APS and Grading for Equity - Discuss

[Anonymous]

Look on VADOE's Youtube Channel for Grading and Equity.

LCPS and FCPS are already doing something like this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Equitable grading" practices vary based on how the concept is implemented, but the primary stated goal of proponents is to combat "institutional bias" and eliminate racial disparities in grade outcomes through a variety of tactics. Among the least controversial is the removal of grade penalties for late assignments and the ability to retake or redo assignments, often on an unlimited basis.

But proponents of the novel grading practices also advocate the elimination of "zero grades" by using a 50-100 scale. Under that scale, a student cannot receive a grade lower than 50, even if the assignment was never submitted, thereby creating a much higher grade floor and enabling students to achieve passing grades more easily.

Key Points of "Grading for Equity" at APS:

1. no late penalty on homework or any class assignment
2. allow unlimited retakes and redos
3. 50% min. score (even if you did nothing)
4. homework can't count towards grades
5. Final exams weigh heavily (but don't forget point #2 above)
6. attendance can't count towards grades (hey if you think you can pass that final exam, no need to come to class anymore)

Basically, every student will pass their courses, no more fails. achievement gap will be closed.

All based on just a random guy's book, not research based. No data support. Sounds familiar? yes, Joe Feldman is the new Lucy Calkins.

This is absolutely correct. Most shocking is that kids literally have zero consequences for cutting class. Sure their parents might be informed but no impact on class grade at all. So go ahead and cut class all you want, copy the assignments off someone and then retake until you learn the test enough to pass w a decent grade. Kids are smart and already gaming the system.

There are students who come to school at best 10% of the time but still pass the class. No consequence whatsoever.

Wait, non-attendance has zero consequences for your grades? Has anyone told the travel forum?!

Why would attendance ever affect grades?

If kids attend enough that they aren’t truant and they do well on assignments what is the big deal?

If they miss tests and can't retake that would impact grades

But they can take retakes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Equitable grading" practices vary based on how the concept is implemented, but the primary stated goal of proponents is to combat "institutional bias" and eliminate racial disparities in grade outcomes through a variety of tactics. Among the least controversial is the removal of grade penalties for late assignments and the ability to retake or redo assignments, often on an unlimited basis.

But proponents of the novel grading practices also advocate the elimination of "zero grades" by using a 50-100 scale. Under that scale, a student cannot receive a grade lower than 50, even if the assignment was never submitted, thereby creating a much higher grade floor and enabling students to achieve passing grades more easily.

Key Points of "Grading for Equity" at APS:

1. no late penalty on homework or any class assignment
2. allow unlimited retakes and redos
3. 50% min. score (even if you did nothing)
4. homework can't count towards grades
5. Final exams weigh heavily (but don't forget point #2 above)
6. attendance can't count towards grades (hey if you think you can pass that final exam, no need to come to class anymore)

Basically, every student will pass their courses, no more fails. achievement gap will be closed.

All based on just a random guy's book, not research based. No data support. Sounds familiar? yes, Joe Feldman is the new Lucy Calkins.

This is absolutely correct. Most shocking is that kids literally have zero consequences for cutting class. Sure their parents might be informed but no impact on class grade at all. So go ahead and cut class all you want, copy the assignments off someone and then retake until you learn the test enough to pass w a decent grade. Kids are smart and already gaming the system.

There are students who come to school at best 10% of the time but still pass the class. No consequence whatsoever.

Wait, non-attendance has zero consequences for your grades? Has anyone told the travel forum?!

Why would attendance ever affect grades?

If kids attend enough that they aren’t truant and they do well on assignments what is the big deal?

If they miss tests and can't retake that would impact grades

But they can take retakes.

Students are allowed to take a test whenever they feel like it. It’s better than McDonald’s drive thru. No consequences whatsoever, because equity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Equitable grading" practices vary based on how the concept is implemented, but the primary stated goal of proponents is to combat "institutional bias" and eliminate racial disparities in grade outcomes through a variety of tactics. Among the least controversial is the removal of grade penalties for late assignments and the ability to retake or redo assignments, often on an unlimited basis.

But proponents of the novel grading practices also advocate the elimination of "zero grades" by using a 50-100 scale. Under that scale, a student cannot receive a grade lower than 50, even if the assignment was never submitted, thereby creating a much higher grade floor and enabling students to achieve passing grades more easily.

Key Points of "Grading for Equity" at APS:

1. no late penalty on homework or any class assignment
2. allow unlimited retakes and redos
3. 50% min. score (even if you did nothing)
4. homework can't count towards grades
5. Final exams weigh heavily (but don't forget point #2 above)
6. attendance can't count towards grades (hey if you think you can pass that final exam, no need to come to class anymore)

Basically, every student will pass their courses, no more fails. achievement gap will be closed.

All based on just a random guy's book, not research based. No data support. Sounds familiar? yes, Joe Feldman is the new Lucy Calkins.

This is absolutely correct. Most shocking is that kids literally have zero consequences for cutting class. Sure their parents might be informed but no impact on class grade at all. So go ahead and cut class all you want, copy the assignments off someone and then retake until you learn the test enough to pass w a decent grade. Kids are smart and already gaming the system.

There are students who come to school at best 10% of the time but still pass the class. No consequence whatsoever.

Wait, non-attendance has zero consequences for your grades? Has anyone told the travel forum?!

Why would attendance ever affect grades?

If kids attend enough that they aren’t truant and they do well on assignments what is the big deal?

If they miss tests and can't retake that would impact grades

But they can take retakes.

Students are allowed to take a test whenever they feel like it. It’s better than McDonald’s drive thru. No consequences whatsoever, because equity.

Well, no, they have consequences because if they still can't get a good grade with all the retakes they won't get a good grade.

But one thing that struck me about the letter is that the new policy really does prioritize the whims (or okay, needs) of the students above the judgment and organizational schedule of the teacher. Setting aside the soundness of the theory, it seems like just one more massive burden for teachers at a time when they are leaving the profession in droves. Such a disservice all around.

My childs' teachers implemented some of these policies before this letter was written, and I think that's fair. One teacher said that she didn't grade homework because she felt that it was inequitable, and another gave 50% credit for everything handed in. Great, that is their prerogative! That is how they have decided that they want to teach and they have that right. But if a teacher wants to do things differently, it's so unfair for the county to tell them they can't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Equitable grading" practices vary based on how the concept is implemented, but the primary stated goal of proponents is to combat "institutional bias" and eliminate racial disparities in grade outcomes through a variety of tactics. Among the least controversial is the removal of grade penalties for late assignments and the ability to retake or redo assignments, often on an unlimited basis.

But proponents of the novel grading practices also advocate the elimination of "zero grades" by using a 50-100 scale. Under that scale, a student cannot receive a grade lower than 50, even if the assignment was never submitted, thereby creating a much higher grade floor and enabling students to achieve passing grades more easily.

Key Points of "Grading for Equity" at APS:

1. no late penalty on homework or any class assignment
2. allow unlimited retakes and redos
3. 50% min. score (even if you did nothing)
4. homework can't count towards grades
5. Final exams weigh heavily (but don't forget point #2 above)
6. attendance can't count towards grades (hey if you think you can pass that final exam, no need to come to class anymore)

Basically, every student will pass their courses, no more fails. achievement gap will be closed.

All based on just a random guy's book, not research based. No data support. Sounds familiar? yes, Joe Feldman is the new Lucy Calkins.

This is absolutely correct. Most shocking is that kids literally have zero consequences for cutting class. Sure their parents might be informed but no impact on class grade at all. So go ahead and cut class all you want, copy the assignments off someone and then retake until you learn the test enough to pass w a decent grade. Kids are smart and already gaming the system.

There are students who come to school at best 10% of the time but still pass the class. No consequence whatsoever.

Wait, non-attendance has zero consequences for your grades? Has anyone told the travel forum?!

Why would attendance ever affect grades?

If kids attend enough that they aren’t truant and they do well on assignments what is the big deal?

If they miss tests and can't retake that would impact grades

But they can take retakes.

Students are allowed to take a test whenever they feel like it. It’s better than McDonald’s drive thru. No consequences whatsoever, because equity.

What exactly is wrong with retakes?

[Anonymous]

Another Arlington liberal here, who thanks these teachers for their excellent letter. Our kids are now in college, but if they were in APS still I'd be looking elsewhere if these changes go through. This is the wrong way to educate children and prepare them to be successful adults.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Look on VADOE's Youtube Channel for Grading and Equity.

LCPS and FCPS are already doing something like this.

Youngkin is pushing equity?

Do the MAGAs know?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Equitable grading" practices vary based on how the concept is implemented, but the primary stated goal of proponents is to combat "institutional bias" and eliminate racial disparities in grade outcomes through a variety of tactics. Among the least controversial is the removal of grade penalties for late assignments and the ability to retake or redo assignments, often on an unlimited basis.

But proponents of the novel grading practices also advocate the elimination of "zero grades" by using a 50-100 scale. Under that scale, a student cannot receive a grade lower than 50, even if the assignment was never submitted, thereby creating a much higher grade floor and enabling students to achieve passing grades more easily.

Key Points of "Grading for Equity" at APS:

1. no late penalty on homework or any class assignment
2. allow unlimited retakes and redos
3. 50% min. score (even if you did nothing)
4. homework can't count towards grades
5. Final exams weigh heavily (but don't forget point #2 above)
6. attendance can't count towards grades (hey if you think you can pass that final exam, no need to come to class anymore)

Basically, every student will pass their courses, no more fails. achievement gap will be closed.

All based on just a random guy's book, not research based. No data support. Sounds familiar? yes, Joe Feldman is the new Lucy Calkins.

This is absolutely correct. Most shocking is that kids literally have zero consequences for cutting class. Sure their parents might be informed but no impact on class grade at all. So go ahead and cut class all you want, copy the assignments off someone and then retake until you learn the test enough to pass w a decent grade. Kids are smart and already gaming the system.

There are students who come to school at best 10% of the time but still pass the class. No consequence whatsoever.

Wait, non-attendance has zero consequences for your grades? Has anyone told the travel forum?!

Why would attendance ever affect grades?

If kids attend enough that they aren’t truant and they do well on assignments what is the big deal?

Are there classes that don't require participation?

For attending class? No, that’s not part of the grade.

Participation
In
Class
Discussion

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look on VADOE's Youtube Channel for Grading and Equity.

LCPS and FCPS are already doing something like this.

Youngkin is pushing equity?

Do the MAGAs know?

Ignore the troll

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Equitable grading" practices vary based on how the concept is implemented, but the primary stated goal of proponents is to combat "institutional bias" and eliminate racial disparities in grade outcomes through a variety of tactics. Among the least controversial is the removal of grade penalties for late assignments and the ability to retake or redo assignments, often on an unlimited basis.

But proponents of the novel grading practices also advocate the elimination of "zero grades" by using a 50-100 scale. Under that scale, a student cannot receive a grade lower than 50, even if the assignment was never submitted, thereby creating a much higher grade floor and enabling students to achieve passing grades more easily.

Key Points of "Grading for Equity" at APS:

1. no late penalty on homework or any class assignment
2. allow unlimited retakes and redos
3. 50% min. score (even if you did nothing)
4. homework can't count towards grades
5. Final exams weigh heavily (but don't forget point #2 above)
6. attendance can't count towards grades (hey if you think you can pass that final exam, no need to come to class anymore)

Basically, every student will pass their courses, no more fails. achievement gap will be closed.

All based on just a random guy's book, not research based. No data support. Sounds familiar? yes, Joe Feldman is the new Lucy Calkins.

This is absolutely correct. Most shocking is that kids literally have zero consequences for cutting class. Sure their parents might be informed but no impact on class grade at all. So go ahead and cut class all you want, copy the assignments off someone and then retake until you learn the test enough to pass w a decent grade. Kids are smart and already gaming the system.

There are students who come to school at best 10% of the time but still pass the class. No consequence whatsoever.

Wait, non-attendance has zero consequences for your grades? Has anyone told the travel forum?!

Why would attendance ever affect grades?

If kids attend enough that they aren’t truant and they do well on assignments what is the big deal?

If they miss tests and can't retake that would impact grades

But they can take retakes.

Students are allowed to take a test whenever they feel like it. It’s better than McDonald’s drive thru. No consequences whatsoever, because equity.

What exactly is wrong with retakes?

LOL! How many do you think should be allowed? These are kids growing up and thinking cpnsequences for anything in life are unfair.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another Arlington liberal here, who thanks these teachers for their excellent letter. Our kids are now in college, but if they were in APS still I'd be looking elsewhere if these changes go through. This is the wrong way to educate children and prepare them to be successful adults.

+ 1 million

[Anonymous]

I have a kid in middle school who has benefited heartily from retakes. Said kid didn’t have an adhd diagnosis until midway through the first year, and the meds were game changers. That said, unless I, as the parent, recorded the first grade and the second grade (62%, retake 98%, for instance), no one tracked the effect of the policy. It looked like my kid - who was honestly very affected by the undiagnosed adhd - was a superstar. This isn’t equity at all. It’s actually doing struggling kids a disservice.

[Anonymous]

I have two Maryland high school women graduates working for me. Both are functionally illiterate.

Both women are smart but they went to poor school districts in one of the poorest counties in Maryland.

I asked the one who is a supervisor to write a recommendation letter for another employee. The letter was embarrassing.

Both women will never move beyond low end jobs due to being illiterate. It is sad because both women are smart. They were poorly served by the school district.

A high school degree should mean that you can write a proper sentence and be able to do basic math.

[Anonymous]

Some of the biggest lessons are learned when one fails.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a kid in middle school who has benefited heartily from retakes. Said kid didn’t have an adhd diagnosis until midway through the first year, and the meds were game changers. That said, unless I, as the parent, recorded the first grade and the second grade (62%, retake 98%, for instance), no one tracked the effect of the policy. It looked like my kid - who was honestly very affected by the undiagnosed adhd - was a superstar. This isn’t equity at all. It’s actually doing struggling kids a disservice.

+1

My MS kid takes full advantage of the “turn in late” allowance. It drives me crazy, but I’ll take the straight As because I want to bail out of APS and meaningless As look better than meaningless Bs. I think so many of the facets of this policy are well-meaning, but overcorrecting. There’s no end to the “what ifs” in policy making and there is no way to account for every possibility. This isn’t equity and will continue to leave behind the kids who need the most help.