Our school system has online grades and one of my children's teachers sends periodic progress reports to all parents via email. Today I got my HS freshman son's biology grade. His average was 84.13%. I usually nag my kids when they have grades this low, not because they're THAT bad, but just because I know they can do better. Well then I happened to look and she also had the class average...it was 72.65%!!!! She also listed all my son's individual grades and the class averages. Again, his was typically a B type grade, but noticeably ahead of the class average. I talked to my dh and was thinking about contacting the teacher and thanking her for sending the update to us and then somehow working in something about the grades. Like maybe..."I was disappointed in XXX's grade until I noticed it was above the class average. I was wondering if this had been a particularly difficult chapter they just finished? Will there be opportunities for the children to bring up these grades before the end of the 6 wks?" My dh said NO...he's afraid I'll pi** off the teacher (who me??? ). But I just think if the whole classroom is averaging 72% she must not have presented it in an understandable way.

What would you do? I'm not happy with my son having that grade, but I can't hardly complain if he's making 12% ABOVE the other kids. Should I say anything to the teacher? Should I just suck it up and hope it works out?

__________________

I would say something like you suggested. Also remember that a C is considered average and B's & A's are above average. All the same, that does sound a little low for the class average. Freshman year is a tough year and maybe the kids just aren't studying like they should. Lots of things could be going on, but it would be nice to hear form the teacher why the kids seem to be struggling and then you would know how to help ds do better for the rest of the year.

Good Luck.

I think you should say something. Often teachers do extra credit or give you tips on ways to improve the grades. It all depends on the teacher. I dont think she would get mad about it. You just want what is best for your son.

__________________
Mom of one kangaroo!

I would mention something but also keep in mind hardass teachers are a fact of life. Some don't believe in giving A's. It sucks that they exist but they do.

Before I became a mom, I taught in a public high school for over 15 years. Definitely, it's okay to talk to the teacher. I'd thank her for the frequent updates about your son's grades. I'd tell her you're pleased that your son is doing so well, but that you know he can be earning higher grades. Ask her for some suggestions to help the grade improve. Don't ask for extra credit. Most of the teachers I worked with resented being asked to come up with an extra project or to be expected to give credit to something that takes little effort compared to the regular coursework. I personally wouldn't mention the class average. I think your goal in the conversation is to find a way to help your son improve, not to insinuate that she isn't teaching well enough.

__________________
~Jeweled

ITA!

I too wouldn't mention the class average but I probably would ask about extra credit. You can phrase it in such a way that if they offer it, great and if they don't - no biggie. I've found some teachers offer it, but don't tell the kids that they do...you just have to ask.

I also would be inclined to call or stop into the school to talk to the teacher in person. It's just something that is better talked about in person or on the phone, rather than email. JMO

Good luck!

By talking to her about your son's grade and helpful hints for improvements, she may share some of the reasons why the class as a whole is struggling. I have never taught high school, but as an elementary school teacher, I would have some years that were lower performing than others even though I had the same curriculum and expectations. She may be a hardass teacher or your son may be in a class with students that are struggling with biology, you never know.
I would make an appt with her and not handle it over email.

I would do just as you suggested. In fact, I sort of did this yesterday! My son all of a sudden is struggling in Language Arts (with a B, but A's in everything else) so I wanted to make sure it was not him being lazy and to see what we could do to help.

It turned into a really good talk with his teacher so I was glad I did it. Since you know the class average (I didn't until yesterday and it involved silly gradewide changes in requirements for Language Arts) it would definitely be ok to mention it as you said in a non confrontational way.

But, I would do it face to face.

Before talking to the teacher I'd suggest asking your ds what's going on in biology. I remember high school biology (yes, I was once that young ) and we would hit some difficult material that would cause all of our grades to drop. It sounds like that's what's happening in your ds's biology class.

IMO, I think an 84 in biology is pretty good especially considering that he is higher than the class average. If it were me, I'd just cut him some slack and keep an eye on things for now.

__________________
"Anybody who believes the pen is mightier than the sword hasn't been inside a maximum security prison." ~ Lisa Scottoline

I agree with this advice.