(Microsoft Clip Art)
This chapter reminded me so much of myself and how I have approached my life and work. I feel that as educators working in the age of standardized testing, we get so boggled down with analyzing data and test scores and numbers that really have nothing to do with reality. As Zander mentions, grades do not reflect the amount of work that has been put into something. I have always felt this way and grading has really been a struggle for me. It is very difficult to grade students of different learning styles and abilities on the same grading spectrum. It is even harder to grade work of students who are in unfortunate home life situations and lack parental support.
Reading about Zander's practice of giving an A is quite refreshing. If I had the liberty of creating my own grading guidelines, I would absolutely consider taking this approach. I really believe that most students would be much more inclined to work hard to maintain the A they have been given. I say most because I know that the reality of the matter is that there will always be those few students that will refuse to work hard, no matter what kind of approach one takes.
And second fiddle is no joke. It is hard to feel like you are an asset when you are playing second to first. But the Second Violins support the melody, thus unifying the entire voice of the ensemble.
Nyssa,
I agree with you Nyssa. Having our own grading system is much better, but then we have to make sure that what our students receive from us is consistent with what the state test says about that student. Finding the balance is hard to do.
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