challenging grades and filing a greivance against teacher

[BoliverAllmon]

has anyone here ever challenged a grade at school or filed a grievance against a teacher? I feel that I will probably have to and am curious what to expect.

boliver

[allchopin]

Without challenging grades I'd have nothing to do every other week in my spare time  .  There are grade errors all the time - you just have to be prepared to state your case and be ready for any mistakes you may have made.  I usually write all my complaints down on my PDA and bring any necessary supporting papers as proof.  The professional appearance may intimidate them into submission if nothing else .  What type of occurence are you dealing with? 

[BoliverAllmon]

I had an essay exam (pretty much a pop exam) that consisted of 700 words in 1 hr. of time. There were two seperate questions. One being on the main composers, styles, and genre of music during the period of Renaissance to Classical. (that wording is bad but hope you get the point). the second question was contrast the styles of Bach vs. Vivaldi. Well, I did both questions. I wrote 743 words (actually counted them by hand). The problem comes that everyone in the class passed with B's and A's. I on the other hand got a friggin 53!!!!! The thing that steams me the most is that I am the friggin tutor for the class. The college hired me to be a music tutor. I know my crap. The teacher is also my piano teacher and has been failing me there also. Her and I had a problem a while back (she griped at me for allegedly skipping on my theory class which I never did and complained to me how I run the Music Club here at school like a damn bafoon. again, she never is even around the club so she knows jack squat) and sense then she has been an absolute butt to me, because I stood up to her and challenged her.

Boliver Allmon III

[allchopin]

Sounds more like a personal vindetta rather than a critical grading error.  It sounds like you have the courage to stand up for your grades and to argue them for what theyre worth (in your case 47 points).. but dont get too overzealous and make a fool of yourself.  Assume you have made a mistake until you prove them wrong that way you always appear humble and gracious (even if youre steamed).  Surely there is reasoning behind the grade that you were given... unless you are opting not to bring it up.

[BoliverAllmon]

Sounds more like a personal vindetta rather than a critical grading error.  It sounds like you have the courage to stand up for your grades and to argue them for what theyre worth (in your case 47 points).. but dont get too overzealous and make a fool of yourself.  Assume you have made a mistake until you prove them wrong that way you always appear humble and gracious (even if youre steamed).  Surely there is reasoning behind the grade that you were given... unless you are opting not to bring it up.

if there is a reason. I am not aware of it. She won't give back the papers yet, only give the grades.

[pianowelsh]

I often think it must have been great for those geniuses who were completely self taught and didnt need anyone to mark a single paper. Take courage Debussy was kicked out of school for standing up to his proffs