Missing homework, late assignments matter little as Oregon schools grade exclusively on academic mastery
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| In this photo taken in 2010, Scappoose High sophomore Candice Thompson works to determine the area of a parallelogram, one of about 20 key skills she must master to pass her math class. Scappoose High was an early adopter of proficiency-based education, which emphasizes demonstrating skills over homework and class participation. All Oregon schools are having to move their grading in that direction this year. (Benjamin Brink/The Oregonian/2010) |
Starting this term, every public school student in Oregon is supposed to be graded solely by whether they have mastered the academic skills covered in class.
Turning everything in neat and on time, bringing back signed forms and racking up extra credit won't boost grades. Turning assignments in late, skipping homework and talking during class won't hurt, as long as the student can demonstrate the key skills and knowledge covered in the course.
Get a detailed look at new grading policies in many large metro districts
And almost everywhere, teachers and principals are wrestling with the question of how to keep students motivated and practiced at meeting deadlines if late work doesn't get docked.
"Turning in your work late is really a bad habit, no matter who you are or what you do," said Amy Jackson, curriculum director for Reynolds