Dear CALM is a new page devoted to answering questions parents may have regarding their child’s education. It is here that you will find solutions that will help you navigate while remaining sane throughout the process. If you have a question, submit it and CALM will respond in a timely fashion.
Dear CALM,
As a parent of a 6th grader, I can't believe I have to write a written request for my daughter to bring home a math quiz!! (not because the teacher asked for this but b/c as a parent I know my rights). She asked her teacher could she bring it home, but the teacher said math quizzes and tests do not go home. How can we talk about parental involvement when teachers/and or districts are allowing this crazy practice to go on. I am sad and frustrated because time after time again I see myself having to write and document all these little things that can be easily fixed!!! What is the harm in a child bringing home a quiz or test?
Help
Dear Help,
Most of the tests and quizzes are from the publisher’s book (on that subject matter) and given to every student at that grade level. They are designed by the publishers and then administered to the kids by their teachers. When teachers start sending tests home, it loses it's integrity because they use them over and over again and some people get wind of this and cheat. This is why the tests and quizzes don't go home. I would suggest you go in and ask your child's teacher if you could view the test. He/She should say yes. I had to ask an educator why this was happening before I could respond to you. Don’t be frustrated, you are on the right path and if the teacher had only explained this, you would have responded differently, I'm sure!
All the best,
CALM
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TIP FOR THE WEEK:
It is very important as parents that beginning in the 5th grade, you ask your District what you must do to get your child placed into the higher level courses at middle school. Math follows a set path so it is crucial to get your child into the earliest possible honors track that your school offers. If you notice at an early age that your child has an aptitude for the subject matter and tests well along with consistent grades in class, ask for a team meeting with his teacher to discuss his/her options. As the parent, you play an important role in the process and could save yourself the cost of summer courses not to mention sheer frustration in the latter grades.
