School districts across the country, like those in Fairfax County, Virginia, and Prince George County, Maryland, are taking a second look at grades and opting for “zero policies” for middle and high school students. The result: It’s impossible for children to get grades below 50%, even in the face of absolute failure or even cheating – as long as, that is, “a reasonable attempt” has been made.
Additionally, now before high school teachers can flunk students, they must first re-evaluate them using “quality points,” making an F less detrimental to a final grade.
Remember that quality points refer to the cumulative points used to calculate a student’s grade point average, or GPA, at the end of the year. In the calculation, an A = 4 points; a B = 3 points; a C = 2 points; a D = one point; with none for an F. For example, if a student gets an A (4 credits) on a 3-credit course, they will end up receiving a total of 12. Conversely, a B (3 credits) on a 4-credit course also gives 12, while a C (2 points) in a 2-credit course gives 4, and so on.
Needless to say, controversy swirls around the “No Zero” policy, with educators on both sides of the argument. Proponents say they…
- Provide more opportunities to catch up on tests and submit missing work;
- improving dropout rates;
- Help struggling students stay motivated;
- allow schools to focus on learning instead of behavior;
- Increase focus in the classroom;
- Are fairer than typical rating systems;
- promote learning;
- Encourage students to catch up when they fall behind instead of giving up;
- Increase a student’s chances of improving their grades, which is impossible with a zero.
It all sounds classy, but not everyone believes in it. As a 9th grade English teacher put it, “It gives a way out for the kids who aren’t willing to put in the hard work like everyone else.” Other dissenting educators also point out that such guidelines…
- Reduce student accountability;
- reduce motivation;
- improve grades artificially;
- Mask a student’s lack of knowledge and understanding;
- Push on unprepared students;
- jeopardize student readiness for college and/or careers;
- Are related to social promotion;
- Hinder thoroughness and conscientiousness;
- Are not in line with college professors’ evaluation guidelines;
- Do not realistically prepare students for college and/or the workplace;
- Don’t forget that employers don’t issue bad work cards.
Nonetheless, impossible-to-fail strategies are gaining ground, with some schools aiming to ditch grades altogether. Because “grades are relics from a less enlightened time,” says education expert and author Alfie Kohn, claiming that they are not only unnecessary but also harmful.
What are you saying?
Thanks to Carol Josel | #Making #Harder #Fail #School
