The Imperfect Community

Petulant Pixie · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 7:44 pm Post subject:

Yes, it is funny and the best part is that it sets a precedent. The "Ramsey Project" can live in family infamy to be referenced countless times in the future--for all three, "Don't ask your mother about history, remember the Ramsey Project?"

mommy2three · Imperfect Parent Joined: 20 Dec 2002 Posts: 1674

Math B has done me in with the oldest, I just can't wrap my brain around this stuff anylonger.

I literally Laughed Out Loud when she got her summer project back for AP world history this fall....I told her to correct the spelling used for her topic as it was a popular spelling and not the correct spelling....teacher was impressed and embarassed.

When I went to school we didn't have 13 yo's taking college level courses....I'm stunned by what is expected these days....HS isn't any fun. Evil or Very Mad

mommy2three · Imperfect Parent Joined: 20 Dec 2002 Posts: 1674

Petulant Pixie · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 7:58 pm Post subject:

It is ridiculous! I remember my first research paper in 6th grade, it was on Armadillos and I got all my information from a National Geographic book (Explore the Armadillo or something like that) and the current World Book encylcopedia. I got an A+. It just seems so unreal that they expect the kids to go so far out of their way to do this!

Next year he has a science project. Oh, that ought to be fun. No, really, it should! Very Happy

mommy2three · Imperfect Parent Joined: 20 Dec 2002 Posts: 1674

Petulant Pixie · Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 9:27 am Post subject:

Computer programs and calculators--At Alex's school, each math class has a specific calculator requirement. This year, for 6th grade math, it was the cheapest--a Texas Instrument something or other for $45. Next year in algebra, it will be the $120 one. BUT, since it is required, if it's stolen, then the school is responsible for it. That's how they discourage ipods and other things, by saying that if it's not required for the class, the school isn't responsible if it's stolen.

Also, there is this waaaay cool music program. Smartmusic. It is unbelievable. I mean, we all know how far technology has advanced since we were in high school, but to see it applied to the arts like this is amazing. I'm all into new technology and I'm sure in chemistry that we'll have to have some specific program, too. But, like for the smartmusic, which typically runs $120, we got a student discount and the annual subscription is $20. Is there something like that for the computer lab program???

Overall, I love this school. I think the paper was too much and I do believe that if he'd been working real hard and getting things in on time that the teacher wouldn't have graded this paper so low. I mean that as more of an insult to him than to her. The paper was short and it generally sucked, but *I* do believe it held the points she said she was looking for. But, since it's him and he hasn't been doing great work all sememster, why should she LOOK for those points. Why not just glance it over and think, hmmm, typical work for this kid this year and write it off as such? I don't BLAME her. But, I do wish he'd advocate for more points for himself by showing her where he really did do the things she asked for. But, it's his grade and he wants to be done with it.

My child is not perfect, lol, he's a good, smart kid, but faaaaaaar from perfect.

Scout · Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 1:26 pm Post subject:

Lol! I do think it's a good idea to ask for a rubric. here, kids have to be given a rubric that clearly lists expectations for each grade. For example "An A paper will have x, y, and z." It is really helpful for Calvin's science projects and stuff because there's no guessing about what the teacher wants.