What do you think of the new grading scale???

Tough subject to start with, huh? Probably no other topic in education creates more disagreement than 'grades.' Why? At one time or another, we've all been students and likely all received grades for some form of work or another. Therefore, we all have experience with this subject!

In October, the CR-B Board, agreed to revise the 7-12 grading scale at my request. This request was based on the overall staff opinion that the grading scale needed to be revised to accomplish two main objectives:

1.) Provide a more equitable scale when compared to other secondary schools with whom our students must eventualy compete for scholarships, awards, etc. that can be very important to providing access to college;

2.) Provide HOPE for many of our students who simply struggle with school. At the present time, nearly 40% of 8-12th grade students at CR-B Junior/Senior High School are 'at-risk' of not finishing high school according to the Iowa definition. Having a grading scale that is more difficult than others, does nothing to provide HOPE to students who already struggle in school.

Of course the other component of the grading revisions -- the part that might upset some folks the most -- was the raising of the letter grade 'F' to the 50% level. This change was enacted to support those 'at-risk' students, as well, so that when an effort is made, even if it's not the best effort, kids can get some credit for their work. Our hope is that students don't dig themselves a hole by failing one or more assignments.

In addition to the grade revisions, however, a formal 'Incomplete' was added to the scale in an effort to communicate to students that teachers expect an effort on each and every assignment. In the past, some students have simply skipped doing some of the work, choosing instead to take a zero. That option is no longer available and the addition of an 'Incomplete' should support teachers in helping all kids to learn the essentials skills necessary for a successful future.

What do you think about these changes at CR-B???

Welcome

Welcome!

I'm pleased that you're here, especially since this whole blog thing is new to me!?! Now that you've arrived, I know that this blog is real and that I successfully created it :-) ...anyway, I'm glad you've navigated the web and you are here. The next step is to encourage your thoughts and ideas on how, TOGETHER, we can make CR-B the best secondary school possible.

Please review the issues and contribute what you can. Comment on the current topic or throw one out for the rest of us to consider; either way, this blog will only be as productive as WE choose to make it.

Happy blogging!

Mr. Z