Heading towards his first "B"

[Anonymous]

Yeah I know. It's okay. Land the helicopter. To him, I've only said encouraging comments--great job; I love to see how hard you're working; As long as you do your best, that's all that matters.

It's killing me though. I know it's the grade he deserves. It's AP Seminar and for my math loving science kid, this a new skill set, and one he can't power through. I also recognize that of all his classes, this is the most valuable at the moment. BC Calc is a breeze and chem isn't challenging nor is APES. He's not a humanities kid so he takes honors level English and History and won't go near the AP classes in these subjects. This is his first real writing class. He's leaning towards physics and says he wants his Phd--AP Seminar and AP Research are the classes that are going to give him those skills.

I will never share my thoughts with him but I had hopes that he would get through HS with straight As. I also realize that one or two Bs won't be the end and he won't be applying to T50 schools. So I suppose in the end it doesn't matter. But it hurts me.

[Anonymous]

It should not hurt you OP.

You raised a fabulous kid.

I hope they have life skills as well.

[Anonymous]

He knows he’s disappointing you; there’s no way it’s “killing you” and he isn’t picking up on your true feelings. Poor kid.

[Anonymous]

Most kids don't get through HS with all straight A's. You should have adjusted your expectations ages ago. Better late than never.

[Anonymous]

It is great he is feeling challenge when he doesn’t in classes many kids find challenging (math/science). That means he can actually lern to write in the class—a skill that is useful regardless of what career he chooses—and help develop a growth mindset. Remember — actual learning that matters, not just the grade. And despite what DCJM says, people do get Bs, especially when they are stretching themselves to a challenging course. It will become even more common now with the grading changes.

[Anonymous]

Personally I think getting the occasional B or even C is a good thing. It shows that you have potential for growth. It also shows that teachers may actually be holding students to real standards.

These are things a good admissions counselor will see and factor in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is great he is feeling challenge when he doesn’t in classes many kids find challenging (math/science). That means he can actually lern to write in the class—a skill that is useful regardless of what career he chooses—and help develop a growth mindset. Remember — actual learning that matters, not just the grade. And despite what DCJM says, people do get Bs, especially when they are stretching themselves to a challenging course. It will become even more common now with the grading changes.

Thank for this reminder. I know he's actually being challenged.

[Anonymous]

Much better to get Bs in HS and learn how to tackle challenging by material then being confronted with it in college at the astronomical cost per class

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is great he is feeling challenge when he doesn’t in classes many kids find challenging (math/science). That means he can actually lern to write in the class—a skill that is useful regardless of what career he chooses—and help develop a growth mindset. Remember — actual learning that matters, not just the grade. And despite what DCJM says, people do get Bs, especially when they are stretching themselves to a challenging course. It will become even more common now with the grading changes.

Thank for this reminder. I know he's actually being challenged.

Absolutely, OP. And not as many kids as you might suppose based on DCUM maintain a 4.0. You said yourself he's not aiming for tippy-top schools, so he is totally fine. Supporting a growth mindset is very important. And how wonderful that he has identified his primary interest at such a young age.

[Anonymous]

HS is the best place to address his weak area. Get the most out of this opportunity. He will need that skill to survive college and beyond.

[Anonymous]

OP you need therapy

[Anonymous]

Take heart, my very good student is struggling an AP calculus and has a C. All I can do is help him.

[Anonymous]

I don't think you understand the value of having your son not always succeed.

[Anonymous]

Parents complaining about a B is the type of thing that gets teachers fired because our union is weak and the admin is spineless to stick up for us .

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm glad this is anonymous and that you're using this place to vent, but this is unhinged to be that upset about your son getting a B in an AP class, especially since he's not even applying to a T50 school.