Subject: Concern About My Grades
I’m feeling frustrated about my grades in TDSB and believe they were marked unfairly. It seems there’s no official appeal process for grades, so I’m reaching out to see if anyone has successfully challenged a grade before? What steps did you take?
I’ve consistently completed all my assignments each term, scoring over 98% on each. I’m not someone who relies on tools like ChatGPT to do my work. I’ve actively participated in class discussions, and I haven’t gotten a question wrong since September. However, in my language class, where I felt I deserved a 99%, I received only a 90%. I feel like the comment “there’s always room for improvement” simply does not apply to my situation; I’ve already reached my potential.
In History, I scored a 98%, but for the majority of my other classes, I’ve received what I consider unfair grades, with many around 85%. To make matters worse, my teacher doesn’t effectively teach; we mostly sit in class without engaging discussions and only have assignments.
As an eighth grader, I find this situation quite frustrating, and I’m eager to understand how I can fairly contest these grades. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I understand how frustrating it must be to feel like your hard work isn’t being recognized with the grades you believe you deserve. Here are a few steps you can consider to address this situation:
Talk to Your Teacher: Schedule a time to speak with your teacher privately. Share your concerns calmly and respectfully. Ask for specific feedback on what you could improve to understand why you received the grades you did. Sometimes teachers may have insights that can clarify their grading process.
Gather Evidence: Collect all your assignments, scores, and any feedback you received. This will help you make a strong case during your discussion.
Involve Your Parents: It might be helpful to talk to your parents or guardians about the situation. They can support you in reaching out to your teacher or school administration if needed.
Talk to a Counselor or Administrator: If the conversation with your teacher doesn’t resolve the issue, consider speaking with a school counselor or administrator. Explain your situation and see if there’s an established process for addressing grade disputes.
Understand the Grading Policy: Familiarize yourself with your school’s grading policy. This information may be included in your student handbook or school website. Knowing the policy can help you articulate your concerns better.
Focus on Learning: While it’s important to advocate for yourself, keep in mind that grade disputes can be challenging. Focus on maintaining your learning and growth, as grades do not define your abilities or potential.
Remember to approach this situation professionally and respectfully. Good luck!