What do you think of online gradebooks? (average, parents, girl)

[Scientist Mom]

My DD just started 3rd grade. Her school uses an online grade book. Parents and students can log in anytime and look up the total grade and assignment/ test grades for any subject. This year, they are using a new system that also tracks assignments. I can log in and see what my DD’s homework is for each subject and when it is due. Sounds great, right? But I keep finding myself giving serious consideration to how this fits my parenting style. Is it really in my child’s best interest that I get this information daily?

I can think of several examples when I was in school of getting a low grade on a test/ quiz/ assignment and then working hard to bring my class grade up so that I wouldn’t have to bring home a report card with a poor grade on it. I think there is a benefit in giving a student this type of wiggle room.

All last year, we asked DD each evening what homework she had. She would tell us – sometimes checking her assignment book, most of the time not- and then we would facilitate her getting it done. We have done the same thing this week, but last night after she was done her homework, I looked at her assignments online and saw one she hadn’t mentioned. I decided not to ask about it. She may have forgotten it; she may have done it in afterschool and didn’t mention it when asked. I’m just not sure that double checking her to-do list for accuracy should be on my to-do list. I’m seriously considering not looking at the assignment tracker unless my DD wants to check it.

So, what do think about online gradebooks and assignment trackers? How do they fit into your style of parenting and/ or your child’s needs?

[Wmsn4Life]

We have used them for years in high school and middle school, and our elementary school started this year.

I don't get daily notifications, and I am not tempted to check it every day.

I have definitely turned over HW management to my kids, and for the most part they take care of business. The one who is less "motivated" made one C last year, which was like a natural correction for him. Since then he has reformed his ways without my interference, primarily after he was not allowed to join an organization that had a minimum GPA requirement. The other high-schooler makes all As, while the elementary one seems to follow his motivated brother's footsteps. I sign my youngest's assignment folder nightly and look over all papers brought home.

As far as parenting style, we don't sit at the table and do HW with our kids. When they need help, they ask us. I think the online gradebook would only be a "problem" for us if I hovered over them already.

[maciesmom]

Just because it's available, doesn't mean you have to use it. Personally, I'd continue parenting like you have (since it appears to be working so far) and only use it if you have reason to doubt or have a question.

My kids didn't have that available until high school. I found it was helpful from time to time.....for both them and me...if they couldn't understand why a progress grade wasn't where they thought it should be. "I'm sure I turned that in"....and even then, it's only as good as the teacher is at keeping it up to date. I think it can be a good tool as long as it's not used to relieve students the responsibility of being responsible for themselves.

[Zimbochick]

Our elementary school doesn't use them, but middle and high do. I think they are great tools for parents. I like the fact that one can see trends.

Originally Posted by maciesmom

I think it can be a good tool as long as it's not used to relieve students the responsibility of being responsible for themselves.

Excellent point!

[flyonpa]

Just checked my son's grades... He's doing well so far.....

[Lucidkitty]

I think its a great idea

[TimeMachine]

I think I would check it in "stealth mode" unless I saw something strange going on. Then I'd probably start bringing up homework management if a downward trend started to form.

[lkb0714]

Originally Posted by Scientist Mom

My DD just started 3rd grade. Her school uses an online grade book. Parents and students can log in anytime and look up the total grade and assignment/ test grades for any subject. This year, they are using a new system that also tracks assignments. I can log in and see what my DD’s homework is for each subject and when it is due. Sounds great, right? But I keep finding myself giving serious consideration to how this fits my parenting style. Is it really in my child’s best interest that I get this information daily?

I can think of several examples when I was in school of getting a low grade on a test/ quiz/ assignment and then working hard to bring my class grade up so that I wouldn’t have to bring home a report card with a poor grade on it. I think there is a benefit in giving a student this type of wiggle room.

All last year, we asked DD each evening what homework she had. She would tell us – sometimes checking her assignment book, most of the time not- and then we would facilitate her getting it done. We have done the same thing this week, but last night after she was done her homework, I looked at her assignments online and saw one she hadn’t mentioned. I decided not to ask about it. She may have forgotten it; she may have done it in afterschool and didn’t mention it when asked. I’m just not sure that double checking her to-do list for accuracy should be on my to-do list. I’m seriously considering not looking at the assignment tracker unless my DD wants to check it.

So, what do think about online gradebooks and assignment trackers? How do they fit into your style of parenting and/ or your child’s needs?

I will give the teacher's perspective. I HATE them. For helicopter parents, it just enables them, for uninvolved parents, it makes it even easier to ignore things. For middle of the road parents it has little to no effect. I had a girl whose parents wouldn't let her go to the prom over a low pop quiz grade. I gave two to three a week. At the end of the semester that is literally 25 quizzes at least. She got a single 50% on one of them, and even though her quiz average was still in the 90s, they freaked out. Without the online gradebook they never would have known and she still would have gotten her normal A.

Additionally, at the high school level, I just physically do not have the time to update them daily. I had parents complain they couldn't see their child's homework each night. Sorry, I have too many students to spend my entire prep period entering homework grades every day.

[maciesmom]

Originally Posted by lkb0714

Additionally, at the high school level, I just physically do not have the time to update them daily. I had parents complain they couldn't see their child's homework each night. Sorry, I have too many students to spend my entire prep period entering homework grades every day.

Daily? Heh. My kids had a couple teachers who entered grades at least once or twice per.....quarter....Most teachers updated weekly.

[Bakeneko]

I think it's a great idea. I have several family members and friends who are teachers and talk often about how many times the parents have no idea how poorly their kids are doing in school until they fail a class, grade or don't have enough credits to graduate....