I was at a meeting earlier in the week for library volunteers at my girls’ school. During the meeting the principal was talking about privacy and the importance of keeping any student information we came across while in the library private. She also mentioned that the school was adjusting their rules for email so that it would be more private and that teachers would no longer be able to email parents their child’s grade. My first thought was, “Why would a teacher email a grade? Isn’t that what grade cards are all about?” So I asked some people about it. Turns out parents want to know what a child got on tests and assignments rather than waiting for the grade card. Keep in mind, my older is starting 3rd grade, so up until now, grades haven’t been that big of a concern.
I thought back to when I was in school. After taking a test, it would come home and my parents would ask about how I did on the test or with a big project or assignment. Other than that, my parents didn’t regularly check in to see what my grades were. That was left up to me-to make sure I was completing my work and studying.
Here is my question-Do we as parents need to know every grade our child gets or is that micromanaging? Should that be more of the responsibility of the child and the parent is there to offer support and guidance? I’m curious to know as I enter into that phase of school.
Posted by Margaret Sarver