How can I get my child's tests returned?

Due to the fact that many teachers are keeping graded tests locked up instead of returning them to students, many parents want to know how they can change this practice. Getting the tests back allows students to figure out what they did wrong on the test, and to prepare for the next test. It is only natural for someone to want to see the mistakes that were made, and it is very limiting when mistakes are kept a mystery.

One thing parents have going for them in the struggle to get a test returned, is that no teacher or administrator can argue truthfully that locking up tests after they are graded is a good teaching practice. All teachers and administrators have to agree that keeping tests limits the ability of a student to learn--it is a harmful practice. Teachers do it and administrators allow it because of practical reasons--the teacher does not want to make new tests each year. They may try to convince you that they are fighting cheating, but this is just a diversion. If these teachers were making new tests each year, the old test would be nothing more than a study guide and getting hold of a copy of it would not be cheating.

If your child is doing poorly (or even if your child is doing well) and you want to get a test back so that you or a tutor can go over it, then I suggest the following:

• Have a meeting with the teacher, and explain the situation. Tell the teacher you want the test back so that your child can use it for review with a tutor (or with you).
• Schedule a meeting with the principal to discuss the very same thing. Lay out your argument in a rational fashion. Be prepared for the cheating argument, which is easily reasoned away if teachers are writing new tests each year.
• Enlist the support of other parents. There must be other students in the class who would benefit from receiving their tests back.
• Go to the media. Principals are sensitive to negative press, as this could get them in trouble with the district office. An article on teachers using less-than-best practices is a good story for a reporter in the local paper.

If going to the teacher works, then you can stop there. I would only escalate if you are not getting the results you want. Remember, the squeaky wheel always gets the grease in school administration. There is too much to do and too little time to solve any but the most annoying problems. You have to become that type of problem, and if you present your case in a well thought out, calm but firm manner, you will get their attention.