Reply to Skills-Based Grading

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My high-schooler is in a math class with skills-based grading. The way this pilot program was explained during the open house was that students would have multiple chances at re-assessment and the purpose seemed to be to give kids more chances to master the material.  In practice, it seems far more stressful on the students than the regular grading system because they've eliminated all A-, B+ grades and each question receives its own individual grade of A, B, C etc. No partial credit is given, so any mistake automatically results in a B.  My child with an A- currently appears to have little chance of raising the grade to an A with half the class left, so is a bit frustrated despite doing pretty well on the exams.  Perfect on most of them and with minor mistakes on the others (which seemed like they would have merited an A- or B+ under the previous grading system.  So my question is--was this really a way to help tackle grade inflation more than giving kids the chance to demonstrate mastery?  I don't plan on saying anything to the teacher or school, [b]I'm just internally questioning why this change was made,[/b] especially since it is coming for all classes next year.  [/quote]

The SB and many schools see this as a more equitable approach.  In other words, equity. [/quote]

Our school is in the process of implementing skills-based grading as well. My child hates it - states that it has left him feeling unmotivated and even a bit depressed. As my child is a senior, he is just glad to be getting out because he states that FCPS gets worse every year. I'm worried because my other kid starts 9th grade next year and will not do well in a system that does not grade homework. He just won't do it. My understanding of skills based learning is that only 3 grades are on the books, with a rolling replacement throughout the year, and only tests count as grades.

It seems FCPS is constantly trying out gimmicks and implementing something new that has nothing to do with improving academics. I'm really fed up. We were at a private that didn't do this crap, but I shouldn't have to pay 45k for a basic education. I know that I should put my younger kid into private next year, but along with the financial aspect, it would break his heart to leave his friends.

I did reach out to the principal to see if they were going to go forward with this and the answer is yes. Interestingly, this school surveys kids all the time (don't know if it's just FCPS surveys or school created), but there is no interest in surveying parents, kids and teachers about the skills-based grading. It's full steam ahead, until the next "great idea" comes along. I'm venting here, but I don't know what to do. I've thought about complaining to the school board, reaching out to other parents to try to get a small vocal group to push back, I just don't know what to do.

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