re: Middle school no longer using “F’s” in grading scale

This is a terrible idea and only reinforces that minimal effort is all that is required and failure/lack of respect for commitments is acceptable.

I remember this concept popping up at various times in the past in different forms. It was all the rage for a time in the 90s.

Fortunately we have these random internet stories and social media now to help us stay in a constant state of agitation, outrage, and depression at the oncoming downfall of the country.

This seems to be the latest iteration of “failure is not an option”and “zeros not allowed”. This was all the rage awhile back and the main selling point is that once a student gets a zero on a major grade it’s next to impossible to overcome and pass that grading period. So starting a grading scale at 50% then the student is able, with just a little effort, to get a passing grade for that grading period. Our district does the stupid thing of calculating grades based on a 4 point scale. So if a student gets an F all they have to do is get an A on another grade to equal out to a C. I always thought all of the above practices do nothing more than promote mediocrity and pass dumb and/or lazy students

We’re seeing this kind of thinking where I work as well.

Grades can no longer be given based on effort, compliance, or completion. Grades must be standards-based assessments. I kind of agree with this, but it removes the motivation and discipline for participating in class assignments. Considering a lot of classroom management is falling more on teacher lesson plans rather than addressing student behavior, it seems ridiculous that there’s not much a teacher can do to get a kid to do the work besides calling home.

What I don’t agree with is changing/removing grades when a student makes a good grade on a future assessment that tests the same standard.

For example, Timmy makes a 55 on a test in September that tests his ability to make inferences. If Timmy makes a 90 on a test in November that tests his ability to make inferences, Timmy’s 55 should be removed.

For one, what the frick. Two, just because we’re using the same skill doesn’t mean we’re applying it in the same context or in the same way.

Also, there’s been no answer to my question about what if Timmy makes a 55, then a 90, then a 55 later. Do I delete the 90 and reinstate the 55?

The starting at 50% is a trend used in many districts already. Here is Oxford, we do it. We are forced to find ways to pass kids. It is ridiculous.

The kids will still find a way to figure out who’s smart vs who is lazy or dumb. It’s like when the word for mentally challenged keeps changing. No matter what you change it to, it means the same thing.

Better to accept that people have strengths and weaknesses and help all kids have some kind of meaningful training that will allow them to support themselves. Not everyone will go to college or even graduate HS, but everyone will learn to do something. Some kids just can’t sit still 8 hours a day until they are 22, and shouldn’t.

That’s what should happen but i doubt ever will.

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"Therefore, grades will not include behaviors, attitude, tardiness to class, whether the assignment was turned on late or on time. There's other ways that we can communicate those things to parents and so they're not going to be included in grades.”

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Public school is just day care for the majority of the kids at this point.

I probably shouldn't admit this, but my wife (no pics) went to school there back in late 70's, early 80's. She wasn't too happy to read this.

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not include behaviors, attitude, tardiness to class, whether the assignment was turned on late or on time

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This will translate so well to the workplace and college

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Already sent this snippet to HR to update the company handbook. This job going be so much more fun when can I talk shite, act a jackass and show up late as long as I hit my quota!!