Second grade, part 4

Reese battled fear as her mom faced Mrs. Sanderson but she also felt pride and a sense of justice that her mom was set this crabby teacher straight, for what she wasn’t quite sure yet.

Mrs. Sanderson crabby voice responded, “I only have a minute.”

“I will try not to take much of your time but I would like some help understanding why Reese has straight A minus’ again? Her work indicates she should have a higher average than this?”

“I do not give straight As. I believe no student deserves a perfect grade.”

“May I see her averages?”

“I cannot show you my grade book.”

“Then you can tell me her average in each subject.”

Mrs. Sanderson searched through her grade book and quoted numbers to Reese’s mom.

“96, 98, 98, 99.”

“Those average sound like straight A’s to me. Why the minus sign?”

“Again Mrs. Williams, I do not believe in perfect As.”

Reese was becoming more uncomfortable. She could see anger reaching her mother’s face and she could see the crabby look increasing on Mrs. Sanderson’s face. She didn’t really care that her grades were A minus, at least they all had the A! But obviously her mom didn’t appreciate the grades.

“Mrs. Sanderson,” mom said, “I understand that no human is perfect, but I do not agree with the records you have put in my daughter’s grade card, that will also be in her permanent file. These grades imply she has an average of very low 90s, which is not true. We know she is a smart girl and have told her we expect straight A’s from her because we believe that is her best. However, I do not appreciate her teacher not being honest and fair on her report card. Is this school policy?”

Mrs. Sanderson’s face turned red while she stammered over what to say.

“It is school policy that I record grades as I see fit.”