Case Book Five

Babalee Jenkins is teaching her health class. She gave her students mock report cards last week, so that they would know how they are doing, and could make adjustments before report cards come out in two weeks. Rita Dalwe has asked to talk to her, and come over to a private conversation with Ms. Jenkins.

RITA: Ms. Jenkins, is it true that no one got an "A" in the class?

MS. JENKINS: No that's not true.

RITA: Who got the highest grades?

MS. JENKINS: You know that I won't discuss other students' grades with anyone but the student or the parent. What exactly is your concern?

RITA: I got a "C." I usually get "As." I don't know why. I have been doing my work. My team has done their work. The only thing I am missing is my project report.

MS. JENKINS: A grade of "C" means average work. "A" means exceptional, way above average. The way you earn each grade is determined on your contracts, and how well you meet them. If you have a "C" so far, you need to look at how well you are doing at meeting your contract. You also need to think about what you are going to tell your parent about your grade. Your mom told me that she is coming to report card pick-up, and will meet with you and I about how you are doing.

RITA: My mom will freak. She expects me to get good grades. I always get good grades. Ms. Jenkins, this is so unfair. I have done all of the work.

MS. JENKINS: Let's talk about the quality of the work. It has been of average quality. I haven't seen anything exceptional from you at all. Rita, I worry that you don't put enough effort into what you are doing. You are used to students and teachers assuming you are really good, and good grades coming from minimal effort. I told you that minimal effort earns minimal grades in here. I don't see you putting much into your team, and you don't have your project report in. It is late by over a week.

RITA: But, Ms. Jenkins, I told you that it would be late. I couldn't get my interviews done that I had to.

MS. JENKINS: Depending on the outcome, that may help your grade. However, you need to get that report in. How can I grade you on work not turned in?

RITA: How about on the concept? Seriously, I know you can't. I will get the report in yet this week, I promise. It'll be an outstanding report. It'll bring my grade up to an "A."

MS. JENKINS: Rita, I want you to do your very best on the report. However, even if you do get an "A" on the report, that alone may not bring up your grade to an "A." Look at your contract and see what else you might need to do, so you can get going on the work. If you are serious, you need to turn in outstanding work. I know you are capable of it. You just have to show some effort.

RITA: I guess I have to think about this. I never had a teacher push me so hard or tell me that I had to do more.

Teacher Notes:

• Always know the school's grading policy and adhere to it. You will cause confusion for the students and the parents if you try to change it once the school year has started. If you have questions about it, ask a colleague or your administration to clarify this.