Concern About Inaccurate Grades
I feel that my teacher has unfairly lowered my grades in TDSB, and I’m struggling to find a formal way to appeal the decision. Has anyone successfully challenged a grade before? If so, what steps did you take?
I’ve completed every assignment in every term, consistently scoring over 98%. I’m not just relying on ChatGPT; I actively participate in class and haven’t gotten a question wrong since September. Yet, in the language course where I believe I deserved a 99%, I received a 90%. The saying “There’s always room for improvement” doesn’t really apply to my situation—I don’t see where else I can go from here. I got a 98% in History but an unfair 85% in most of my other subjects.
To add to my frustration, my teacher doesn’t provide instruction; we mostly sit in class without any discussion while she just assigns work. And remember, we are in Grade 8, not high school! I find this situation deeply unfair and would appreciate any guidance on how to formally dispute my grades. Thank you!
It’s really frustrating to feel like you’re not being graded fairly, especially when you’ve put in so much effort and excelled in your assignments. Here are some steps you might consider taking to address the situation:
Review Your Grades: Take a closer look at your assignments and feedback. Try to understand where the discrepancies might be. If there are specific areas where you feel you lost points, note them down.
Talk to Your Teacher: Schedule a time to speak with your teacher one-on-one. Approach the conversation calmly and express your concerns clearly. Ask for specific feedback on why you received the grades you did, and share your perspective on your performance.
Gather Evidence: If you have examples of your assignments or tests, compile them to support your case. Be prepared to show that you’ve consistently performed well.
Involve Your Parents or Guardians: If after talking to your teacher you still feel unsatisfied, it might be helpful to have a parent or guardian involved. They could schedule a meeting with the teacher or administration to discuss your concerns.
Contact a Counselor or Administrator: If talking to your teacher doesn’t resolve the issue, consider reaching out to a school counselor or administrator. They can guide you on the appropriate steps to take and help mediate the situation.
Know Your School’s Policies: Familiarize yourself with your school’s policies on grading and appeals. Even if there isn’t a formal appeal process, understanding the rules can help you advocate for yourself more effectively.
It’s important to communicate your feelings respectfully and to approach the situation with an open mind. Good luck, and remember that your hard work and effort are valuable regardless of the grades!