Grading

It's time we take a truthful look at grading to see if our current models are working for our students. Grades are traditionally based on points earned for assignments and tests. This in itself is fine yet trouble often occurs as students are given opportunities to earn points to strengthen their grades. While doing this isn't all that bad as the extra points are typically earned through an extra assignment or the like it does create a talking point. If the grade isn't earned through just the assignments and tests then is that grade really showing the students actual content mastery?

Grades are something that we need to truly discuss within the educational community as they are seen as the end all be all of everything. Parents and students beg for extra credit assignments or opportunities because they want to get the best grade possible. Universities and colleges look at student's GPA and test scores just for the purpose of seeing if they are worthy of their school. But with padded grades will those students really be ready for those schools? If the grading is to change parents and places of higher learning must understand the problems faced by this current system.