I received a 60 for Physical Education last marking period. This is from a new gym teacher, and a couple of my friends have received similar grades too. This grade is determined by 10% “Good Sportsmanship,” 50% Participation, and 40% Preparedness. I have actively participated in all activities the past 4+ months, and I behave just as well as everybody else. Although I haven’t worn my uniform every class, all that I have done as stated above ends up warranting me at LEAST a 75. A 60 is basically somebody who NEVER attends classes or does ANYTHING. The semester ends on Friday. What do I do?
Talk to your teacher and ask them to explain your grades. He probably took points off for not being in uniform which would go under “preparedness.” Just curious, is the 60 your final grade for PE or do you have other marking periods in it?
Yes and yes. I have talked to my teacher and there are other marking periods within this semester. Her response was not helpful at all. She basically defended her way of determining my grade despite me explaining how ridiculous that grade was. One of the things I mentioned is that grades of 60s or lower basically means the student has done NOTHING. I did the complete opposite.
Is this in writing somewhere or is it just your opinion?
“What do I do?”
A good start would be to wear your uniform to every class next semester.
@CottonTales Even though I didn’t wear uniform to every class, I didn’t do so to the point that it warranted such a low grade. Nice straw man though.
@bodangles This is an accurate understanding based on the grading system.
Your use of “basically means” implies to me that this is not, in fact, a rule given verbatim in a syllabus for the gym class in particular. Is this correct?
It’s unfortunate and I experienced something similar in my Freshmen PE class, but you need to consider some things. First off your description of speaking to her implies that your frammed her as being in the wrong- this is never the right way to approach a teacher or any authority figure for that matter. Secondly, she’s a new teacher and may not fully understand the grading system (My school has a crazy turnaround rate so I know thw feeling), have some sympathy and ask her what she thinks a 60 is. Thirdly, if many of your friends received similar grades then that shows that she is consistent and definitly isn’t given them out arbitearilly. Lastly PE is a non-academic class it’s not like it will ruin your chances to go to college or anything.
Agreed. I fail to see why a person complains when s/he is the one not following directions. If the English teacher requires bringing the book to every class and you fail to do so, would you be surprised that you get marked down for being unprepared? Just because PE is not an academic course does not mean that you get to disregard the teacher’s instructions.