It is what it is.

Opting out of Grading

world-shaker:

As an educator who abolished grading in 2004 and initiated a Grading Moratorium, I have an acute understanding for how grading sabotages learning. Because of this, I have drafted this letter for my daughter’s future teachers.

Dear teacher, 

Kayley loves to learn and is very excited to start school this year.  

Because the case against grades has a wealth of anecdotal evidence and scientific research, I am requesting that Kayley’s assessments and evaluations only include formative comments. This means that Kayley’s learning would never be reduced to a symbol (such as a number or letter). This includes individual assignments, quizzes, tests and her report card.

As a family that plays an active role in Kayley’s learning, the best feedback we can receive about Kayley’s learning is to see her learning. No reductionist data is required.

 If you are interested in learning more about the case against grades, I would be happy to provide you with these resources, and if your school’s assessment and reporting policies make this request problematic, I would like the opportunity to discuss this further. Feel free to e-mail me at joe.bower.teacher@gmail.com

I look forward to working with you to support Kayley’s natural intrinsic desire to go on learning. 

Sincerely, 

Joe Bower

Interesting. Thoughts?

So interesting. Definitely give this a look if you have the chance and definitely read the interviews with teachers who actually practice this.