Ask an Expert: Jim Cox and Pat Puleo
Measuring Up: A Parent's Guide to Testing, Grades, and Assessments

If my daughter scored at the 90th percentile in math, but gets C's for grades, is she an underachiever? She is in fourth grade.

There are two issues here. The SAT-9 mathematics test has 78 items. Your daughter got 68 items correct. Of course, that is very good. But undoubtedly there is much more in your daughter's math curriculum than is covered by SAT-9. Perhaps she is doing very well in the basics, but less well in those areas that SAT-9 does not address. You would be well advised to discuss this with your child's teacher.

Second, the manner in which teachers award grades varies from teacher to teacher. Sometimes grades are given based in part upon criteria that are not directly related to achievement. Attitudes, rate of homework completion, effort, participation in class for many teachers are important contributors. Again, speaking with the teacher regarding grading criteria would help understand this disparity.

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