For those with kids in school, here's how to interpret the teacher's comments in the report card or during a parent-teacher meetings:
What The Teacher Says"
What the teacher says and (what the teacher means)
1. Your son has a remarkable ability in gathering needed
information from
his classmates.
(He was caught cheating on a test).
2. Karen is an endless fund of energy and viability.
(The hyperactive monster can't stay seated for five
minutes).
3. Fantastic imagination! Unmatched in his capacity for
blending fact with
fiction.
(He's definitely one of the biggest liars I have ever met).
4. Margie exhibits a casual, relaxed attitude to school,
indicating that
high expectations don't intimidate her.
(The lazy thing hasn't done one assignment all term).
5. Her athletic ability is marvelous. Superior hand-eye
coordination.
(The little creep stung me with a rubber band from 15 feet
away).
6. Nick thrives on interaction with his peers.
(Your son needs to stop socializing and start working).
7. Your daughter's greatest asset is her demonstrative
public discussions.
(Classroom lawyer! Why is it that every time I explain an
assignment she
creates a class argument).
8. John enjoys the thrill of engaging challenges with his
peers.
(He's a bully).
9. An adventurous nature lover who rarely misses
opportunities to explore
new territory.
(Your daughter was caught skipping school at the fishing
pond).
10. I am amazed at her tenacity in retaining her youthful
personality.
(She's so immature that we've run out of diapers).
11. Unlike some students who hide their emotion, Charles is
very expressive
and open.
(He must have written the Whiner's Guide).
12. I firmly believe that her intellectual and emotional
progress would be
enhanced through a year's repetition of her learning
environment.
(Regretfully, we believe that she is not ready for high
school and must
repeat the 8th grade).
13. Her exuberant verbosity is awesome! (A mouth that never
stops yacking).
What The Teacher Says"
What the teacher says and (what the teacher means)
1. Your son has a remarkable ability in gathering needed
information from
his classmates.
(He was caught cheating on a test).
2. Karen is an endless fund of energy and viability.
(The hyperactive monster can't stay seated for five
minutes).
3. Fantastic imagination! Unmatched in his capacity for
blending fact with
fiction.
(He's definitely one of the biggest liars I have ever met).
4. Margie exhibits a casual, relaxed attitude to school,
indicating that
high expectations don't intimidate her.
(The lazy thing hasn't done one assignment all term).
5. Her athletic ability is marvelous. Superior hand-eye
coordination.
(The little creep stung me with a rubber band from 15 feet
away).
6. Nick thrives on interaction with his peers.
(Your son needs to stop socializing and start working).
7. Your daughter's greatest asset is her demonstrative
public discussions.
(Classroom lawyer! Why is it that every time I explain an
assignment she
creates a class argument).
8. John enjoys the thrill of engaging challenges with his
peers.
(He's a bully).
9. An adventurous nature lover who rarely misses
opportunities to explore
new territory.
(Your daughter was caught skipping school at the fishing
pond).
10. I am amazed at her tenacity in retaining her youthful
personality.
(She's so immature that we've run out of diapers).
11. Unlike some students who hide their emotion, Charles is
very expressive
and open.
(He must have written the Whiner's Guide).
12. I firmly believe that her intellectual and emotional
progress would be
enhanced through a year's repetition of her learning
environment.
(Regretfully, we believe that she is not ready for high
school and must
repeat the 8th grade).
13. Her exuberant verbosity is awesome! (A mouth that never
stops yacking).
