Sometimes I wonder whether the expectations at schools are high enough for kids “at or above grade level.” Molly’s papers come home and I can see where she’s scribbled out an answer rather than erase it. She’ll write over one letter with another when she’s writing. And I see lots of evidence of her taking the easy road when she completes her reading responses. As her parent, I know what she’s capable of doing…and I’m just not seeing that talent reflected in her school work. But, does it matter?

So far, I’d have to say not really. She’s at the top of her class, and her papers come home marked with glowing comments from the teachers. Sometimes I wonder how closely her work is reviewed. We’ve found more than one math sheet with errors not marked, and there’s never a suggestion or comment on her simply worded paragraphs that don’t reflect much thought or effort. Just a happy face or a check mark.

It’s about expectations. She “meets or exceeds” the expectations for her grade level. Does that mean that’s all there is? As parents, we hope not.

What’s your experience? Do my expectations sound unreasonable?

About the Author

Joanne Meier has more than 20 years of experience in the field of education, including serving on the faculty at the University of Virginia for six years where she trained reading specialists and future classroom teachers. Dr. Meier was Reading Rockets’ research-to-practice consultant from 2002 to 2014, where she wrote the Page by Page blog — sharing best practices in supporting young readers at home and in the classroom.

Publication Date
March 25, 2008
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