I was looking over my 5th grade daughters grades and noticed her math teacher uses a running total of total points scored/point possible formula for calculating her class average instead of averaging her individual test percentages. Is this new? Because this weighs each test differently, one poor test is keeping her average lower than I'd like it to be. Is it supposed to be a more accurate way to monitor her performance?
But then again, my district is way behind the times.
Mook, she hasn't dropped the lowest grade yet but that's definitely a question I'll ask next time we talk. Thanks.
of course it's my problem. I set a goal for her and she's not meeting it yet because of the way her grade is being averaged. I can either reassess the goal that I set (by let's say use a running average of her last 3 scores to measure her performance) based on this new information, or stick with it. I was just curious about this method as I don't recall ever seeing it before.
And yes, grades do matter. I know what she's capable of and can use her grades to see if she's putting forth the effort to reach her potential. Sometimes she needs a good kick in the but to get motivated. (as most of us do from time to time)
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What matters is that she learns, and learns how to learn. 5tth grade grades don't really matter.
of course it's my problem. I set a goal for her and she's not meeting it yet because of the way her grade is being averaged. I can either reassess the goal that I set (by let's say use a running average of her last 3 scores to measure her performance) based on this new information, or stick with it. I was just curious about this method as I don't recall ever seeing it before.
And yes, grades do matter. I know what she's capable of and can use her grades to see if she's putting forth the effort to reach her potential. Sometimes she needs a good kick in the but to get motivated. (as most of us do from time to time)
Don't respond. Not worth it.
This weighting system is, in essence, a way to normalize it so that bigger assignments are worth me.
Think about it as someone weighting the exams 25% each and the HW's 20% in total.
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What matters is that she learns, and learns how to learn. 5tth grade grades don't really matter.
Jon... This is the kind of crap we teachers deal with on a daily basis... You are pondering whether or not to call a teacher because his or her grading system, that is universal for every student in the class, isn't benefiting your daughter. She's in 5th grade and it as good a time as any for her to realize that not every assignment is worth the same thing. I teach English and I do NOT use the total points system, but I have a weighting system for my grades; a unit test is worth way more than a quiz in the average.
of course it's my problem. I set a goal for her and she's not meeting it yet because of the way her grade is being averaged. I can either reassess the goal that I set (by let's say use a running average of her last 3 scores to measure her performance) based on this new information, or stick with it. I was just curious about this method as I don't recall ever seeing it before.
And yes, grades do matter. I know what she's capable of and can use her grades to see if she's putting forth the effort to reach her potential. Sometimes she needs a good kick in the but to get motivated. (as most of us do from time to time)
It's a common concern, and one I willingly engage in. Considering that weighting can have a significant impact on a grade (say, 1 poor grade drowning you).
Don't worry, Jon. I have no issues fielding these questions, and many of the teachers I know feel the same.
BBI is weird sometimes.