This is American Education Week, a week parents and grandparents are invited to observe children in action in the classroom. Are you going?

I've attended several years, and though I stayed only about an hour each time, I found it helpful to watch the teachers in action. I got insight into their methodology, especially in reading, and even started using some of the same language ("Say it fast!" I'd say, moving my finger across a word from left to right as the teachers did) when I helped my kids at home.

I'm not sure I will make it this year, and I am feeling guilty. I think it's important to show up regularly at school -- my husband and I were both there last week, making separate presentations. But having used some work time for that, now I'm not sure I can break free again so soon.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: School's In
        

The other day, in a speech about his administration's education priorities, President Barack Obama revealed a very personal experience.

His daughter, Malia, had come home with a disappointing grade of 73 percent on a science test.

According to the president, the two had a conversation about what she could do better, and the moral of the story is that hard work pays off. Malia reportedly scored 95 percent on the next test.

I was driving to work when I heard this story on the radio, and I have to admit it sort of stopped me in my tracks. With all the talk about privacy for presidential kids, this struck me as a potentially very sensitive matter for Malia. What child wants the world to know she got a bad grade?

On the other hand, the story was inspirational. A lot of parents will probably cite it during nightly homework struggles with their own kids.

According to this piece on Politics Daily, the president departed from his planned text to tell Malia's story.

He may very well have asked her permission, to be sure. But as parents, what do you think about the president sharing his daughter's grades?

(Associated Press photo)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 1:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: School's In
        

What would you do if your child came home from school with an exam grade worst than “F”? That might be the case someday.

Already, some college students in Canada face the prospect of such a grade -- and getting it would be their own fault.

The big talk in academia these days is a new low in grading standards recently introduced by Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.

 According to the Calgary Herald newspaper, the low grade is called “FD”, which means “failure with academic dishonesty.”

The grade is designed to address those who cheat, and is said to be in response to students who copy data from the Internet instead of turning in original work.

 Only department heads, not teachers, can issue “FD” grades, and students can appeal to have the grade changed.

But get this: If the school determines that the grade is valid, the “FD” stays on a student’s transcript not only during his or her entire college tenure but for two additional years after graduation.

Try getting into graduate school or landing a job with an employer that asks for transcripts with an “FD” on your record.

Continue reading ""FD" is the new "F"" »

Posted by Joe Burris at 10:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: School's In