Some Schools In Central Ohio Base Grades Solely On Students' Understanding Of Material

The Columbus (OH) Dispatch (9/19, Boss) reported, "Grades are supposed to reflect how much a student knows," but according to experts, "today's grades typically" take into account factors that "have nothing to do with whether a student understands the material," such as extra credit assignments, whether the work was submitted on time, or whether a student received extra help. Now, many schools in central Ohio "are re-examining such things as report cards and grading practices." For instance, some elementary schools have "have created standards-based report cards that measure students' performance on academic goals." And, at least one high school in northeastern Ohio issues report cards "based solely on [students'] knowledge of the material," with skills "such as behavior, attitude and effort, are reported separately." Meanwhile, several districts "have adopted a new instructional approach that relies more on students' understanding the material than on earning points to get the A."