Student Progress Reports – Understanding Failing vs. Working towards Mastering
Well, by now you should have received your childââ¬â¢s progress report with final first quarter reports being mailed December 6, 2013.
I need to ask: What do you think? àDo you understand the grade? àIf you arenââ¬â¢t satisfied, do you know the procedure in getting answers or help?
The first thing to do is have an open conversation with your child, but keep in mind that he/she is a child and most likely wonââ¬â¢t give an accurate answer. Somewhere in his/her answer will lay somewhat of the truth.
The second thing to do is call or email the teacher and express your concern. By now, you may be feeling angry or frustrated, so remember that the teacher is an ally and not the enemy. They are on your side.àMy grandma used to say, ââ¬ÅYou get more with sugar than with vinegar.ââ¬ÂàMeet with the teacher, and Iââ¬â¢m sure that he/she can tell you exactly why your child received the grade.
With CBE (Competency Base Education), your child will have the opportunity to master the skills that are being taught before moving on. Donââ¬â¢t think of a bad grade as failing, but only that your child just has not yet mastered the skill. The key word here is ââ¬Åyetââ¬Â because your child is going to be taught until they understand and can master the skill.
Dr. Wathington has asked the Maya staff to read a book called, ââ¬ÅMindset-The New Psychology of Success.ââ¬ÂàThis book explains that the way we think and do things directly affects the outcome.àFor example, instead of saying that a child has failed a course, we should say that the child doesnââ¬â¢t yet fully understand, but will eventually.àAnother example: if a child answers a question incorrectly, instead of saying that they are wrong, be encouraging and say, ââ¬ÅGood try! I can see why you answered that way, but letââ¬â¢s keep thinking and see if you can come up with another answer.ââ¬ÂàÃÂ
To say that your child hasnââ¬â¢t mastered the skill yet only lends to having the opportunity for them to grow, work hard, and succeed to master the skill.
Iââ¬â¢ll talk more about this in next weekââ¬â¢s blog. Send me your thoughts or concerns, and letââ¬â¢s work it out.
Ms. Holley, Parent & Community Liaison