After the homework

Kids are fed, homework is done and the kids are peacefully watching a cartoon called "Stoked". Sometimes I worry about these cartoons, but I used to worry about Sponge Bob and have come to find him a welcome addition to our family. He and his pet snail, Gary.

Looking through the graded homework and tests that came home today, I was very sad to see my oldest son, Sam, had received a "D" on his math test from last week. Now, Sam is a smart kid and I don't say that just because he is my kid. He gets good grades in math and has always excelled in it. However last week, his 4th grade class was given a test to cover a chapter on geometry. They were to do the review in class on Monday and Tuesday, but their teacher was out. Actually, he was out all week and they had a substitute, who was actually the mother of one of his friends and someone I have come to know and like very much. But I wonder, did she do the review? Sam told me his whole table (they sit in groups within the classroom) received either grades of "D" or "F", that most of the class received those grades. His teacher graded the tests on Monday and Tuesday (hence we got them home today), but I have to wonder what the average grade was on these tests. The kids were under the impression they could use their math books, but were not allowed. Upon showing me this test, Sam had tears in his eyes and was clearly upset at the grade. My heart broke for him. However, I guess this is a lesson that not always is life fair.

I told him of a time, when in college, I decided not to take the final test in a class in which I was already getting an "A" in - regardless if I failed this quiz or not. We actually were allowed to skip one quiz within in the semester and I hadn't missed one yet. So I skipped it. Imagine my sup rise when my parents get my sophomore year grades and there is an "E" in the letter slot for that class! I almost threw up. Called the Professor and he told me that while it was true we could skip a quiz, we were not allowed to skip the last one. (Why?) If you missed the last quiz, you automatically fail the class. Again, almost threw up. I was a good student; things like this didn't happen to people like me. The Professor held firm. I could take the class again in the fall as independent study - just retake all the quizzes all over. That was one quiz per week. Shssssh. But I had to do it; it was a required class.

So now as a University instructor now, I realize I must be so very clear in my expectations from my students. Even though this is spring break, I am re-writing my class syllabuses in order to fulfill this expectation of myself. But then, how detailed to get? Guess we'll find out.

Now off to pick up a missing Nintendo DSi left at a play date yesterday. Back to being a mom.