Students can't actually "use" the gradebook as a means of immediate feedback on course performance (the stated intended purpose of making it available to students in the first place) because that information's obscured as long as there are temporary zeros in place... and this teacher is notorious for ZEROING OUT THE ENTIRE COURSE-- (in advance) that is, you won't know how you did until you complete the final, unless you're willing to painstakingly calculate it yourself, I mean... and assuming that the weighting isn't shifting under you because of invalidated items on assessments (which happens-- honestly, that gradebook IS the only way to know--
... grave concerns that don't involve my OWN child at all.
This would make a good point for advocacy, IMO. A self-determining student taking responsibility for their own education is empowered by knowing how their performance is being evaluated grade-wise, and some may use this information as a time-management tool. For example: determining whether to put three extra hours into refining a paper for one class, or studying for another. Having an accurate and timely online grade book, proactive schedule of due-dates, and clear late policy are information which benefits ALL students, as well as educators, and the educational institution. You may wish to help DD process all this and draft an advocacy e-mail. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
