https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:50:37 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905438 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:58:04 +0000 MrsSCB 2905438@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My work is very much like this, too. You have to be, like, practically the number one employee in the whole company to get exceeds expectations. Seems like if a ton of people get the top grades, then it would be kind of like grade inflation, no? Like grading on a curve? Anyway, I don't really see the point in report cards for kindergartners anyway, so I wouldn't even worry about it. Sounds like she's doing what she's supposed to be doing, which is great! Some things I would consider: What would be the benefit to her of getting the higher ratings? How is this harming her? Are you telling her about the grades, going into the nuances, saying, "Well, you could have gotten higher ratings but got this instead"? I'm assuming not. I'd just tell her, "Your teacher thinks you're doing a great job in school, we're so proud of you, keep up the good work!" and done. Frankly, at this age, the report cards seem more for the parents than the kids. It's not like any universities will not accept a student based on meeting expectations in kindergarten. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905385 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 11:02:03 +0000 Anagram 2905385@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Slightly off topic----Just for general info since people talk about it on this thread: even a "reading level" report is literally just a snapshot (usually) just 1 reading test on a given day and time, on 1 piece of reading. Most public schools do 3-4 a year, and the test and scoring is super rigid, so it's absolutely possible for a student to score higher/lower than their actual reading capability. </p> <p>An example, last year, DD's reading level in K was 1st grade level. 1st grade standard is something like level 6 at the beginning of the year and them at least to level 16 at the end of the year. Level 24 is above grade level. </p> <p>At the end of Kinder last year, DD was at a level 12. One 1 test of 1 passage (the score is made up of how many words they mispronounce or read wrong). This year, her first test she was only an 8. So the score would indicate that her reading level has gotten worse, when in real life, her reading over the summer got noticeably more advanced. She was not able to read a chapter book on her own at the end of last year; now she can (beginner chapter books). </p> <p>But I accept that this 1 reading test (or even last year's reading test) is just a snapshot and doesn't give the whole picture. And that's fine--that's why they do 3-4 over the whole year. At this age, it doesn't really matter as long as you are plugging away, building that foundation of literacy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905384 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 10:56:27 +0000 Ajsmommy 2905384@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: no Fountas and Pinnell level. But that would be great.</p> <p>@LCTBQE: sorry for having an opinion about this... excuse me while I banish myself to a quiet room to ponder my ridiculousness. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905381 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 10:48:38 +0000 LCTBQE 2905381@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: EE for being "that parent". You haven't responded to the many women above who posted reasonable and informed perspectives on your situation, all you're doing is doubling down on complaining about the system denying your kid the gold star. </p> <p>As for your comment "what is the point of trying if you won't be acknowledged": why don't you sit in a quiet room and think that one over for a while, or if you need some help, @Silva: gave you a cheat sheet up there. I think HB is a terrific forum for discussing problems big and small, but this is ridiculous. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905378 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 10:39:19 +0000 Mrsbells 2905378@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: a lot f schools also don't give 4s that early in the school year because they want the report card to show some growth over time. I can understand how it seems weird but like others have said I now accept that the number grade is not as important as the teachers comments. Additionally when they get older if they are doing well they get selected for talented and gifted testing. So don't feel that the teachers don't recognize which kids are standing out and exceeding expectation </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905377 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 10:37:19 +0000 JCCovi 2905377@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: Agree that if they assigned a reading level that might be more helpful! My daughters report card in K was underwhelming concerning reading/writing but her score (can’t remember the specific name but it was one of those standard ones) showed she was 1st grade level. Months later when she was in 1st I saw a compilation of all the Kinder scores from the year before and saw that my daughter had actually been the highest in her class. So at that point I felt some motherly pride and just chalked the English report card up to a hard grader/high expectations. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905361 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 09:51:06 +0000 foodiebee 2905361@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not sure that I'd classify what's happening here as disingenuous or untrue. I teach at the university level, so not K, but I'm sure there are similarities in the fact that there is nuance to grading. (ETA There's a wide swath between "sucking at something" and "excelling at something.") The teachers discussing how they all grade so that they're on the same page doesn't seem outlandish to me. In fact, I'd think it's a good thing, because it helps avoid situations where you could otherwise have one teacher who was known for being an easy grader vs. a hard grader. Wouldn't it make you (or any other parent) more upset to find out that Teacher A was giving EEs to kids similar to your DD while Teacher B wasn't? Consistency here seems like a good thing then, right? :)</p> <p>At this age, I'd hope that the focus was less on a formal grade and more on instilling a love for learning, of enjoyment of the classroom, and of excitement for school. You've gotten some good responses here, I think, to help examine the situation from another angle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905357 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 09:35:35 +0000 Corduroy 2905357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: Maybe I missed it but does the report (or did the teacher) provide DD's reading level? We get the Fountas and Pinnell level on the report card. The focus tends to be on that letter more than the 'grade'. Although that only works for reading. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905350 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 09:03:37 +0000 pinkb 2905350@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the terms "excel" and "excellence" are the problem here. In K kids are just beginning their education. I think any grade is made up of the average information in the curriculum that needs to be taught to that grade. So there is more information that a Kindergartener could know/ learn to still be on level but they have to teach to the majority on a broad spectrum. In higher grades then you can go above an really excel and there are special programs for true excellence. Yes as a parent we can see our child doing really well with their behavior /reading /math. And that's great and amazing but excellence to me is another step above that. Its outstanding, superior, brilliance. I think handing out "excellence" without true knowledge of their growth and potential is a bit premature and can add to the problem of kids feeling entitle to things. And parents thinking their kids are deserving of things that have not been earned accordingly like the "everyone deserves a trophy" mentality. </p> <p>I think K is just too early for all of it. Our school did the same, they don't give out the highest marks for the kids off the bat and I get it. I also get that as parents we think our kids are amazing, and they are :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905347 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:15:08 +0000 Ajsmommy 2905347@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: I did alright speak to the teacher, hence how I know it’s their policy</p> <p>And it does bother me that we can’t reward excellence anymore </p> <p>I’m simply responding to your post.</p> <p>If i were “those parents” I’d be in the principals office and meeting w the pta and board of directors but I’m not, thank u :happy: I<br /> Posted here and I’m simply responding</p> <p>And I disagree. If kindergarteners are all reading at a first grade level then they are clearly exceeding the kindergarten requirements so why wouldn’t they warrant ee? I’m simply not understanding the logic? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905346 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:10:38 +0000 SweetiePie 2905346@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: no, what I’m saying is if everyone is reading at 1st grade level, then that’s not very excellent or exceeding anything. </p> <p>Sounds like this really bothers you. Maybe you should talk to the teacher or even go above her. Despite saying repeatedly that you don’t want to be “those parents”, you are being “those parents”. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905345 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:05:29 +0000 Ajsmommy 2905345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: but why this? " I only consider that “not rewarding those who excel” if they are also giving the kids who are below the expected reading level MEs and 3s."</p> <p>Why shouldn't kids who are excelling in one or more areas get a 4 or an EE?</p> <p>And the fact that all the kindergarten teachers got together and decided to implement this rule to not give EE's or 4's is most certainly leveling the playing field in my opinion.. </p> <p>and this "if a majority is doing it, is that really exceeding expectations if your kid does it? " if the majority is doing it then they all deserve EE's.... if there are a lot or a few or just ONE that is exceeding the KINDERGARTEN expectations then they should get EE... so in your example if there just happens to be a bunch of gifted kids day 10 or more in one class that are all exceeding and doing 1st grade math then none of them deserve to be acknowledged simply bc there are 9 others who also excel? </p> <p>and i never said i expected perfect across the board, i simply said there are actually three specific areas I expected and EE/4. I am not an idiot and i surely don't think my kid is perfect or exceeds in all areas... </p> <p>To me I just prefer things to be as they should.. honest, true... it's just my personality … If i suck at something tell me, that's ok.. if i excel at something also tell me, that's ok. I am trying to teach my kids the same thing.. that you will excel in certain things and you will struggle in others.. it's just life. But this report card and the K teachers "policy" do not at all line up with that... i'm not saying its wrong bc obviously they are doing it and they can.. i'm just an advocate for working hard and rewarding excellence. I dont' think there's anything wrong with that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905313 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 22:28:56 +0000 SweetiePie 2905313@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: I only consider that “not rewarding those who excel” if they are also giving the kids who are below the expected reading level MEs and 3s.<br /> If everyone in the class is getting the same thing regardless of their performance, then yeah, I’d be annoyed. But I would assume there are some kids who are below where they should be and they are getting 2s or whatever is below ME. I KNOW we had some kids last year in his PreK class who they would never have been able to give 3-4 or ME-EE to. It would be truly misleading and wrong. Parents deserve to know if their kid needs a little help in a certain area. So, unless you know that everyone got 3s and ME along the entire spectrum of kids, I wouldn’t call it “leveling the playing field”. </p> <p>And then there might be some who are TRULY exceeding (like beyond 1st grade level in K - it sounds like 1st grade levels in K is pretty common) who are getting the EEs and 4s. To me, that is valid. Yeah 1st grade level is above K. But if a majority is doing it, is that really exceeding expectations if your kid does it? </p> <p>I’m not saying any of this to be an a-hole. It’s just a possibility. We also had a fantastic PT conference for our Kindergartener, and while we haven’t received his report card yet, Im not expecting her to give him a perfect across the board. There are always areas of improvement. I feel like “oh she/he is really special, beyond what’s normal and expected” should really be reserved for those who are...special and beyond what’s normal and expected. Maybe my kid is, maybe he isn’t. But I know I’ll always think he’s more special than everyone else 😂 so my assessment doesn’t count. until a teacher says it on her own, we’re just doing our part at home and letting the teacher take care of the rest. And, it’s only K 🤷🏻‍♀️ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905312 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 22:24:34 +0000 Dynamite 2905312@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hate report cards for early elementary. I get a little miffed every time her report card comes home and the teacher doesn't mention anything about her being an obvious prodigy. ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905307 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 16:32:28 +0000 Ajsmommy 2905307@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@foodiebee: to me its evening out the playing field and not rewarding those that excel </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905304 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 16:27:05 +0000 foodiebee 2905304@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Grace: My job too. You aren't going to get a 5 out of 5 unless you're really really crushing it. Doesn't mean you aren't a great employee. As a former all A's student, I had to really wrap my mind around this when I went into the workplace!</p> <p>@Ajsmommy: Wouldn't "everyone gets an award for showing up" mean that everyone just got EEs though? So by not handing out straight EEs to all the kids, they actually aren't doing that?</p> <p>@Silva: Love this thought. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905277 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 14:27:41 +0000 graceandjoy 2905277@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: I mean they did say she is above reading level, but I can see why if she got the best score already in the very first marking period, then there's really no where to go. And I also think being literally the first 3 months in kindergarten, as amazing as all the kids are, I am sure there's room for improvement...? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905264 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:19:19 +0000 Ajsmommy 2905264@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@graceandjoy: do you think she deserves a 4 or an e in any one thing? From your perspective? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2905261 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:05:21 +0000 graceandjoy 2905261@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: Just got our kindergarten report card, and she is all 3 out of 4, and S which is one step down from E. I totally get it though; this is 1 out of 3 trimesters, so it's kind of hard to improve if you start out with the highest score. I def take to heart more with what they talked about during PTC and also the little blurb they wrote as that means so much more than the standard "grading" they get. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2904056 Mon, 02 Dec 2019 00:34:39 +0000 meganmp 2904056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't share it specifically (there is a lot to read on ours- roughly 200 words per subject area) but I do share the successes and areas to continue to work on with both kids. They take them to heart for sure, especially the successes! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2904050 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 21:56:09 +0000 jhd 2904050@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JCCovi: i didnt share it with my DS! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2904049 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 21:50:45 +0000 JCCovi 2904049@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was similarly surprised last year in K but shrugged it off. Does everyone share the report cards with their kinders? I didn’t and I’m not planning to share 1st grade reports either. Although I would address it if there were specific concerns raised. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2903839 Wed, 27 Nov 2019 10:22:40 +0000 Silva 2903839@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: I think that "the point" is there's good evidence to show that teaching in a way that encourages intrinsic motivation rather than external motivation (say, being motivated by trying to get a good grad) is a good idea. There is a move to do this more in higher grades as well, in an effort to get kids focused less on a subjective grade and more focused on learning and being good citizens just because thats the right thing to do. Being good even when no one is looking, being good even when no one is grading you, you know? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2903836 Wed, 27 Nov 2019 09:09:01 +0000 erinbaderin 2903836@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think you’re stressing out too much about kindergarten report cards. 1-4 doesn’t leave a lot of space for gradients - maybe she’s a 3.5, but that isn’t an option. It sounds like she’s doing well, has a solid base, and is well positioned for grade 1. Honestly, based on what you described, those are the levels that seem appropriate. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2903835 Wed, 27 Nov 2019 08:59:16 +0000 annem1990 2903835@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: As a former primary teacher, this sounds very standard. While doing 1st grade work in K is awesome, it’s also just not that uncommon. I’ve had kids that could literally do Middle School grade level stuff at this age. A child who could qualify for Gifted &amp; Talented or we consider skipping a grade I could see getting consistent 4’s. There is such a wide range of abilities from kids in a given grade level, that just one grade ahead isn’t all that noteworthy. It’s awesome that she will likely keep excelling and hopefully continue to do well, but keep it in perspective. It sounds like the school interprets a 3 as “Where they should be” which is how I would look at it too. There is such a range of what kids in her class are able to do and I would bet kids who can do more than her and less still got 3’s. Why? Because that’s all still “normal” for this grade level. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2903831 Wed, 27 Nov 2019 08:15:10 +0000 Ajsmommy 2903831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jhd: this is what i first told DH bc i saw it at DD's preschool... they need to grade lower at first so they can show the kids improved and hence that they "did their job by effectively teaching them"</p> <p>Overall, I guess i get it but I'm just one of those old school peeps who is sometimes annoyed by the way the world is going lately.. why does everyone have to be "ok" at things why can't we celebrate and show the kids/people/whomever that excel at things that they do and why should they not be proud of it. Sure not everyone is going to excel but THAT IS LIFE. I guess i just don't like the "everyone gets an award for showing up" attitude. Blah, i know i will probably be blasted but for goodness sakes what is the point of even trying if you won't be acknowledged as excelling? If you're just gonna be lumped in with all the others "who do ok" what's the point of even trying to do better!?!?!? gahhhhh </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2903670 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 00:02:52 +0000 Grace 2903670@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our Kinder report card had no grades. Just comments to say how they were doing. Your comments kind of remind me of our work’s performance reviews. We never get a “4”. That’s because a “4” means that you are putting in tons of overtime, putting out fires right and left. You are basically the biggest superstar in the world. A “3” means “meets expectations”, which is to do your job and do it well. I think that’s probably how your kid is doing. She’s doing kindergarten and she’s doing it well. A “4” would probably mean that she should be moved to first grade now and be expected to graduate from high school at 14. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2903669 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 23:57:34 +0000 Mama Bird 2903669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, it's typical. Our teachers also lowball first-term grades so they can show improvement. Last year, during first or second term, the teacher literally kept saying "I can't justify giving a lower grade for that" as if the lower grade is the default. The kid was in shock when he got his first report card and kept saying "but I'm doing so good, why did I get 2s and 3s?!" and it took a lot of explaining that the grade has very little to do with his actual performance. This is not easy to explain to a kindergartener, and I wonder how many kids see their report card and lose motivation... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2903661 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 22:23:08 +0000 gotkimchi 2903661@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Interesting. Our report card only have a + / or - so it’s like usually, sometimes, rarely </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/report-cards-whats-the-point-then#post-2903660 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 22:16:22 +0000 DesertDreams88 2903660@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Out district policy heavily frowns on using lots of 4s or EEs as well. We get lectures about it 1x-2x a year. They aren't "A's like we think of them, they are ABOVE A's. On our report card, each grade gets one line of basic explanation but the "4/EE" has 3 lines of explanation. </p> <p>I also wouldn't really care at all, it literally means nothing at this age. </p>