This blog is not meant for anyone else's eyes except those who 1. have an interest in this topic and 2. can answer any of the burning questions I have about going "gradeless." This is my journey through the myriad of research and topics about grading, what it is, what it means, and how it affects student learning. I am currently going through some sort of existential crisis where the two sides of me are at odds with each other. Grades? Of course we need grades. No, we don't need grades, just thoughtful ways to enhance students' understanding of their own learning. As I make my way down this dark path, I know that there are people passionate about this topic. I also know that "research says" things. But, in my 19th year of teaching this grade, at this school, I also know my students and their needs. So this blog is not my trying to persuade anyone (other than myself) about what to do. Instead, it is a personal map of me trying to get out of the thick woods to find a path that works for my students.
I am currently looking at the following practices: being gradeless, standards based grading, and traditional grading.
After doing some soul searching, I have come to one definitive conclusion in my investigation: there has to be some sort of evaluation, assessment, or feedback given so students know how they are "doing". The weight, credence, and time given to this vary depending on method. How? I am still working on finding that out.
Would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, values on this topic!
Sheila
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