Chapter 11: Six Burning Grading Issues

The eleventh chapter of Fair Isn’t Always Equal discusses major problems in classrooms when it comes time to grade for mastery. While I agree that grades should be determined based on learning, I feel strongly on one of the major issues in the chapter. The debate is over what to do when a child does not perform the work at all, should they get a 0 or a 60? The student should without a doubt receive a 0. There are not going to be assignments given that are busy work. If it is important enough to be an assignment then it is important enough to do. While a zero may not be the most accurate grade overall of the student’s understanding, it is important to also teach students that they are responsible for their actions. If you choose not to do the work you must face the consequences.