Ask an Expert: Judy Goddess
Using California School Law To Advocate For Your Kids

My son, a sophomore, makes good grades and works hard. But one of his teachers humiliates students, including my son. She doesn't grade assignments, return homework, or give tests, and she's given my child low grades. The vice principal canceled several appointments I made to discuss this, and when the three of us did finally meet, the teacher actually stated that she gives grades subjectively. Shouldn't a teacher have a quantitative measurement for assigning grades?

No child should be subjected to humiliation in class. And grades are based on class work, homework, and test scoresÑwhile there is always some subjectivity in grading, the whim of the teacher should not be the overriding factor. She should have explained her criteria to students and parents at the beginning of the year. As noted in paragraph 11 of section 51101 of the California Education Code, parents and guardians have the right to "receive information concerning the academic performance standards, proficiencies, or skills their child is expected to accomplish."

You could transfer your son to another class. But to really address this situation, you need to work with other parents and aim higher than the vice principal. After all, if the teacher isn't targeting your child, she'll be after somebody else's, and the vice principal clearly isn't willing or able to stop her. Talk to the parents of other students in the class, since many of them are probably also concerned. Then write a letter to both the principal and the district superintendent, outlining your experiences. Keep copies of all your correspondence. If necessary, take the issue to the School Site Council and the PTA. If you act as a group and don't give up, the school and/or the district will eventually have to address your legitimate concerns, probably by reassigning the teacher, providing extra training, or more closely monitoring her behavior.

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