One major aspect about school that concerns teachers, students, and parents alike is grades. States and school districts all have a set standard for grades and grading. They have a grading scale for all schools that places a numerical number with a letter grade.
While teachers are bound to these numbers and letters to try to ensure that all students are grade as equally as possible, there are still many different levels of grading. Within their own classroom teachers can use many different methods and styles to grade their students.
In addition to having different methods of obtaining grades, teachers also have different reasons and ways of using the grades. Some teachers only use the grades for passing and failing purposes and to be recorded on the report card. Other teachers use grades to determine a student’s strengths and weaknesses. Teachers may use grades to direct and develop their lessons. They use the grades to determine their own strengths and weaknesses in teaching skills.
Effective teachers keep students and parents updated and informed about grades. They do not allow for surprises when it comes to passing and failing. Students know where they stand and what to expect. These teachers maintain high standards for their students. They grade fairly.
Some things that you will have to consider in your classroom when it comes to grading are: Will you grade all work? Will all assignments receive the same weight and percentage of the grade? Will you go strictly by the percentage or will you take the students’ circumstances into account? Will you grade on a curve? Will allow for extra credit? Will you give partial credit? Will you give grades for effort?
While there are many different acceptable answers to the questions listed above, the most important thing is to ensure that your students and their parents are aware of your decisions. It is also very important to make sure that you hold to your choice across the board with all students and assignments unless you make it otherwise known.
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