Waukee Middle School in Waukee, IA will be replacing their grading system.
The letter grades at Waukee’s middle school will be replaced by status marks: "Beginning," "Developing," "Secure," or "Exceeds" will be the standards set for various subjects.
Some Waukee teachers say the new marks will provide students, parents, and educators with more accurate assessments of students strengths, weaknesses, and progress.
Could somebody explain to me how using this terminology instead of a letter grade provides a better assessment of a student’s “strengths, weaknesses, and progress?” When I taught and when I was a student I thought letter grades provided that.
This seems, to me, to be more about boosting kids self-esteem than it is about providing a proper assessment.
What say you?