Discuss Constants Before Change
performance.
Many proposed changes in grading policies are subverted
We can use these principles—accuracy, fairness, specificity, before they begin because of rumors about the new poli-
and timeliness—to bring parents, teachers, administrators,
cies. Parents, in particular, focus on what they and their
students, and policymakers together. The principles establish children will lose. (See “What to Say to Parents,” p. 78). My
a set of boundaries that provide abundant freedom for teach-
recommendation is that before school leaders contemplate a
ers. Some teachers may use menu systems, allowing stu-
change in grading policy, they should make clear what will
dents to accumulate points for different projects to establish
not change. Stakeholders must know that their high school
evidence of academic proficiency. Others may use standards-
students will have a transcript, that their students with special
based systems, requiring students to resubmit work until they needs will have an individualized education plan, that their
achieve a level of proficiency. However teachers may decide to schools will continue to have an honor roll, and that teachers
grade, their creativity operates within the boundaries of fun-
damental principles. Inaccurate and unfair grading systems
are not “creative,” but rather a violation of the boundaries of
effective grading policies.
will continue to give letter grades.
The last of these stipulations is controversial, as many
leading advocates of grading reform suggest replacing letter
grades with standards-based report cards. But I don’t see
