non-grades

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Home : 2003 : September : 18

non-grades
By Tracey

I student taught in a 2/3 combination class and the 2nd grade report cards didn't have grades, but a 1-3 or 1-4 scale with 1 being below grade level, 2 is on grade level, 3 is above grade level, and 4 (only used for writing
if I remember correctly) is outstanding.
The third graders used letter grades but both grades did the same work in my class, so my cooperating teacher and I just gave letter grades on tests and assignments (except writing; we used rubrics for that since it's easy to just make that so subjective) for all the students and counted A's as a 4, B's as 3's, C's as 2's, and D/F as a 1.

It was easier with this system to show parents just where their child's grade came from if they had a question about it, and easier for you to not just compare your students to one another instead of what level of achievement you expect from everyone.

The only difficulty was getting the students used to having letter/number grades on tests and things once they're used to this non-graded system. Parents understand the grades well, but if you hand a second grader a paper with a 75 on it and they're used to non-graded, they won't know what on earth you mean.

I hope this helps and you find a way that works for you to set up your grade book and give your students "grades".