with me (not about the normal part). My daughter got an unsatisfactory in art! One thing that is a good idea is to ask about the grades as you did and it will raise consciousness at the very least. Comparisons are so difficult....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-17102795317605157962008-10-24T23:56:00.000-04:002008-10-24T23:56:00.000-04:00I am not a teacher but I felt the same way as you ...I am not a teacher but I felt the same way as you did reading that. How frustrating!!Jannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15765774232177169267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-76817595470088044402008-10-24T22:35:00.000-04:002008-10-24T22:35:00.000-04:00As a 4th grade teacher, our report cards are compl...As a 4th grade teacher, our report cards are completely number based and so much less subjective. I imagine grading Ks and 1s is tough, but I would have interpreted that wording the exact same way. Good idea to ask about it, but I wouldn't worry too much, even if the consensus is that your interpretation is "wrong". I would focus on the IEP progress note and your own gut feelings about her progress. Do they write any anecdotal notes besides the straight ratings? We used to write notes, but once the computer began generating them, we can only pick from weird comments which is frustrating because they are so generic. <BR/>Hang in there, Mom! You're both doing great with the transition!Finding Normalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15542473853342128094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-80614070649846984522008-10-24T22:01:00.000-04:002008-10-24T22:01:00.000-04:00I would have read it the same way you did. "consis...I would have read it the same way you did. "consistent with capabilities" is a pretty big modifier, and not one that seems to include comaparisons to other kids.<BR/><BR/>I'm glad you said something. If nothing else, the teacher will learn something.Catehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16248485766805270628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-85770697534639084992008-10-24T21:51:00.000-04:002008-10-24T21:51:00.000-04:00As a kindergarten teacher and parent, I can see wh...As a kindergarten teacher and parent, I can see why you interpreted it the way you did. I don't look forward to sending report cards home for any kid. It is very subjective and many times a child will do something for their parents such as count to 20 but not do it for me on the day I test them because they are nervous or just having a bad day. If a parent comes to me and says they can do it then I believe them and write it down as completed. They know their child. I don't look forward to getting reports on Abbi when she starts school. I only want to hear what she can do and not what she can't. That list seems too long most days. <BR/>Keep up the inquiry but don't put too much stock in it. You know what she can do and encourage the teacher to focus on that too as well as help her along with learning new things.Sabrinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10037830409126717803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-77659820297457430382008-10-24T20:53:00.000-04:002008-10-24T20:53:00.000-04:00I would have read it exactly the same way as you d...I would have read it exactly the same way as you did. I also don't think you're making a big deal of it either, I'd be asking for clarification also. :)Tracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07834771357823742810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-57724813880849675492008-10-24T20:06:00.000-04:002008-10-24T20:06:00.000-04:00Michelle--I don't think you are making a big deal ...Michelle--I don't think you are making a big deal of it either, and I agree with your interpretation as well.<BR/><BR/>I would have asked the teacher point blank. Do you thing she is doing the best SHE can do? If the answer is "yes" than she should change the report card.<BR/><BR/>Good for you for questioning. I am not looking forward to the first report card. I hope I am as rational about it as you are. <BR/><BR/>(((HUGS))))Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09057578956144840305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-327471622457557662008-10-24T19:44:00.000-04:002008-10-24T19:44:00.000-04:00The issue I'd be most concerned with is whether or...The issue I'd be most concerned with is whether or not she's enjoying school and if you think she's shown any improvement since starting.<BR/><BR/>That being said, it's hard to see our kids being "judged."Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09037928148778848386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-53846047801733255142008-10-24T18:56:00.000-04:002008-10-24T18:56:00.000-04:00I don't think you making too much of it. Of course...I don't think you making too much of it. Of course you want her to do the best SHE can, and she shouldn't be compared to other kids. BTW she is too cute!!Bonded for lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11355778136029250385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-87914141855980136262008-10-24T18:49:00.000-04:002008-10-24T18:49:00.000-04:00I, too, would have interpreted what you did. I als...I, too, would have interpreted what you did. I also would have raised the same questions, and I am happy that her teacher is going to not only get clarification, but input from the special ed colleague. I am interested to hear about the followup -- and I hope you receive satisfactory answers, too. Keep us posted.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-73670318258117788442008-10-24T18:41:00.000-04:002008-10-24T18:41:00.000-04:00I had the school stop sending me report cards and ...I had the school stop sending me report cards and just send me IEPs that included behavior and such.Her skills are then "graded" by percentage towards mastery and the behaviori lettered traditionally-S,N,U etc.<BR/><BR/>I have gotten that statement before in Kendalls report and that usually meant that she was doing what all she could.Usually due to lack of interest on her part.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-80002396630363071772008-10-24T18:13:00.000-04:002008-10-24T18:13:00.000-04:00What everyone else has said is totally right. Rep...What everyone else has said is totally right. Report cards are and will always be subjective, no matter how hard we try. However, you are reading the words literally and it sounds to me like you're right. What matters is that you and the teacher are on the same page with helping Kayla succeed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-74404028874299152982008-10-24T17:51:00.000-04:002008-10-24T17:51:00.000-04:00I would have interpreted it the same way. Hmmm. ...I would have interpreted it the same way. Hmmm. And, I agree...some clarification would be helpful. I'm interested to see what other teachers have to say about it, too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-447871523224911142008-10-24T17:32:00.000-04:002008-10-24T17:32:00.000-04:00I'm not at this point in our process yet, but for ...I'm not at this point in our process yet, but for what it's worth, I'd read that the same way. I think you questioned it appropriately and it's probably good that this teacher gets some clarification so that everyone can be clear on what's actually meant to be conveyed with those "grades."<BR/><BR/>Man, I so don't look forward to this stuff!RKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259757888643034394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-82859260416305460652008-10-24T17:16:00.000-04:002008-10-24T17:16:00.000-04:00I'd be asking questions too. That doesn't quite ma...I'd be asking questions too. That doesn't quite make sense. I emailed my Mom who has taught elementary school for years and asked her to read you post and let me know what she thinks. I'll send it on. Keep questioning. :)Killlashandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16655705881605627747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-77364216749477905662008-10-24T17:02:00.000-04:002008-10-24T17:02:00.000-04:00I don't think you're making too big a deal of it M...I don't think you're making too big a deal of it Michelle, you want to know exactly what is going on. I would have interpreted it exactly the same way you did.Sandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00448386993712122412noreply@blogger.com