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Make it harder to fail in school

School districts across the country, such as those in Fairfax County, Virginia, and Prince George’s County, Maryland, are reviewing grades and moving to “no zero policies” for middle and high school students. The result: It’s impossible for kids to get grades below 50%, even by total failure or actually cheating, as long as “a reasonable attempt” has been made.

Also, now, before high school teachers can fail students, they must first reassess them using “quality points,” making an F less damaging to the final grade.

Remember that quality points refer to the cumulative points used to calculate a student’s end-of-year grade point average or GPA. When calculating, an A = 4 points; to B = 3 points; a C = 2 points; to D = one point; with none for an F. So, for example, if a student earns an A (4 points) in a 3 credit course, they end up with a total of 12. Likewise, a B (3 points) in an A course A 4-credit course also results in 12, while a C (2 points) in a 2-credit course results in 4, and so on.

Needless to say, the controversy revolves around “no zero” policies, with educators on both sides of the argument. Those who are in favor say that…

  1. Provide more opportunities to make up tests and turn in missing work;

  2. Improve the abandon rate;

  3. Help struggling students stay motivated;

  4. allow schools to focus on learning rather than behavior;

  5. Increase focus in the classroom;

  6. They are fairer than typical rating systems;

  7. promote learning;

  8. Encourage students to catch up when they fall behind instead of giving up;

  9. Increase the chances that students will improve their grades, a feat impossible with a zero.

It all sounds noble, but not everyone buys it. As one ninth-grade English teacher put it, “It gives kids who aren’t willing to work hard like everyone else a chance.” Other unfavorable educators also point out that such policies…

  1. Reduce student responsibility;

  2. reduce motivation;

  3. Artificially improve grades;

  4. Hide a student’s lack of knowledge and understanding;

  5. Push unprepared students forward;

  6. Commit to preparing students for college and/or career;

  7. They are related to social promotion;

  8. Hinder thoroughness and conscientiousness;

  9. They are not in line with the qualification policies of university professors;

  10. Does not realistically prepare students for college and/or the workplace;

  11. Don’t consider that employers don’t give passes for shoddy work.

However, impossible-to-fail policies are gaining traction, with some schools aiming to scrap grades altogether. After all, says author and education expert Alfie Kohn, “grades are relics of a less enlightened age,” and he goes on to assert that they are not only unnecessary but also harmful.

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