By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995
Have you ever felt that a public school grade was wrong in a particular class or that your child was graded unfairly on his student work? California law has a solution for you!
Per California Education Code section 49066, the teacher determines the final grade for a student. However the grade can be challenged for:
- Clerical mistake
- Fraud
- Bad faith, or
- Incompetency
If one of these can be shown, the Superintendent or Board of Education for the school can overturn a grade issued by a teacher. The teacher, however, is "to the extent practicable" to be included in discussions regarding the grade, and to be allowed to state orally or in writing, the reasons the grade was issued.
I have seen many bad teachers in my time, unfortunately, who may issue grades improperly. If a grade issues because the teacher was incompetent, is discriminatory, is based on whim or fancy, or another error exists, it can be challenged. With college scholarships and admission on the line, challenging a grade can be a wise thing to pursue if there is a basis.
If you disagree with your child's grade, don't sit on your rights: challenge it. Your reward may be a correct grade and a higher grade point average (gpa) for your child.
Best,
Michelle Ball
Education Law Attorney
LAW OFFICE OF MICHELLE BALL
717 K Street, Suite 228
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-444-9064
Fax: 916-444-1209
Email: help@edlaw4students.com
Education Law Attorney
LAW OFFICE OF MICHELLE BALL
717 K Street, Suite 228
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-444-9064
Fax: 916-444-1209
Email: help@edlaw4students.com
Website: http://www.edlaw4students.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/michelleaball
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