Grade grubbing or grade begging is what happens when the system is comprised of a ridged grading system. Students and parents feel compelled to complain about a grade received because they did not get the expected or desired grade. Grade grubbing occurs when a person wants further justification on why points were not given or argue about the amount points given for particular questions, and is adamant about getting a higher grade.
Grade Grubbing appears to be more prevalent in college with students begging for more time to complete work, extra credit assignments, or to raise a low grade. They become fearful of losing a scholarship or grant, getting reprimands from parents, or having to pay additional costs to retake the class again. According to educators, it is not limited to higher learning institutions; it is happening in high school, middle school, and even elementary school – not only by students but by parents.
Grade grubbing is rude and presents a negative image of the student or the parent that is complaining. It denotes that they don’t care about the material that should be learned, only the grade – even if it’s undeserved.
Grade grubbers contend that it doesn’t hurt to argue for your grade to be raised. I disagree – it is rude, offensive, and a waist of valuable time the teacher can use for further lesson planning. Educators are people that take pride in their career. They take time to learn new material and procedures to give students a learning experience that will build a future. Grubbers should remember that educators also talk to other educators who will soon learn about the reputation that is being built by arguing about a grade.
Many high school, middle school, and elementary teachers feel pressured when they have to argue with parents about changing grades. It is more trouble than it’s worth. Even though unions will fight the issue and stand by the teachers, parents go over the teacher’s head, argue with the principal, superintendent, or school board members. I have know parents that have applied enough pressure that the superintendent will call the school office and have the student’s grade changed, much to the chagrin of the staff.
More frequently than enough, parents of students in gifted classes are grade grubbers because they expect their child be perfect and achieve an A in all subjects. Parents insist that it’s an educator’s job to make sure the student gets an A. Do these parents reflect the drift of a nation of entitlements? I say it’s an educator’s job to have the student learn – which doesn’t always translate into an A.
I’m not stating that students or parents shouldn’t question a grade. It’s important to be open to conversation about the how and why a grade is received. I know from dealing with students as a teacher, an administrator, and through my own children, a child will not always provide a clear picture. There are always two sides of how a grade was received or how the work was or was not completed. Understand the process of the grading system from the beginning and be ready and open to receive the consequences.
