SISparent - frustrations

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids are still in ES so I haven't had the experience of checking SIS for much. I am wondering, however, when this ability for parents to monitor grades so closely started. In the last 5-10 years? And and what level is information available? Class grade, of course, but also for individual tests, quizzes, and specific assignments?

If more than class grades, and perhaps tests, is it overkill? Maybe I don't see the importance given my kids' ages? Maybe the vast majority of parents aren't monitoring so closely (though this thread seems to indicate otherwise)? I guess I am hoping that students are still primarily responsible for monitoring their own grades and resolving issues that arise, rather than their parents?

three or four years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids are still in ES so I haven't had the experience of checking SIS for much. I am wondering, however, when this ability for parents to monitor grades so closely started. In the last 5-10 years? And and what level is information available? Class grade, of course, but also for individual tests, quizzes, and specific assignments?

If more than class grades, and perhaps tests, is it overkill? Maybe I don't see the importance given my kids' ages? Maybe the vast majority of parents aren't monitoring so closely (though this thread seems to indicate otherwise)? I guess I am hoping that students are still primarily responsible for monitoring their own grades and resolving issues that arise, rather than their parents?

They have always sent out bi-weekly progress reports via email for middle and high school. Teachers were expected to have the grade kept up to date prior to the email being sent. So, parents being kept in the loop isn't new. Our principal asks and encourages parents to check in on SIS so we can talk with our kids about how to fix any issues and help them problem solve.

Yes, info is very detailed: quizzes, tests, projects, homework grades. The problem is that some teachers are simply awful about filling in SIS. They would also be delinquent if the progress report system was still in place.

I don't expect it to be updated daily or weekly, but this is the kind of situation we're dealing with that pisses me off. I have a high schooler who has an AP class for which there is not a single grade entered in the second quarter. The teacher just gave them back the only test they've taken yesterday. It was taken in the first week of December. My child failed the test, and he was totally blindsided by the grade. So now he has two weeks to try to help his grade. He'll retake the test for a max possible grade of 80, however they haven't touched on that material in five weeks.

Re your last question: It's not just for parents. It's for students, too. They should have the opportunity to know where they stand so they can do whatever they can to get a better grade. In many cases where SIS isn't updated, the teacher is also not giving back graded tests/papers either. It's bullshit.

[Anonymous]

For FCPS high schools:

Timely Recording of Grades

Quizzes, tests, examinations, essays, homework, or papers are evaluated and/or graded, returned, and reviewed promptly with the student. Teachers are expected to grade assignments and post grades to the electronic gradebook within seven school days after the due date with the understanding that major projects/papers may require additional time to ensure quality feedback.

https://www.fcps.edu/academics/grading-and-reporting/secondary/communicating-with-students-and-parents

Seriously, if stuff hasn't been recorded since November, COMPLAIN to admin! There is no excuse for that bullshit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids are still in ES so I haven't had the experience of checking SIS for much. I am wondering, however, when this ability for parents to monitor grades so closely started. In the last 5-10 years? And and what level is information available? Class grade, of course, but also for individual tests, quizzes, and specific assignments?

If more than class grades, and perhaps tests, is it overkill? Maybe I don't see the importance given my kids' ages? Maybe the vast majority of parents aren't monitoring so closely (though this thread seems to indicate otherwise)? I guess I am hoping that students are still primarily responsible for monitoring their own grades and resolving issues that arise, rather than their parents?

How is a student supposed to know if they don't get the grades back either? Elementary grades mean nothing. High School grades mean a lot.

[Anonymous]

Blackboard is also total BULLSHIT. It is difficult to navigate and nothing is kept updated there either, not even a TEST SCHEDULE.

[Anonymous]

It also goes against everything I learned in ed school about using assessments as learning tools.

This. Not acceptable. Parents, ideally, should make this THE issue to complain about continuously and shouldn't stop complaining until it stops.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids are still in ES so I haven't had the experience of checking SIS for much. I am wondering, however, when this ability for parents to monitor grades so closely started. In the last 5-10 years? And and what level is information available? Class grade, of course, but also for individual tests, quizzes, and specific assignments?

If more than class grades, and perhaps tests, is it overkill? Maybe I don't see the importance given my kids' ages? Maybe the vast majority of parents aren't monitoring so closely (though this thread seems to indicate otherwise)? I guess I am hoping that students are still primarily responsible for monitoring their own grades and resolving issues that arise, rather than their parents?

What your kid does in elementary school does not matter in the college application process. I have elementary middle and high school kids. I do not care what my elementary kid makes in school because the 1234 system is a joke. As long as they are mostly in the 3 to 4 range (depending on the subject) it does not matter to me.

I check my middle schooler's grades weekly to make sure they are on track, understanding the material and turning things in. There is a huge jump in responsibility and independence when they move to middle school and the online grades are a great tool to keep them on track.

I spot check my high schoolers grades on SIS. Unfortunately, three of his four core teachers do not update grades regularly. These are the 3 classes he decided to blow off starting in the fall. Unfortunately, we were not able to catch this until the teachers started adding 2nd quarter grades in mid November. It was stupid stuff like turning in assignments late, incomplete work, not turning in assignments. Things that tank a grade quickly but that can be fixed quickly if you catch it right away. By the time they finally posted grades he was rocking a C minus in several classes (he is an A student with minimal effort). As soon as we were aware of an issue we started riding him like a little kid, which he bristles at. We told him we will step back as his grades improve to his ability. But none of those teachers have updated grades since mid Novemebr, so we have no idea if he is i.proving, staying the same or failing.

It is frustrating. We check weekly and no grades are added.

Sucks for him. Maybe he will learn to not get into this predicament again.

[Anonymous]

Parents, please complain. It is unacceptable and it is very widespread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parents, please complain. It is unacceptable and it is very widespread.

Is there a way to complain anonymously? My dc doesn't want me to say anything for fear of repercussion. Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents, please complain. It is unacceptable and it is very widespread.

Is there a way to complain anonymously? My dc doesn't want me to say anything for fear of repercussion. Any suggestions?

Same here.

[Anonymous]

I emailed the principal, with a screenshot

[Anonymous]

When I emailed the principal, he replied and cc'ed the teacher!

Anonymous wrote:I emailed the principal, with a screenshot

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I emailed the principal, he replied and cc'ed the teacher!

Anonymous wrote:I emailed the principal, with a screenshot

Same here when I complained last year! My DD asked me not to do that again. Evidently the teacher last year complained about That Parent to another teacher, not realizing my DD was just outside her classroom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I emailed the principal, he replied and cc'ed the teacher!

Anonymous wrote:I emailed the principal, with a screenshot

Same here when I complained last year! My DD asked me not to do that again. Evidently the teacher last year complained about That Parent to another teacher, not realizing my DD was just outside her classroom.

Are the same people that ask for a supervisor because they didn't take your expire coupons ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I emailed the principal, he replied and cc'ed the teacher!

Anonymous wrote:I emailed the principal, with a screenshot

Same here when I complained last year! My DD asked me not to do that again. Evidently the teacher last year complained about That Parent to another teacher, not realizing my DD was just outside her classroom.

Are the same people that ask for a supervisor because they didn't take your expire coupons ?

There are no coupons for the algebra study packet.