Some proof that GBRS is nonsense, at least in some cases

[Anonymous]

Two years ago my DC was accepted on appeal after having very high scores on NNAT and COGAT but a low GBRS and then a WISC appeal (that put him in the 99.7 percentile).

So, next child up this year and similar scores on NNAT and FxGat. This time I knew enough to ask for a copy of the file in case of a repeat.

Talk about a repeat! DC #2 got the exact same GBRS score in each category AND over 50% of the associated text IS IDENTICAL! There are whole sections of the narrative that are word for word cut and paste.

It is going to take a few days to calm down from this one.

[Anonymous]

If they have the same characteristics, then why wouldn't they use the same language? It seems like a good use of their time to have canned phrases and commentary to describe similar things. It would be a waste of time to write different things that mean the same thing.

[Anonymous]

If they have the same characteristics, then why wouldn't they use the same language? It seems like a good use of their time to have canned phrases and commentary to describe similar things. It would be a waste of time to write different things that mean the same thing.

Clueless

[Anonymous]

Gone are the days where teachers write their own thoughts. Report cards are the same way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Two years ago my DC was accepted on appeal after having very high scores on NNAT and COGAT but a low GBRS and then a WISC appeal (that put him in the 99.7 percentile).

So, next child up this year and similar scores on NNAT and FxGat. This time I knew enough to ask for a copy of the file in case of a repeat.

Talk about a repeat! DC #2 got the exact same GBRS score in each category AND over 50% of the associated text IS IDENTICAL! There are whole sections of the narrative that are word for word cut and paste.

It is going to take a few days to calm down from this one.

You have to believe that many phrases are canned, just like report cards. You can't honestly think they would come up with new narratives for every single second grader?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

If they have the same characteristics, then why wouldn't they use the same language? It seems like a good use of their time to have canned phrases and commentary to describe similar things. It would be a waste of time to write different things that mean the same thing.

Clueless

+100

[Anonymous]

Do these complainers get upset with the FCPS canned "narratives" on the report cards, as well?

[Anonymous]

Boy, nobody gave you positive feedback on your original post but I want to say thank you for posting. Actually, I am a parent who dislikes the narratives on the report cards because they are very impersonal. When I taught, I wrote comments specific to each child. Did I cut and paste some? Sure. But I looked at my comments as a written narrative of one child's academic year, a written record if you will and I took time to try to make them individualized.

I guess it should have occurred to me that teachers would take the same route with the GBRS as they do with the report cards, but it didn't until I read your post. I don't blame the teachers actually. They have so much to do and so little time. I filled out some scales like the GBRS and I did not cut and paste (most were handwritten anyway). But I also didn't teach in 2nd grade year after year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Boy, nobody gave you positive feedback on your original post but I want to say thank you for posting. Actually, I am a parent who dislikes the narratives on the report cards because they are very impersonal. When I taught, I wrote comments specific to each child. Did I cut and paste some? Sure. But I looked at my comments as a written narrative of one child's academic year, a written record if you will and I took time to try to make them individualized.

I guess it should have occurred to me that teachers would take the same route with the GBRS as they do with the report cards, but it didn't until I read your post. I don't blame the teachers actually. They have so much to do and so little time. I filled out some scales like the GBRS and I did not cut and paste (most were handwritten anyway). But I also didn't teach in 2nd grade year after year.

Teachers do not the option to write their own comments on report cards. It is simply not possible with the software that the county mandates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Two years ago my DC was accepted on appeal after having very high scores on NNAT and COGAT but a low GBRS and then a WISC appeal (that put him in the 99.7 percentile).

So, next child up this year and similar scores on NNAT and FxGat. This time I knew enough to ask for a copy of the file in case of a repeat.

Talk about a repeat! DC #2 got the exact same GBRS score in each category AND over 50% of the associated text IS IDENTICAL! There are whole sections of the narrative that are word for word cut and paste.

It is going to take a few days to calm down from this one.

I am baffled as to why you need to calm down. It makes sense that siblings would demonstrate similar characteristics. And seriously, do you think that all second grade teachers are composing unique and creative narratives about each individual child?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Two years ago my DC was accepted on appeal after having very high scores on NNAT and COGAT but a low GBRS and then a WISC appeal (that put him in the 99.7 percentile).

So, next child up this year and similar scores on NNAT and FxGat. This time I knew enough to ask for a copy of the file in case of a repeat.

Talk about a repeat! DC #2 got the exact same GBRS score in each category AND over 50% of the associated text IS IDENTICAL! There are whole sections of the narrative that are word for word cut and paste.

It is going to take a few days to calm down from this one.

I am baffled as to why you need to calm down. It makes sense that siblings would demonstrate similar characteristics. And seriously, do you think that all second grade teachers are composing unique and creative narratives about each individual child?

NP here- our commentaries contained very specific examples of our son's work - not canned at all.

[Anonymous]

The canned report card comments don't count for much. A GBRS, good or bad, can outweigh pretty much every other marker for AAP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The canned report card comments don't count for much. A GBRS, good or bad, can outweigh pretty much every other marker for AAP.

Unless there is a real reason for It, in most cases the current year's teacher's perspective should be given the most weight.

[Anonymous]

Are you kidding me - my kids are as different as night and day. If I saw identical comments on them, I would know that it was a hack job. That said, I compeletly understand why the teachers/AARTS do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you kidding me - my kids are as different as night and day. If I saw identical comments on them, I would know that it was a hack job. That said, I compeletly understand why the teachers/AARTS do it.

Most parents think their children are as different as night and day, because that is how they see things. Parents frequently lump the similarities into the "all children" do this bucket. Not saying that that is what you do, but it happens.