Hard-working daughter getting her worst grade ever in math at BHS
SUPER frustrated. Watched my daughter work hard for a semester using all resources offered to get the worst grade of her schooling. Was in communication with the instructor, who kept saying she was improving. Now we are also getting an outside tutor. A few questions:
1. If she doesn't get a final grade that is passing, is the only option to repeat at Berkeley High? I would really prefer to not to have her do that. Has anyone here had a child make up Math 1?
2. What summer math classes have kids taken and liked or benefited from? I want her to be as well positioned as possible for Math 2.
3. Will a C or D in math in her freshman year ruin her chance of getting into a UC school? If she improves? If she stays the same?
4. I think we have a tutor, but if it doesn't work, do you have suggestions for a tutor?
5. Are there math teachers at BHS who you like? Who are thought to be good?
I see lots of unhappy with BHS math posts. I join the ranks. I now need next steps.
Parent Replies
First, I'm so sorry your daughter is having such a poor math experience at Berkeley High. The math department is a shambles.
1. If she doesn't get a final grade that is passing, is the only option to repeat at Berkeley High? I would really prefer to not to have her do that. Has anyone here had a child make up Math 1?
I don't know. Last summer, there were plans to offer summer school for students who didn't pass math (D or F), but they cancelled at the last minute because they were unable to find anyone to teach the class. I don't know what happened to those students who didn't have a chance to re-take the course. If you have the resources, you might consider Tilden Prep one the summer. You will need to get approval from Berkeley High, first, though, so make sure you are following the correct procedures!
3. Will a C or D in math in her freshman year ruin her chance of getting into a UC school? If she improves? If she stays the same?
UC GPA is calculated using the student's 10th and 11th grades. For more information, look at the UC admissions page:
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/q-and-a/calculat…
"How does UC calculate the GPA of a high school applicant who is a California resident?
In calculating the GPA for admission consideration, UC uses all UC-approved “a-g” courses a student took between the summer before 10th grade through the summer following 11th grade. Additionally, UC will grant up to eight semesters (with no more than four semesters coming from 10th grade) of honors weight for grades of C or better in AP, IB, UC-approved Honors Level, and transferable college courses."
I would talk with your student's academic and/or college counselor for more info about this too.
Both of my kids have had great tutors at Classroom Matters. They are very well aware of the math debacle at Berkeley High.
I recommend you connect with the BHS Parent Advocate group online: https://bhsparentadvocate.wordpress.com/. Also, contact your child's teacher, counselor, and the BHS Math administrator about this. Good luck to you.
So sorry. Jasmine Mumford is a very dedicated teacher. My son went to the "math party" once but didn't find it helpful. Meeting with Ms. Mumford often at lunch and using a tutor weekly were helpful in improving his grade this semester from a D to a very low B.
Good luck!