Grading for the Pandemic Term | JD2718

Grading for the Pandemic Term | JD2718

Grading for the Pandemic Term

How are we going to do it? That’s a great question. Soon the UFT will meet with the DoE to shape guidance to schools. This would be a great moment for teachers to weigh in, which is exactly what a group from Francis Lewis has done here. I actually was invited to sit down with them (metaphorically, I’m not allowed in the same room as them irl today), but could not make it.

But after they were done, I looked at their notes, and thought, I like these. I’d like to change some stuff.  So that’s what I’ll do. First comes their suggestion, then mine, then some of my thoughts. You should express your opinion, too. The more voices, the better.

Proposed Grading Policy for Spring 2020 (from several teachers at FLHS)

We agree with the mayor that now is a time to show compassion for the students we serve. We understand that they and their families are suffering from enormous stress, anxiety, and perhaps even the loss of loved ones. We understand some of them lack sufficient technology to participate. We therefore propose the following policy for the remainder of our school year:

1. Do no harm. Wherever students were at the time schools were closed, we agree not to lower their grades. We cannot penalize students for circumstances beyond their control.

2. Teachers shall have flexibility to use either numerical grades, or pass/ fail options. Students who may have been on the cusp of passing and show promise can receive a P as a grade. High achieving students entering or applying for colleges can still get grades of 98 or higher, for example. Teachers will have wide latitude in raising student grades for excellent work or participation as they see fit.
3. Classes based on cumulative learning will do a thorough review in September 2020, CONTINUE READING: Grading for the Pandemic Term | JD2718