Thanks

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Home : 2002 : January : 6

Thanks
By Madeline

I would like to thank the people who gave me CONSTRUCTIVE advice. I was a little offended by a few of the comments, but that seems to be happening a lot lately with this website (unfortunately, because previously it had
been my lifesaver). Just to clarify: I am actually NOT a first year teacher, believe it or not, but a third year teacher. I teach third grade. I only teach reading and writing. In writing, I DO have their compositions graded and can use them to determine how well they capitalize, punctuate and use grammar skills. I have always had issues with what is the BEST way to do grades, so I

have tried a lot of different things. This time I just cracked under the pressure and got behind, I guess because I was trying to save and grade EVERYTHING and I ended up too overwhelmed to do ANYTHING.

I feel that I need to clear something up. I DON'T give grades based on feelings. Usually my feelings ARE right on when I go to average the grades in my grade book, but I am too afraid to give a grade simply basd on feelings because I can only imagine what the parents would say (and what I would say if I were a parent). It isn't right to do that. I guess I made it sound like I do that, but I don't. I don't need a "mentor or administrator " to keep tabs on my record keeping either, as one person suggested. I actually have one of the neatest, clutter-free classrooms in my school, and many people come to me for advice. I have been told that I give outstanding reports at team meetings regarding progress of students, with full documentation and work to support it. Forgive me for coming to this place, called the VENT, to voice my frustrations about grading. I just fell a little behind and was trying to rationalize a little. Most of the suggestions WERE helpful in making me realize that I need a plan so that I can keep from falling behind again, like only grading one assignment per subject per week. Those who did not offer advice and instead tried to make me feel guilty, please don't respond to my questions if you see my name again. And just so all of the people who were upset can rest better tonight, I spent a lot of time today grading and sorting through "the pile." Now my grade book is chock-full of grades.