Help!! Disappointing Progress Report

[Alex&Evan'sMom]

My 1st grader is in his 3rd semester of school. On his first and second semester progress reports/report cards he made an A in math.( a 97 and 96 respectively). Since Christmas break he has only brought home a few math tests.(an A and a low B). He has also had no math homework since the middle of January. So I was very surprised when he came home with his progress report today with an F in math! The teacher made no comments and didn't request a parent teacher conference and I don't know where and what went wrong! The teacher doesn't send graded papers and told us at the first of the year that she grades them "as she has time" so I never know when and what to expect. She lets us know when he has a spelling test and sight word test but never anything else. I guess I expected some kind of heads up when my straight-A student started failing but I guess I was wrong. I feel completely blindsided and am requesting a conference asap. We value our son's education and he knows what's expected of him. I thought that I'd request prior notice of math tests and ask that she sends me the graded tests in a timely fashion. I'd also like to inquire about any practice tests/drills I can do with him and possible makeup/extra credit I can have him do. Am I asking too much? Is there any other suggestions anyone can give me. I'm trying to keep calm about it but it is so disappointing. I know the teacher has a lot to do. Her class has grown from 15 students to 24 students since the beginning of the year. I just don't want my son to slip through the cracks. Help!!

 

[mickeylove2]

I don't know what to tell you, except meet with the teacher, without your child, and find out what is happening. My DD is in 1st grade and they don't get grades, so I don't have any experience with that. Good luck, I hope you get some answers!

 

[dzneelvr]

Definately ask for a conference. You need to work with your son and ask for tools from the teacher to get that grade up. Because I have teachers in my family, I'm going to tell you something you already know: there's two sides to every story. Ask questions, don't accuse, keep calm, and don't just inquire what the teacher has to do for you--if you re-read your post, you are asking the teacher to do about half a dozen things for this situation but seemingly nothing is being asked of your child by you. Understand that your child may have chosen to hand in incomplete homework (or not do it at all). Hopefully the problem will be discovered quickly and remedied soon. If it is a comprehension issue, the remedy may take longer. Congratulations on being an involved and caring parent

 

[K and K's Mommy]

Yikes! Lately I have been flabbergasted at some of the teacher reports by DIS members. Telling you she will grade them when she has time is really not acceptable. Immediate feedback is the best, but of course, that is not always possible. Papers should be graded in a timely manner, especially for little ones. How will they learn from mistakes. Meanwhile, they could still be practicing the concept wrong. Now, I do think first graders should be doing a lot of manipulatives so maybe there aren't a lot of papers but more observations. Then again, the school I taught didn't give first graders grades.

You having no idea an F was coming is also not right. Unless this is a midterm, and then I guess you have had enough notice. I also can't believe there are no comments!

Sorry, I just get angry at lazy teachers. You requesting a conference is exactly what you should do. Make sure she is specific about why he has slipped. Is it place value, addition, subtraction, money, problem solving, etc. That way you can work on the specific skill. I taught second and had my parents sign any paper that was below a C.

I also had a thought that maybe she wrote, typed in the wrong letter on accident. I still can't get over going from A to F with no explanation or you having no idea it was coming.

Good luck!

 

[LuvOrlando]

-

 

[Alex&Evan'sMom]

Thank you for all your helpful comments. I just want my son to do his best and be as involved as possible to help him. I know it's not the end of the world but I'm just a concerned mom who loves her kid!

 

[Alex&Evan'sMom]

Definately ask for a conference. You need to work with your son and ask for tools from the teacher to get that grade up. Because I have teachers in my family, I'm going to tell you something you already know: there's two sides to every story. Ask questions, don't accuse, keep calm, and don't just inquire what the teacher has to do for you--if you re-read your post, you are asking the teacher to do about half a dozen things for this situation but seemingly nothing is being asked of your child by you. Understand that your child may have chosen to hand in incomplete homework (or not do it at all). Hopefully the problem will be discovered quickly and remedied soon. If it is a comprehension issue, the remedy may take longer. Congratulations on being an involved and caring parent[/QUOTE

First of all, thanks for the thumbs up! Maybe I'm asking for too much from the teacher because I know she has a classroom full of children. I certainly wasn't trying to ask more from the teacher than what I expect from my son. I expect him to work harder on his tests and you better believe he will have more practice tests from me every week.(I've already been printing practice tests of the computer and quizzing him since he told me about that D-). I don't think it's a comprehension issue but if it is I'm willing to do whatever it takes whether it's more homework, tutor, etc. I'm also totally prepared to give how much time and energy is needed on this. As for the homework he hasn't had any math homework for 3 weeks but I always make sure he has completed his homework nightly.(he has a homework contract so it's easy to check it of his list) I'm sure that I am being a little "mama bear" about things but I know that my son is responsible for his grade. Thank you for your advice, it was nice to hear the teacher's aspect on things! I will keep a calm and level head because after all the anticipated end result is the same: A good education!

 

[Aliceacc]

Whether or not the teacher requested an interview, you have every reason to request one. Go in, talk to her, ask what happened and how you can prevent it from happening again.

And I'm not sure I buy the argument that "she has a class full of kids" as carte blanche to take forever on things. I have 5 math classes, ranging from 28 to 38 kids each, and 3 kids at home. But I get my papers back within 2 days. It's not always easy, but it's part of the job. My kids got their testing dates in September, and get a warning a few days ahead of time. It is possible to be organized as a teacher, and I think our kids deserve that from us.

 

[WantToGoNow]

I don't think you're asking to much to be notified of your son's grades. I also have a 1st grade son and had my conference on Monday. My son's teacher is very concerned with their grades and we get the graded tests sent home the very same day they are taken. My son has held a high 90's grade the entire year -- I would be very concerned if it suddenly dropped to an F. She even expressed concern at the conference because his reading rate test dropped from 65 words a minute to 59 words a minute -- but it was on a higher level reading. Ask for the conference and if she won't agree to keep you up to speed with your sons grades, ask to speak with the Principal.

 

[dreamer17555]

I think you need to request a meeting ASAP (be sure to let us know how it goes!)

But the thing that struck me is the No Homework. Are we sure that he isn't being assigned some and just not doing\ telling you about it? What sort of system do they have set up as far as homework goes? Right now my DD6 is in Kindergarten and she comes home with a folder that shows her behavior for the day and a place to check off that she practiced reading for 15 mins. If I forget to check the box(she always reads- but I swear sometimes I just forget to check the darn thing) I get a note sent home (DH says I get a bad mommy note) just to make sure DD reads 15 mins nightly. I would assume your son has a system similar to that in place.

Also even if he doesn't have homework (which he should- nightly) I would recommend 15 mins of Reading and 15 mins of Math (Flash Cards, Workbooks, Hand on Math) every night. If Math is the only subject he is struggling in he might need a tutor or extra hands on help.

Also get together with other parents from his class. If they are having similar issues with the teacher it is good to know that.

I would also look at the end of year bench marks for his grade and at home work with him towards those.

Good Luck

-Becca-

 

[deedeetoo]

I think the real problem is being blindsided. You should have known that there was a problem before seeing an F on a report card. Not only do you need to talk to the teacher about what is going on with your son in math but also about the lack of communication.

This is a bit OT but I am surprised by the grading system at your school My kids are in first and fourth grade and neither one has grades like that yet. They get a 1,2, or 3 which means below grade level, at grade level, or above grade level. And they grade them in about 40 different categories (10 language skills, 10 number skills, 5 science, etc.) My kids tend to get sheets full of 2's with a smattering of 3's (and a couple 1's for DS). This seems like a much better way to grade the lower grades. I mean really, how does a first grader fail math?

 

[dreamer17555]

I think the real problem is being blindsided. You should have known that there was a problem before seeing an F on a report card. Not only do you need to talk to the teacher about what is going on with your son in math but also about the lack of communication.

This is a bit OT but I am surprised by the grading system at your school My kids are in first and fourth grade and neither one has grades like that yet. They get a 1,2, or 3 which means below grade level, at grade level, or above grade level. And they grade them in about 40 different categories (10 language skills, 10 number skills, 5 science, etc.) My kids tend to get sheets full of 2's with a smattering of 3's (and a couple 1's for DS). This seems like a much better way to grade the lower grades. I mean really, how does a first grader fail math?

My daughter's school is the same way. It breaks everything down for you so you can see what if any problems there are.

-Becca-

 

[Rylee]

< "The teacher doesn't send graded papers and told us at the first of the year that she grades them "as she has time" so I never know when and what to expect." >

This statement caught my attention. This can't be beneficial to the students. If a child completes a worksheet, computing, 6 + 7 = 14, or consistantly spells the same word incorrectly, all week long, but doesn't see their corrected work, how will they realize their error and correct their mistakes?

At your conference, and with future teachers, tell them... If you notice a problem, I want to know, when you know, meaning not waiting until the next report card or conference to be notified.

 

[Rylee]

I think the real problem is being blindsided. You should have known that there was a problem before seeing an F on a report card. Not only do you need to talk to the teacher about what is going on with your son in math but also about the lack of communication.

This is a bit OT but I am surprised by the grading system at your school My kids are in first and fourth grade and neither one has grades like that yet. They get a 1,2, or 3 which means below grade level, at grade level, or above grade level. And they grade them in about 40 different categories (10 language skills, 10 number skills, 5 science, etc.) My kids tend to get sheets full of 2's with a smattering of 3's (and a couple 1's for DS). This seems like a much better way to grade the lower grades. I mean really, how does a first grader fail math?

Our school uses the same system. It is designed to keep the focus on learning and not on grades.
4 - Exceeds Expectations
3 - Meets Expectations
2 - Improving with help and reminders
1 - Needs Improvement
Each subject is divided into specific categories.

My son's 4th grade teacher said some parents like to see their child's actual average, so she included their averages on a seperate paper.
I thought this was interesting...
Spelling - report card grade 4, actual average 98
General Reading - report card grade 3+, actual average 96
General ELA - report card grade 3+, actual average 93
General Math - report card grade 3+, actual average 79

When I questioned the teacher about the math, she said his average is a 79 because he makes careless errors but she gave him a 3+ because he has a solid understanding of the concepts covered.

My older daughters used to joke about the elementary report cards and say... When you get to middle and high school, you could discover you're either, really stupid or very smart!

 

[semo233]

Alex & Evan's Mom,
You should request an immediate conference with the teacher. Make it a fact finding mission. Keep the communication open with the teacher. You might even request a weekly e-mail or update of some kind to help keep up with what is happening in school. Another poster commented on asking what you can do at home. Is there extra help after school? How about an older student tudor (middle school or above) that your son might look up to and be a good role model? Is there a math specialist in the school or district?
If you are not satisfied after meeting with the teacher, request a meeting with the principal or head teacher.
***Please note: Rapidly dropping grades should send up a red flag!
Although I know you are worried about him falling behind, it is first grade. There is plenty of time for him to catch up. Setting the right tone now is important, though.
How does he feel about the F? Ask him if there is anything he can do to improve his grade.
Don't give up!!!
Social Workers, counselors and all support staff are there to help you (as well as the teacher and administration)!
Michele

 

[aspcamhreditor2]

Wow....

I can't believe you haven't asked for clarification already.

Teachers are so busy and have so much on their plates. I understand about not always getting the marked homework back.

But ... NO MATH HOMEWORK SINCE JANUARY? And going from A to an F???

I think that begs explanation for sure.

Be calm ... approach it from the standpoint of .. "we are concerned" ... "what have you seen" ... and "what can we do to help?"

PLEASE post back to let un know how this goes. I'm curious about the results. A to F in one quarter ... wow!

Of course, I do understand ... it's elementary ... not life & death. However, in our district, math spirals and builds on what was learned before. If your child is having problems somewhere, you do want to help NOW even if that one grade in elementary doesn't mean much. It's NOT the grade ... it's the assumption behind the grade.

 

[TheDizMom]

Find out what is going on and do so quickly. My DS has struggled in math from day 1, and though I knew he was having problems his teachers kept telling me he was fine. We tried to help him at home, but our schools use that stupid Chicago math that is worthless and teaches them all these weird ways to solve problems. I can't figure out how they are supposed to be solving the problems, even with the parent sheets they send home, so how on earth are the kids supposed to figure it out, and more importantly how the heck am I supposed to help him? Well it took his first No Child Left Behind test last year, that just made the standard for his age (he's in 5th now) for someone to decide he needed to go to the math specialist. That is 5 years of me trying to make his teachers see he needed more help and not getting it. He is finally after 5 1/2 months with the specialist, and an additional math club after school one day a week, to see him progress and make some headway. I am so mad that everyone refused to think he needed help for so long. My son is just not mathematically gifted (wonder where he got that from ), but at least now he is improving and I don't worry as much about how he will do in middle school next year. So get that help and be persistent. I wish I had been more forceful way back in 1st or 2nd grade. If he is using the Chicago math, as far as I am concerned, there is your problem right there. Why people use it is way beyond me. Good luck.

 

[kitsch4]

I thought that I'd request prior notice of math tests and ask that she sends me the graded tests in a timely fashion. I'd also like to inquire about any practice tests/drills I can do with him and possible makeup/extra credit I can have him do. Am I asking too much?

if you re-read your post, you are asking the teacher to do about half a dozen things for this situation but seemingly nothing is being asked of your child by you. Understand that your child may have chosen to hand in incomplete homework (or not do it at all).

I don't think being made aware of tests prior to them being given is asking too much. (Especially in 1st grade!) Neither is asking for your child's work to be graded in a timely manner. It would be difficult to ask your child to work on anything specific without knowing what is going on! Perhaps he hasn't turned in his homework, but how are you supposed to know this? Of course you want to help your son, but the teacher needs to communicate (with everyone) better so you will know how and when to help. I would suggest, just like everyone else, meeting with her and expressing your concern. All teachers are busy, but I would bet that most of them manage to find the time to grade papers. (How much time can it really take, anyway? It's not like she's grading essays in first grade. Sorry to any teachers out there! I'm not meaning to minimize the amount of work you do!) How else are you supposed to track your child's progress? (Except for waiting for the progress reports to come out.)

Our school district utilizes something called ProgressBook, where we can check our child's grades online. I check my daughter's grades every night. It tells their average for each subject and the grades they have received on each assignment. (But the teacher is the one who has to input the info.) At the beginning of the school year, each child also receives a spiral bound homework calendar. Everyday, the students write their homework assignments in the book. And they also write in any upcoming tests or big projects. Her teacher also sends home a note to the parents telling us that they will have a test the following week. They usually get a study guide as well. This really helps us to prepare and work with her! Good luck, and let us know how everything works out.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Letting a child go from an "a" to an "f " without parent contact is neglectful on the teacher's part. it is time to find out what is going on. First, remember it is 1st grade. New material is introduced almost daily. Two focuses that give many 1st grade children a hard time are time and money. Many children's grades go down a lot during the introduction of these two subjects. I would call today to arrange a conference with the teacher. Next i would talk to your son. Tell him that you are concerned about the grade. Ask him what has changed in math. Ask lots of open ended questions and be open to his answers. Make it clear you will be talking with his teacher quite soon. Do not take him to the conference but share the info with him. once yu have some answers, ask for suggestions on ways to help with whatever the problem is. Insist on more feed back. be open minded and go with the idea that you both just want to help your son.

I am not a fan of "grades" for 1st graders. Our system now does not give letter grades till 3rd grade.

 

[daisyduck123]

So I was very surprised when he came home with his progress report today with an F in math!

I guess I expected some kind of heads up when my straight-A student started failing but I guess I was wrong. I feel completely blindsided and am requesting a conference asap.

A progress report is a "heads up".
At least in my county...a progress report is what is sent home in the middle (1/2 way point) of the marking period.


Waiting until you got his next report card would have been "blindsiding" you.

That is good that you are requesting a conference though. I would probably just speak to her on the phone & see if things can get accomplished that way.