On one hand, I love Parent Portal. I know if my child misses an assignment or gets a low test score long before report cards and progress reports come out. On the other hand, online systems may be a detriment to independence if parents (like me, admittedly!) are constantly checking and micro managing grades. Sometimes,… Read more

 On one hand, I love Parent Portal. I know if my child misses an assignment or gets a low test score long before report cards and progress reports come out. On the other hand, online systems may be a detriment to independence if parents (like me, admittedly!) are constantly checking and micro managing grades. Sometimes, they need to figure out how to plan for tests and upcoming project deadlines on their own, skills that will carry them through life. Teachers, too, may be bombarded by emails regarding multiple items. I recently learned that it’s not proper netiquette to ask them about portal grades repeatedly. Checking in once in a while is good, but every day may not serve parents, students or teachers well. Teachers do not always up date the portals regularly, which can be a source of stress.