In that case, he'd have to score under a 61 to bring his average down to 85 (assuming that is the boundary between a B+ and a B-). For a student that's had an 89 on the semester and is motivated to study, it seems very unlikely he would do that poorly. So, there is no real risk. And, I suppose if he did that badly he would know while he was taking the test and could possibly just throw it away instead of turning it in. However, to get to a 90, he'd have to score a 96 on this test. I have no idea if he can pull that off, but there isn't much room for error there. Conversely, if there is any detriment to losing one point and getting an 88 instead of an 89, he'd have to get an 82. So, getting anywhere between 83 and 95 -- which is where he'd likely end up scoring -- won't move his final grade at all. That may be a lot of effort for nothing. But, he should probably still do it.
Yes, he just takes forever to get back to my son. Just wanted to see what the general consensus was- all good points. I can even understand the "grades are stupid" sentiment- my son is an honors student, nearly all straight As, so he succeeds within the system, but I do feel that there are many kids that don't perform well within the standard educational system - and it's not because they're not smart, it's because schools typically gear learning towards 2 areas of intelligence: Verbal/Linguistic and Logical/Mathematical- and they tend to ignore other areas of intelligence like Body/Kinesthetic, Visual/Spatial, Musical/Rhythmic, Intrapersonal, etc. And for these students, grades don't really reflect their intellectual capabilities.
It's a good lesson to learn. He's going to come across times where he has to make a choice: play it safe or put it on the line to step up further. And those times will have MUCH MUCH bigger consequences. Let him make the decision and face the reward/consquence. If he does decide to ante up, it'll bring the best out of him. No student who cares about getting an A- vs a B+ is going to take it lightly. You'll see the Kobe in him and study his ass off. He'll end up getting a better grade and he'll have the "I know I can do it if I try hard enough" attitude. Anytime things get rough down the road, he'll remember this example. That he was able to step it up a notch when needed.
OMG- nearly spit out my drink laughing- I read about her- wow, she can't find anyone her age?? Then again, looking like that, she probably had to pay the students.
He did this last year and got a low B, so I think he wants to do it this time, but he's a bit gunshy- yet he still wants to try it- I say, go for it! I just tell him, think Mario Elie, Game 7, 1995 WC semifinals. He could have passed off the shot for fear of missing it and being the goat. No one would have found fault with Dream, Drex, even Smith for taking that shot. Yet, Elie had the guts to take a shot that held the fate of a series in its path. Score- and Elie is rightfully in the history books and featured on most of the "clutch shots" slideshows for his decision.
No. You shouldn't really get any special priviliges just because your grade is high enough to exempt an exam. Good for you kid, your high grade is enough of a reward.
If he wants to take it to better his score then let him go for it. Assuming the kid really is a borderline 'A' student and he studies hard for the final, there's little chance he'd tank his final grade downward. Flipside he'd have to do exceptionally well to make an 'A'. The risk/reward is pretty decent in this scenario. Ditto what people said about self esteem, imagine how badass he'll feel if he actually makes that 96+ and gets the A. If he ends up keeping the 'B' you give him the ol' "you showed some real gumption boy, but sometimes its just not in the cards" speech. It's a great nothing ventured, nothing gained scenario its really unlikely to drag his grade down.
I'd probably count it against him. I only took a final I was exempt from once. I had an A, but wanted a higher A. Not to mention I didn't really have anything better to do. For reference, that teacher said she would not count it if it lowered my grade.
IMO, the teacher would like to avoid grading the extra paper, if I were you, I would have your son approach the teacher and ask if there is any EXTRA CREDIT he can do to earn that 1 point that he needs. Have him tell the teacher that he would like to get the 1 point, and is considering taking the test, but doesn't want to give the teacher an extra paper to grade if he can earn it with extra credit. Trust me, that teacher will be all over that. My wife is a teacher, I speak from experience....lol DD
1. Have him take the test, obviously. 2. When he's accused of cheating (due to high scores & latent racism, even amongst the Latino community), have him retake the test. He'll ace both, of course. 3. Practice your iconic fist pump. I want the original scores reinstated! Spoiler <iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uqt6nUMXxNk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Goose Creek ISD had an exemption policy similar to what the OP is discussing; I assume other districts do as well.
That's the most important part of your post and the answer is "no." If D students can get an F after the final, then A/B students should be at risk of dropping to B/C. I hate to say it, but some top-level students at a certain point tend to develop a sense of entitlement about their grades.
...And yet, I can still imagine a teacher wanting to give some of these kids the incentive to "challenge themselves" on the final, by removing the risk of a lower grade. Particularly if they're underclassmen and it's a math or English class: since they're presumably taking a higher level next year and will need to retain the knowledge base.
Either make the exam optional for every student or required for every student. And if its to be treated as "extra credit", it should be extra credit for all.
judging from all the "if i was a teacher" on this thread, im glad none of yall are teachers haha when i was in HS one of my teacher said you can take the final even if your are exempt, if it's good she'll count it, if it's bad it doesn't hurt. honestly if you are doing so good in the class already there really is no point of taking the final, especially in HS, those classes don't really do anything to you in life anyways especially like history, who gives a ****
