Dear Parent,

Thank you for your question about grading, which is closely related to testing as well.

The purpose of seatwork and tests is for you to see what the student does and does not know. After the work or test, it is necessary to go over the missed problems as you are wisely doing, because this is how you can see what she still needs to learn.

Another purpose to grading is to demonstrate how well the student knew the material on average, as compared to other students her age who were to do the same work or take that same test. Obviously your daughter is the only one who takes that particular test since she is homeschooled, but it demonstrates how well she has retained the information needed to pass the test, in comparison to other students her age.

If she receives credit for correcting her missed problems, this changes the purpose of the test and also the reason for testing her. Consider the state or national tests; the students are not given the opportunity to adjust their mistakes and receive credit for them, because this would not demonstrate what the students actually knew.

Another point to consider is that if your daughter received credit for corrected problems, it might not give her as much incentive to do well on her daily work or tests. Your daughter might think, 'Well, it doesn't really matter how much I study or remember, because I can correct my missed problems, and still receive credit for them.' This may affect her self-motivation and her desire to do well in her course work.

Your question is a good one, as you point out most schools begin requiring more accountability from their students around fourth grade. This is another lesson that your daughter will learn and master with your good guidance.

God bless you and your family!

Laura Nicholson